Pet Ownership:: Where Will Fido Go?

Meet Cali. My Border Terrier. Note the operative word - "MY". N and I got Cali in March of 2010. I found her, I purchased her, and I was responsible for all doggie-related billings, so she naturally came with me in the break up.

You have a dog/cat/goldfish that you purchased together. You both love your pet equally. Who gets to keep Fido? That is a conversation that will cause a lot of tears, yelling, and anger. Hopefully, you are the direct "owner" when purchasing the pet, therefore you will have all legal rights to the animal. If you are not on the paperwork anywhere - you are SOL. I hate to tell you this, but if you did not bother to get your name on the adoption papers or breeding contract, then you have no right to your pet. Legally, your ex can take you to court, and take their rightful property.

If you both have duel ownership, it may come down to what is right for your fur child. Does one of you have a more flexible schedule to take care of the animal? Is there a better living situation for your pet to be in? I love my dog like most people love their children, and while I had total rights to Cali, in the case of N and I, I would have had to give her up. He had the house with the backyard, he had the more flexible work schedule, and he would have had a better opportunity to be a good pet parent. I (fortunately) got a new job right as N and I broke up, so my work schedule has become a lot more flexible. And, I can bring the little lady to work with me, so I ended up with the better deal.

You get to keep Fido? Way to go! There is nothing like unconditional pet love, and animals have a way of comforting you like no one else can. So,we now breach on visitation rights. Do you allow your ex in your pet's life? Again, depends on the situation. I do not allow N to see Cali. There is no visitation rights, and I don't care to see him, so I do not allow him to see her. However, in the case of duel ownership, your ex may insist on visitation rights in the beginning. I say keep it short, sweet, and at a mutual location. Your ex will eventually move on, and will no longer feel the need to see the animal, however in the beginning, expect a lot of phone calls.

If you have any questions or concerns about who gets to keep Fido, may I suggest this website? It seems that many people have fur child custody battles, so just know that you are not the first. Nor will you be the last.