Pet Custody and Replevin Cases

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Disputes over dog or animal custody during a divorce, separation, or breakup can quickly become highly emotional and legally complex. Questions of pet ownership and who gets “custody” of a beloved companion animal are often just as contentious as child custody disputes. These situations can become even more complicated if children are involved, or if the animal was adopted by unmarried individuals.

From 2021–2023, Attorney Adam Teper, Esq. trained as an intern and then worked as a paralegal with the Center for Animal Litigation, handling cases in Connecticut and New York. During that time, he assisted in numerous replevin actions—legal proceedings designed to return pets to their rightful owners. Adam helped clients demonstrate ownership, prove their caregiving roles, and establish their bond with their animals.

Now, as a practicing attorney in Massachusetts, Adam continues this work—helping clients resolve pet custody disputes both inside and outside of court. If you are facing an animal custody matter, contact Attorney Teper today for a free consultation to protect your rights and reunite with your companion animal.

Every family and situation is unique, and Massachusetts courts often review a wide range of factors when deciding animal custody cases, including:

• Adoption or sale records proving ownership
   
• Whose name appears on veterinary bills, licenses, or microchip registrations
   
• Who pays for food, vet care, and other expenses
   
• Daily caregiving routines and time spent with the animal
   
• The emotional bond between the pet and each party
   
• Whether the pet serves as an ESA (Emotional Support Animal) or ASA (Assistance/Service Animal)
   
• Work schedules and how long each party is away from home
   

Questions often include: Who primarily takes care of the dog? Who pays the vet bills? Who buys the food? Who spends more time at home with the animal? Courts weigh these facts carefully to determine ownership and custody rights.

Are you:

• Going through a divorce?
   
• Preparing to marry?
   
• Living in a long-term committed relationship?
   
• Jointly owning an animal with another individual (un-married)?
   

Attorney Teper can help you protect your rights to custody and visitation with your companion animals. In addition to custody disputes, he can also draft or review:

• Prenuptial agreements
   
• Postnuptial agreements
   
• Separation agreements
   
• Divorce decrees
   

Don’t leave your pet’s future uncertain. Make sure your rights—and your animal’s well-being—are legally protected. Call today to speak with a dedicated Massachusetts pet custody attorney.