I have been a canine behaviorist/trainer for more than 18-years, and I continue to be shocked by the number of individuals filing for divorce who fail to ask for financial compensation toward the family dog's long-term care.
The minimum cost to own a dog per year is approximately $1,200.00. This figure includes: cost of food, minor essentials and yearly veterinary exams, but doesn't cover unexpected expenses; such as, obedience training, medical emergencies, kenneling, doggie day-care, grooming, personal or property damage due to a dog's aberrant behaviors.
Clients (especially women) seem to get stuck with the family dog's care after a divorce. They often have to request paying for my services in installments, due-to-the-fact, they either could not afford an added expense or needed to request financial assistance from family or friends. Asking for additional monies from an ex-spouse might not only be embarrassing but lead to a confrontation. It's all unnecessary.
Whether you are a woman or man, before taking sole responsibility toward the care of the family dog, procure a divorce settlement that either provides you the means to meet all the dog's needs or a trust fund from which money can be drawn to cover costly medical or legal procedures.
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