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After a breakup, who gets custody of the dog?

McClatchy-Tribune

You loved him at first sight. The dog, we mean. Unfortunately, so did your soon-to-be ex.

For many, pets are considered to be a part of the family -- more child than companion -- and therefore must be handled carefully in a divorce. But by law, in most states, dogs are still considered property.

According to poll taken by members of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, the number of pet custody cases are on the rise -- and animals are more frequently being discussed in terms once reserved solely for children.

Author Jennifer Keene offers tips based on her break-up experience that included three dogs in the new book "We Can't Stay Together for the Dogs: Doing What's Best for your Dog When Your Relationship Breaks Up" (TFH Publications, $22.95).

Included are tips on various custody arrangements, what to do when multiple dogs are involved, how to budget for household changes and training tips to help deal with new problem behaviors that may appear (like separation anxiety or regression on house-training).

Keene's handy checklists help you keep everything straight, and success stories offer hope to those going through a divorce that everything will work out in the end.