Divorce is rarely simple, and when pets are involved, emotions can run even higher. Many pet owners view their pets as family, yet under the law, pets are generally treated as personal property—subject to the same division principles as cars, furniture, or bank accounts. This can be deeply unsettling to individuals who have formed a strong bond with their pet.

In Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C., the legal system has not fully caught up with the emotional and psychological role that pets play in modern families. While legislation is slowly evolving in some areas, most courts still lack clear standards for pet custody, leading to outcomes that may not reflect what’s best for the animal or its owner.

If you’re going through a Divorce and Pets; and concerned about who will retain ownership of a shared pet, understanding how each jurisdiction approaches this issue is essential.