Supporting families to make fair decisions about their pets
Separating is emotional and deciding what happens to a much-loved pet can make things even harder.
Our qualified companion animal mediators help you reach clear, practical agreements about your pet’s care, without conflict or court involvement.
We focus on the well-being of your pet, the needs of each household, and creating balanced outcomes for everyone involved.
Qualified Companion Animal Mediators Melbourne
A kinder way to decide what's best for your pet
When separation happens, pets can quickly become a source of disagreement. Many families delay the conversation, but research shows that leaving pet decisions until the end only increases emotional tension and makes the outcome harder for the animal.
Pet custody mediation provides a structured, neutral space to talk openly, reduce stress, and find a solution centred on your animal’s long-term well-being.
Our team are qualified companion animal mediators, helping separating couples reach pet custody agreements.
Our practitioners are qualified, certified, and recognised pet custody mediators and industry experts.
Why choose pet custody mediation?
- Reduces conflict during an emotional time.
- Helps you understand what arrangement best supports your pet.
- Avoids costly, drawn-out legal action.
- Supports children and pets with sensitive, behaviour-informed guidance.
- Keeps you in control of your own agreement.
- Provides a clear, written pet care plan you can rely on .
Whether your family has dogs, cats, rabbits, birds or other companion animals, we help you make decisions grounded in animal behaviour, stability and care.
What's best for your pet?
Every pet is different. Our guidance is informed by expert, internationally recognised behavioural research to ensure your decision supports your animal’s well-being.
Dogs
Cats
other pets
We help create pet custody plans that support their safety, comfort and long-term well-being.
When choosing a pet custody mediator, it's reassuring to know you're in expert hands
Melbourne's only qualified companion animal mediators
How pet custody mediation works
- Private Intake Sessions: Each person meets with the mediator individually to share concerns, background, and important details about the pet.
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Joint Mediation: Together, we discuss:
• Daily care
• Routines and lifestyle needs
• Suitability for shared care
• Parenting considerations where children are involved
• Long-term stability and animal welfare - Behaviour-Informed Guidance: We help you understand stress signals, transitions, and what your pet needs to feel secure and supported.
- Clear Written Agreement: You will receive a practical, easy-to-follow pet care agreement that outlines care, responsibilities, visitation (if appropriate), costs, and future planning.
Supporting children and pets through separation
Children often feel strongly about their pets, but the arrangement must also support the animal’s well-being.
We help families explore:
- Whether the pet is genuinely bonded to the child
- Age-appropriate ways children can stay connected
- Behavioural signs that an arrangement may be causing stress
- Options that create stability for both child and pet
- When separate pets in each home might be the most sustainable solution
Want to book a pet mediation consultation?
If you are separating and unsure what is best for your pet, we can help you reach a fair and sustainable agreement.
Book a confidential consultation below or contact our team for more information.
Your pet custody questions answered
Common questions
What is Pet Custody Mediation?
Pet custody mediation is a calm, structured process where a Qualified Companion Animal Mediator helps separating partners make decisions about the future care of their pet.
It focuses on the animal’s well-being, reduces conflict, and helps you create a clear, practical agreement without going to court.
How do you determine what’s best for the pet?
We use behaviour-informed guidance based on internationally recognised research and expert recommendations.
This includes assessing:
Which person the animal is most bonded to.
Their daily needs, routine and temperament.
Whether the pet can cope with moving between homes.
Environment, stability, and long-term welfare requirements.
Dogs, cats and other animals have different needs – we help you make decisions that truly support their well-being.
Can we share custody of a dog?
Shared custody can sometimes work, but only under the right circumstances.
Dogs must be:
Adaptable
Confident
Comfortable with change
Supported by two peaceful, cooperative homes
If a dog shows signs of stress, anxiety or behavioural changes, shared care may not be suitable.
We help you assess this carefully using behavioural indicators.
Can we share custody of a cat?
Almost never.
Cats have strong territorial instincts and are not suited to living between two homes.
Stability is essential for their well-being, so cats typically need to stay in one home.
What types of animals do you work with?
We support all companion animals, including:
Dogs
Cats
Rabbits
Birds
Pocket pets
Reptiles and exotics
Each species requires different considerations, and we help you understand their unique welfare needs.
What if our child is attached to the pet?
Children often want their pet to move between homes with them, but this is only appropriate if the animal can cope.
We help you assess:
Whether the pet is actually bonded to the child
The emotional needs of the child
Animal stress indicators
Whether alternative arrangements may be more sustainable (e.g., a new pet in each home)
Our focus is on balancing the well-being of both the child and the animal.
Can you help us prepare a written agreement?
Yes.
Every mediation includes a clear written pet care agreement, outlining:
Who the pet lives with
Routines and daily care
Financial responsibilities
Visitation arrangements (if appropriate)
Emergency planning
Review dates and future considerations
This helps prevent misunderstandings and protects everyone’s peace of mind.
What qualifications do your Companion Animal Mediators have?
Our Qualified Companion Animal Mediator has completed specialised training in pet custody best-practice, developed by Karis Nafte – Certified Dog Behavior Consultant & Pet Custody Mediator.
Karis is a global leader in the field of animal behaviour and pet custody mediation, and her training ensures decisions are grounded in up-to-date behavioural science and animal welfare principles.
You can learn more about Karis’ work at Who Keeps the Dog.