They Wanted My Dog in the Divorce Until I Did THIS

Navigating Pet Custody in Divorce: Beyond Pets as Property

Discover how pet custody disputes are shaking up family court reform, with pets as property often leading to emotional heartbreak in divorce pet disputes. In this eye-opening episode, explore why Ontario family law treats pet ownership in divorce like dividing furniture, and learn about mediation for pets as a smarter path to shared pet custody and pet guardianship. Uncover stories of high-stakes battles and emerging trends like best interest of pet considerations, highlighting the push for reform in pet custody laws to recognize the emotional bond with pets like children.

Key Takeaways

• Pets are legally classified as property in Ontario family law, making pet custody disputes akin to dividing assets like a car or sofa, with courts often dismissing cases to avoid overload and suggesting sales as a last resort.
  
• Emerging trends in pet custody include treating pets more like children, with some courts awarding shared pet custody, pet visitation, and even alimony, or keeping pets with children for a calming influence during divorce transitions.
  
• Mediation for pets and alternative dispute resolution offer a compassionate, cost-effective way to resolve pet ownership in divorce, avoiding court battles and ensuring agreements based on the best interest of the pet and emotional bonds.
  
• Family court reform is needed to address losing a pet in divorce, as judges warn against overloading systems with pet sold in divorce cases, pushing for private solutions like arbitration over adversarial fights.
  

Featuring

Ken Maynard: Certified Divorce Financial Analyst and Accredited Family Mediator guiding couples through separation and divorce since 2010 using his Soft Landing Divorce Settlement Method for collaborative, cost-effective resolutions.
Sarah Bates: Certified Divorce Specialist and founder of Naked Divorce Filer by DTSW, helping clients file uncontested divorces affordably with over a decade in family law, focusing on drama-free processes.

Listen & Subscribe
Tune in now to explore pet custody laws and divorce mediation for pets—subscribe for more insights on family court reform and avoiding losing your pet in divorce. Contact US: https://to.softlandingpodcast.ca Show Notes and Downloads https://to.softlandingpodcast.ca/S2E11ShowNotes

💬 Thanks for Listening Ken Maynard Thank you for joining us on the Soft Landing Divorce Podcast, where we believe that separation can be a starting point—not just an end. With the right support, you can navigate this transition with dignity, clarity, and a vision for your future. I’m Ken Maynard, Accredited Family Mediator and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA), and founder of Divorce the Smartway. I help separating couples find resolution through constructive dialogue, practical financial planning, and family-first solutions.

• 📞 Phone: (647) 360-3200
• 🌐 Website: divorcethesmartway.ca
• 📧 Email: kmaynard@dtsw.ca

Sarah Bates I believe every ending can be the beginning of a healthier, more empowered life. I’m Sarah Bates—divorce consultant, educator, and advocate for compassionate separation. If you're navigating separation, co-parenting, or just need guidance on building the right team, I’m here to help.

• 📞 Phone: (647) 493-1800
• 🌐 Website: www.thesmartdivorce.com
• 📧 Email: sarah@thesmartdivorce.com

Let’s build your soft landing—together.

Connect with US: to.softlandingpodcast.ca