Factors

Factors in Determining Custody

The Pet Court Judge will decide who gets custody of a Pet, and that decision is based solely on what is in the Pet’s best interests. Best interests of a Pet are based on many factors, including:

• • The date a Pet was obtained; was a Pet obtained while the Parents were together or before they entered into a relationship and were living together.

  • The length of time a Pet has been living with one Parent.

  • Whether a Parent’s health prevents or inhibits care for a Pet.

  • Financial ability to provide for a Pet. (Pet Court will not ask about specifics of a Parent’s finances, but a Parent must demonstrate some income source for guaranteeing a Pet’s basic needs.)

  • The health of a Pet and each Parent’s knowledge of a Pet’s veterinary history.

  • Who trained a Pet and methods used.

  • The living environment provided for a Pet, including sleeping arrangements (Note: This may necessitate providing Pet Court investigator access to a Parent’s bedroom).

  • Provisions for allowing a Pet to relieve itself.

  • The ability of each Parent to control the behavior of a Pet in the home, on walks, or in the car.

  • Interaction of each Parent with a Pet, including playtime and ability of a Pet to follow basic commands.

  • Quality time each Parent can spend with a Pet and amount of time each Parent spends at work.

  • A Pet’s social skills.

  • Who grooms a Pet.

  • If applicable, which Parent has custody of children and children’s interaction with a Pet, including children’s responsibility for Pet care.

  • Knowledge of a Pet’s basic needs, such as food requirements.

  • Ability of each Parent to walk and exercise a Pet.

  • Care for a Pet when the Parent is not home.

  • Any evidence of abuse of a Pet.

  • Any other relevant factors in determining the best interests of a Pet.