Pet Custody in Divorce by State

Federal & State Law Editorial TeamLast reviewed: April 2026

Whether courts apply a best-interest standard for companion animals in divorce, treat pets purely as property, or allow visitation orders.

50 States2 data columnsLast updated: March 2026

Click any column header to sort ascending or descending. Click again to reverse, and a third time to reset.

Best Interest	Property Only	Visitation
No	Yes	No
Yes	No	Yes
No	Yes	No
No	Yes	No
Yes	No	Yes
No	Yes	Discretionary
No	Yes	Discretionary
No	Yes	No
No	Yes	No
No	Yes	No
No	Yes	No
No	Yes	No
Yes	No	Yes
No	Yes	No
No	Yes	No
No	Yes	No
No	Yes	No
No	Yes	No
Yes	No	Yes
No	Yes	Discretionary
No	Yes	Discretionary
No	Yes	No
No	Yes	No
No	Yes	No
No	Yes	No
No	Yes	No
No	Yes	No
No	Yes	No
Yes	No	Yes
No	Yes	Discretionary
No	Yes	No
Yes	No	Yes
No	Yes	No
No	Yes	No
No	Yes	No
No	Yes	No
No	Yes	Discretionary
No	Yes	No
Yes	No	Yes
No	Yes	No
No	Yes	No
No	Yes	No
No	Yes	No
No	Yes	No
No	Yes	Discretionary
No	Yes	No
No	Yes	Discretionary
No	Yes	No
No	Yes	No
No	Yes	No
No	Yes	Discretionary

Alaska (2017) was the first state to require courts to consider the well-being of pets in divorce. California, Illinois, New York, Maine, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island have followed with similar statutes.

This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.