Pet Custody Mediation

karis nafte with sam

Pet custody disputes have become a significant and emotionally charged issue in many divorces. Treating pets as property or children, neither of which take into account their perspective and well being, can lead to anxiety, behavioral problems, and harmful custody agreements that diminish their quality of life.

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 hold internationally recognized qualifications in dog behavior and mediation. I work online in all 50 US states, Australia and the UK. I am currently based in Cape Town, South Africa.

If you are going through a separation, or work as a divorce professional and would like to know more:

Who Keeps the Dog: Navigating Pet Custody During Divorce by Karis Nafte.

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.” 

Media: Publications, podcasts & presentations

Client testimonials:

  • “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

  • "Karis is so great!! I have seen two of her programs and have learned so much that I can use in my mediation and law practice AND with my own dog and cats. I live around the world and would only use Karis for any help that I need!! She really is the BEST you could hope for in an advocate for your animals."

    Gwen Letine Pennsylvania, USA