Pet Custody Mediation
My name is Karis Nafte, pet custody mediator, certified dog behavior consultant, author and educator.
I provide mediation to divorcing couples, helping them reach fair, pet-focused custody solutions.
My accredited courses equip mediators and lawyers with the knowledge and tools to support clients when resolving pet custody issues.
Having presented for various respected legal organizations, including the American Bar Association and Kentucky Bar Association, I am also a published author on the subject.
I work and speak internationally.
If you are going through a separation, or work as a divorce professional and would like to know more:
Behavioral Consultations
Pet Custody Mediation
Pet Custody Courses
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 by Kenneth Cloke, Author The Magic in Mediation and Mediating Dangerously :
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.
Endorsement by Patricia McConnell, author, PhD, CAAB Emeritus:
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.”
Karis has featured, presented, and recorded in:
What some of her clients have to say...
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“Karis Pet Custody Course for Animal Behavior Consultants was highly insightful. Her knowledge and experience in this rare field are outstanding,”
Nikki Finn-Loudenslager CDBC - Arizona
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“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,”
Fiona - Somerset West, South Africa
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“The Pet Mediation training course was so informative. Karis brought decades of knowledge to the course and presented it in a logical understandable manner.”
Dari DeSousa, PHR - California USA
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“Karis really has mastered both the mediation world and animal behavior. She switches hats effortlessly and has produced a valuable course.”
Laura - Mediator, California USA
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"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, South Africa