What happens when kids who share custody time between two parents have pets? Do the pets go with the kids, or stay at one house? What is best for the kids and what is best for the pet?
My kids have pets at my house and none at their dad’s. It is really basically because their dad is not terribly pet-friendly and I have always had pets. I know, however, that in their “dream world” the pets would stay with them at both houses. I think my eldest daughter would even be happier if her fish could travel with her from dad’s to mom’s so she wouldn’t have to leave his care to someone else during the times when she’s away.
When my kids are at their dad’s and we talk on the phone or IM or e-mail, they inevitably ask me about the pets. And, call me sentimental and a bit sappy, but I think the pets miss the kids too while they are away. While they get to have me all to themselves, they all certainly get much more attention and play time when their favorite “kid” is in residence too. I have heard of families where the family dog travels with the kids–this seems a bit extreme and disconcerting for the dog but if he was used to the two adults prior to the divorce and is really attached to the kids, I suppose it makes sense.
While sharing custody and being able to stay attached to both parents is definitely a good thing, and I know that after all these years my kids are happy to have two parents and have adjusted to having two houses, I also admit that the whole “pet” thing with two houses is not optimal. We’ve adjusted, my kids adore their pets and I’m happy to have them in my home–but I know that everyone would be together all the time if they really had their way!
Also: How Flexible Do You Have to Be With Your Custody Arrangements?
Keeping Track of Migrating Stuff