The Pet Custody Consultant course

For qualified animal professionals who would like to learn to work with couples going through divorce to make ethical and appropriate custody recommendations.

Earn 10 CEUs from the CCPDT and IAABC.

This unique 10 hour course was developed and is taught live online by Karis Nafte (CDBC and Family Mediator). Cost for the course is $995. Participants qualify for 10 CEUs from the CCPDT and IAABC.

Excellent counseling skills and a broad range of experience working with a wide variety of breeds is necessary for anyone interested in doing this unique work.

Applicants with a CDBC, CBCC-KA certification or equivalent qualification may apply for this course. Email karis@whokeepsthedog.com for course dates.

“Completing the Pet Custody Course with Karis was an excellent experience. I’m thrilled to say that I’m now fully confident to assist couples with pet-related custody issues. Before taking this course, the world of custody issues was entirely foreign to me, but Karis’s exceptional knowledge and expertise helped me gain much needed confidence in this area. Thank you Karis!
Nikki, CDBC ”
— Nikki, CDBC. Arizon USA

When couples divorce, or relationships end, people are often unsure of what to do with their pets. Decisions about what happens after the breakup are often based on the emotions of the people involved instead of what is best for the animals themselves. Here you will learn how to work with clients in this situation to find long term solutions that prioritize the wellbeing of the pets. In addition you will learn how to work alongside lawyers and mediators to provide sound guidance to pet owners during separations.

This course will allow attendees to be ahead of the curve and start working in the very challenging and reward field of pet custody.

2024 Course dates & times

  • January 29th, 31st, February 5th, 7th & 12th

  • February 26th, 28th, March 4th, 6th & 11th

  • May 6th, 8th, 13th, 15th, 20th

  • July 16, 18th, 23rd, 25th, 30th

  • September 2nd, 4th, 9th, 11th, 16th

  • October 7th,9th, 14th, 16th, 21st

    Times:

  • USA 9:00 - 11:00 PST / 12 noon - 2:00 pm EST

    UK 5:00 pm-7:00 pm

This course covers the following subjects in relation to pets and divorce:

  • Intake form and assessments for new clients

  • How to write a Memorandum of Understanding

  • The process of counseling clients on pet custody from start to finish

  • Common stress reactions in dogs during divorce

  • Behavior modification plans for

  • How age and breed should factor into custody decisions

  • The impact on dogs of shared custody vs. sole custody

  • Models for shared custody plans that best suit dogs

  • Best practice for transitioning to sole/shared custody,

  • Rescue dogs

  • Children and pets

  • Cats, parrots, and other household pets

  • Emotional support dogs

  • Humanizing, weaponizing, and bargaining over pets

  • Houses with multiple pets

  • Long term finical plans for dogs

  • Plan for a dog’s end of life

  • Marketing yourself as a Pet Custody Consultant