Massachusetts bill requires courts to consider animal well-being when deciding pet custody in divorces

Original title: An Act standardizing consideration of pets in divorce and separation

Last action · October 14, 2025: Hearing scheduled for 04/22/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-2Sponsors: Mike Moore and 9 others

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Floor Vote

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What This Bill Would Do

Massachusetts courts hearing divorce or separation cases would be required to award sole or shared custody of pets based on the best interests of the animal, including consideration of past abuse or caregiving history.

Why it matters

Establishes a formal legal framework for pet custody during divorces and separations, impacting how judges divide care responsibilities, daily schedules, and expenses such as veterinary bills and food between separating parties.

Background

Michael O. Moore serves in the Massachusetts General Court representing the Second Worcester district. context

Who It Would Affect

Groups the bill's text would affect if enacted, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.

Directly affected

divorcing or separating individuals with pets

Parties undergoing divorce or separation must adhere to statutory best-interest standards and restrictions on transferring or concealing pets while custody is determined.

Directly affected

Massachusetts courts

Judges are required to evaluate specific animal-welfare criteria, review care histories, and enforce shared or sole custody divisions and agreements.

Key Facts

You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.

Frequently Asked Questions

What factors does the court consider when deciding pet custody?

The court considers the best interests of the animal, including its health, safety, comfort, and well-being, as well as each party's caregiving history, emotional attachment, and any history of abuse, cruelty, or neglect.

Can a pet be sold or given away while a divorce case is ongoing?

No. Before the court awards custody, the animal may not be transferred, encumbered, concealed, or disposed of without a written agreement from all parties or a court order.

Can couples make their own agreement outside of court?

Yes, parties may enter into an agreement allocating sole or shared custody of the pet at any time prior to the court's decision, and courts may enforce these agreements.

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Where This Stands

Currently in committee. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Floor Vote.

Procedural history

5 actions

Oct 14, 2025Joint
Hearing scheduled for 04/22/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-2
Jun 16, 2025SenateCommittee
Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Senate Ways and Means
Apr 18, 2025Joint
Hearing scheduled for 04/22/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-2
Feb 27, 2025House
House concurred
Feb 27, 2025SenateCommittee
Referred to the committee on The Judiciary

Version history

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