The Pet Custody Consultant course

Are you a compassionate animal professional who wants to make a real difference in the lives of pets during challenging times?

Divorce can be an overwhelming experience for everyone involved, including our furry companions. Many couples struggle with tough decisions about who gets to keep the pet after a separation as well as short and long term behaviour challenges that can arise during such a stressful period.

This unique 10-hour course will equip you with the skills and knowledge to ethically guide couples through the process of creating safe and sustainable custody arrangements for their beloved pets.

Here's what you'll gain:

Learn how to navigate the emotional complexities of pet custody.

Behaviour management tools to minimize stress during visitations, situations involving families with children, visitations, homes with multiple pets, breed specific issues and much more.

Develop strategies for prioritizing the wellbeing of animals above personal emotions.

Master the art of collaborating with lawyers and mediators.

Become a sought-after expert in this growing and impactful field.

This live online course is taught by Karis Nafte CDBC and family mediator.
Invest in your career and make a difference in the lives of animals:

CEUs: 10 from the CCPDT and IAABC
This course is open to veterinarians, CDBC, ACDBC, CAAB, ACAAB, DACVP, CPDT-KA certification or equivalent qualification.

Help Animals During and After Divorce: Become a Pet Custody Consultant

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

This unique 10 hour course was developed and is taught live online by Karis Nafte (CDBC and Family Mediator). Cost for the course is $895.

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.

May -26th, 29th, June 2nd, 5th, 9th

Time: 9:00am - 11:00am PST

2025 Course details and 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 exceptional knowledge and expertise helped me gain much needed confidence in this area.”

Nikki, CDBC, Arizona USA

Cost for individuals: $895 USD Group discount available.