Pet Custody Mediation

karis nafte with sam

My name is Karis Nafte, and I am a 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, as well as dog professionals, 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 and thought leader 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 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 her clients say:

  • “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

  • “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

  • “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

  • “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

  • "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

  • "I was warned about having two female boxers but I thought I had beat the system 4 years in without incident. When all of a sudden out of nowhere my two girls started attacking each other on multiple occasions everyone else I spoke to said you’ll have to give one away. However, Karis met with us and held our hand through the entire process of allowing our dogs to regain each others trust and becoming the loving pair they once were.We are so incredibly grateful for not only Karis’s expertise but the kind and gentle way she handled our family crisis."

    Michelle - Cape Town, South Africa