Online Pet Custody Mediation

Are you facing a pet custody decision after a divorce or relationship breakup?

I provide online mediation services to pet owners for custody negotiations that are fair and respectful for both people and ensure the pet's well-being is prioritized.

My unique courses for both divorce and dog professionals, are insightful professional development opportunities in the easily misunderstood arena of pet custody best practice.

As a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant, and accredited family mediator, I bring more than 25 years of experience as animal behavior expert into my work in pet custody mediation, behavioral consultations, professional educational training courses.

Behavioral Consultations

Online consultations for all breeds and ages of dogs who have challenging behavior issues, such as: separation anxiety, aggressive behavior, settling a new pup or rescue, and more.

Pet Custody Mediation

Navigating pet custody during a divorce or separation can be a complex and nuanced process. Set up a free appointment with Karis to discuss the best ways to ensure your pet's wellbeing is prioritized.

Pet Custody Courses

Unique pet custody courses designed for divorce and dog professionals. These online courses are taught live by Karis and provide a wealth of practical tools for navigating the challenges of pet custody.

Who Keeps the Dog: Navigating Pet Custody During Divorce Paperback – August 20, 2024 by Karis Nafte (Author)

If your relationship has ended and you have to decide what to do with your dog, this book is written for you. If you are a divorce attorney, family mediator, a therapist, or a family court judge, this book is also written for you. This compassionate guide covers subjects such as shared vs sole custody of pets, how to handle visitations, the laws around pet custody, the best way to factor children into the decision, differences in dog breeds, and common mistakes to avoid.

Endorsement: 

Karis Nafte has written a unique, important, and highly useful book about a problem that is so common you would think dozens of books would have been written about it. As a divorce mediator, I have encountered many bitter disputes over pet custody, yet as a mediation trainer, I find it largely ignored – probably because Karis Nafte’s book had not yet been written. In clear, practical language, Nafte tells many stories and offers immensely useful advice for mediators, lawyers, and separating couples, all of whom will benefit enormously from this outstanding guide – to say nothing of the pets. 

 Kenneth Cloke, Author The Magic in Mediation and Mediating Dangerously 

Endorsement: 

Some of my most difficult consults have been about “who keeps the dog” when couples are separating. If only I’d had this thoughtful, practical, and compassionate book to hand my clients!  Karis Nafte has all the skills needed to write this book—regarding canine behavior, the law, and as a practicing consultant. It’s the perfect addition to any consultant shelf, and for anyone facing difficult decisions about their beloved dog.” 

Patricia McConnell, author, PhD, CAAB Emeritus 

‘The Pet Mediation training course was so informative. Karis brought decades of knowledge to the course and presented it in a logical understandable manner. She gave us factual information, talked us through case studies and provided her “pre-mediation questionnaire” which was absolute gold. Karis is a delightful presenter, highly engaging and so knowledgeable! I would highly recommend this course to anyone who is interested in this aspect of mediation, or as an add on to divorce attorney/mediation groups.’

  • Dari DeSousa, PHR - California

Karis really has mastered both the mediation world and animal behavior. She switches hats effortlessly and has produced a valuable course. In doing so, you get to enjoy her warm personality so that learning is a pleasure, not a chore. A great new tool in my toolbox.
— Laura Mediator - California

‘Karis saved our family.

Clara was 9 years when the baby arrived. As a family who love our dogs like children my worst nightmare came true as Clara wanted to bite the baby as soon as she cried or made any noises. I really felt like the world just came to an end as I never wanted to choose between a dog and a human. Karis came to the rescue, vigilantly I followed her advise and 3 weeks later Clara has totally settled with our baby and all of us live happily ever after.

I am forever grateful for Karis as she helped us to form a bond between Clara and our newborn.’

  • Yanic Klue and family - Cape Town

‘Karis Pet Custody Course for Animal Behavior Consultants was highly insightful. Her knowledge and experience in this rare field are outstanding, and the course has helped me develop confidence in adding these essential services to my business repertoire.’

  • Nikki Finn-Loudenslager CDBC - Arizona

‘After I got a divorce and moved into a new home, my dog started barking when I left him alone in the new house, which is something he’d never done before. Thank goodness I called Karis straight away, because she knew exactly what to do and within two days he was content again. Such a relief – thank you Karis!’

  • Fiona - Somerset West, South AFrica