Who gets the family pet in a divorce?

It depends on many factors, including what state the owners live in, but California just began a new era for how dogs, cats and other pets with a new law that took effect in 2019 which makes sure pets are seen as more than just property when it comes time to split up assets in a divorce.

Assembly Bill 2274, written by Assemblyman Bill Quirk, D-Hayward, will ensure care of a pet is taken into consideration both while divorce proceedings are underway and after they’re made official.

With the new law, a person can petition the court for sole or joint ownership based on care of the pet, which is defined to include “prevention of acts of harm or cruelty” and “the provision of food, water, veterinary care and safe and protected shelter.”

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