PET CUSTODY AGREEMENT (ON SEPARATION/DIVORCE)
THIS AGREEMENT is made on [Date],
BETWEEN:
[Party A Name], residing at [Party A Address] ("Party A");
AND
[Party B Name], residing at [Party B Address] ("Party B").
RECITALS
WHEREAS, Party A and Party B have jointly owned and cared for the following pet(s):
- [Pet Name], [Type/Breed], [Age], [Identification/Registration Number]
(collectively, the "Pet(s)");
WHEREAS, the parties are separating/divorcing and wish to set forth their mutual understanding regarding the care, custody, and expenses of the Pet(s);
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and covenants contained herein, the parties agree as follows:
1. DEFINITIONS
1.1 Pet(s): The animal(s) described in the Recitals above.
1.2 Primary Custodian: The party who will have primary physical custody of the Pet(s) as specified below.
1.3 Secondary Custodian: The other party, who may have visitation or shared custody rights as specified below.
2. CUSTODY ARRANGEMENT
2.1 Primary Custody:
The Primary Custodian shall be [Party A/Party B]. The Pet(s) shall reside primarily with the Primary Custodian at [Primary Custodian Address].
2.2 Visitation/Shared Custody:
The Secondary Custodian shall have the right to [describe visitation schedule, e.g., "visit the Pet(s) every other weekend from Friday at 6:00 p.m. to Sunday at 6:00 p.m." or "have the Pet(s) during specified holidays/vacation periods"].
[Insert detailed schedule or attach as Exhibit A, if necessary.]
2.3 Transportation:
Unless otherwise agreed, the party beginning a custody or visitation period shall be responsible for transporting the Pet(s) to and from the other party’s residence.
3. CARE AND WELFARE
3.1 Daily Care:
Each party agrees to provide appropriate food, water, shelter, exercise, and veterinary care for the Pet(s) during their respective custody/visitation periods.
3.2 Health and Medical Decisions:
Major non-emergency medical decisions shall be made jointly. In the event of an emergency, the party with current custody may make necessary decisions and shall notify the other party as soon as practicable.
3.3 Veterinary Care:
Routine veterinary care (e.g., vaccinations, check-ups) shall be scheduled by [Party A/Party B/Both Parties]. The parties shall notify each other of upcoming appointments and share medical records.
4. EXPENSES
4.1 Routine Expenses:
The parties shall share the costs of routine expenses for the Pet(s) (food, supplies, grooming, veterinary care, insurance, etc.) as follows:
- [Party A]: [% or specific expenses]
- [Party B]: [% or specific expenses]
4.2 Extraordinary Expenses:
The parties shall share any extraordinary expenses (e.g., emergency medical care) as follows:
- [Party A]: [% or specific expenses]
- [Party B]: [% or specific expenses]
4.3 Payment Method:
Expenses shall be documented and reimbursed within [number] days of receipt of proof of payment.
5. RELOCATION
5.1 Neither party shall permanently relocate the Pet(s) outside of [City/State/Country] without the prior written consent of the other party.
6. VACATION AND TRAVEL
6.1 If either party intends to travel and cannot care for the Pet(s) during their scheduled period, they shall notify the other party in advance and offer the opportunity for temporary care.
7. LOSS OR DEATH OF PET(S)
7.1 In the event of the loss or death of the Pet(s), the party with current custody shall notify the other party immediately and provide all relevant information.
8. DISPUTE RESOLUTION
8.1 The parties agree to attempt to resolve any disputes regarding this Agreement through good faith negotiation.
8.2 If a resolution cannot be reached, the parties may seek mediation before resorting to legal action.
9. TERM AND TERMINATION
9.1 This Agreement shall remain in effect until:
- the Pet(s) pass away;
- the parties mutually agree in writing to terminate or modify this Agreement; or
- a court of competent jurisdiction orders otherwise.
10. GENERAL PROVISIONS
10.1 Entire Agreement:
This Agreement contains the entire understanding of the parties regarding the subject matter and supersedes all prior agreements.
10.2 Amendments:
Any changes to this Agreement must be in writing and signed by both parties.
10.3 Governing Law:
This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of [Governing Law State/Country].
10.4 Notices:
Any notice under this Agreement shall be in writing and delivered to the parties at their respective addresses stated above, or such other address as notified in writing.
10.5 Severability:
If any provision of this Agreement is held invalid, the remaining provisions shall remain in effect.
11. DISCLAIMER
This document is a template and may not be suitable for all situations. The parties should consult with legal counsel before signing this agreement.
SIGNATURES
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Pet Custody Agreement as of the date first written above.
[Party A Name]
Date: _______________________
[Party B Name]
Date: _______________________
Witness (optional):
[Witness Name]
Date: _______________________
