Pet Custody Agreement

This Pet Custody Agreement (this "Agreement") is entered into as of the date of the last signature below, by and between:

party_a_name ("Party A"); and

party_b_name ("Party B").

Party A and Party B are each referred to herein as a "Party" and collectively as the "Parties." The Parties wish to establish terms for the shared custody and care of the pet described below.

1. Pet Identification

This Agreement pertains to the following pet:

Name: pet_name

Type/Species: pet_type

The Parties acknowledge that pet_name is a beloved companion animal and agree that the terms of this Agreement are intended to promote the health, happiness, and well-being of pet_name.

Both Parties agree that pet_name shall be microchipped (if not already) and that both Parties' contact information shall be registered with the microchip provider. The Parties shall keep vaccination records, veterinary history, and other important documents accessible to both Parties at all times.

2. Custody Schedule

2.1 Regular Custody Schedule

The Parties shall share physical custody of pet_name on the following rotating schedule, unless otherwise agreed in writing: Party A shall have custody from Monday at 9:00 AM through Thursday at 9:00 AM. Party B shall have custody from Thursday at 9:00 AM through Monday at 9:00 AM. This schedule shall repeat on a weekly basis.

The specific days and times may be modified by mutual written agreement of the Parties. Any temporary changes to the schedule shall be communicated in writing at least 48 hours in advance, except in the case of emergency.

2.2 Holidays and Special Occasions

The Parties shall alternate custody of pet_name during major holidays and special occasions. For the first year of this Agreement, Party A shall have custody during Thanksgiving and New Year's Day, and Party B shall have custody during Christmas and the Fourth of July. The schedule shall alternate each subsequent year.

Birthdays of the pet shall be spent with whichever Party has custody on that date according to the regular schedule, unless otherwise agreed.

2.3 Vacation and Travel

If either Party wishes to travel with pet_name for a period exceeding three (3) consecutive days beyond their scheduled custody period, they shall obtain the other Party's written consent at least fourteen (14) days in advance. The traveling Party shall provide the other Party with travel dates, destination, accommodation details, and emergency contact information.

If either Party cannot fulfill their custody period due to travel or other commitments, the other Party shall have the right of first refusal for custody during that period. If the other Party is also unavailable, the Parties shall mutually agree upon a qualified pet sitter or boarding facility.

3. Financial Responsibilities

3.1 Shared Expenses

The Parties shall share equally (50/50) the following expenses related to pet_name: routine veterinary care (annual check-ups, vaccinations, flea/tick/heartworm prevention), pet insurance premiums, food and treats, grooming, and licensing/registration fees.

3.2 Extraordinary Expenses

Extraordinary veterinary expenses (defined as any single expense exceeding five hundred dollars ($500), including emergency care, surgery, or specialized treatment) shall be discussed and agreed upon by both Parties before being incurred, except in life-threatening emergencies where immediate treatment is necessary.

In a life-threatening emergency, the Party with custody shall authorize all necessary medical treatment and notify the other Party as soon as practicable. Both Parties shall share the cost of emergency treatment equally.

3.3 Day-to-Day Expenses

Each Party shall bear the day-to-day costs of caring for pet_name during their custody period, including food consumed, toys, and incidental supplies. These day-to-day expenses shall not be subject to reimbursement unless the Parties agree otherwise.

3.4 Expense Tracking

Both Parties shall maintain receipts for all shared expenses and reconcile costs quarterly. The Party who has paid more than their share during the quarter shall be reimbursed by the other Party within fifteen (15) days of the quarterly reconciliation.

4. Decision-Making

4.1 Major Decisions

Major decisions regarding pet_name's care shall be made jointly by the Parties. Major decisions include, but are not limited to: non-emergency medical procedures, changes in diet or medication, spaying/neutering (if applicable), training programs, changes in living environment, and decisions regarding end-of-life care.

Both Parties shall consult with each other and attempt to reach consensus on all major decisions. If the Parties cannot agree on a major decision, they shall consult with pet_name's veterinarian for guidance.

4.2 Day-to-Day Decisions

The Party with current custody of pet_name shall have authority to make routine, day-to-day decisions regarding pet_name's care, including feeding schedules, exercise routines, and minor grooming. However, each Party agrees to maintain consistency in pet_name's routine to minimize stress on the animal.

4.3 Veterinary Care

Both Parties shall agree on a primary veterinarian for pet_name and shall not change veterinarians without the other Party's consent. Either Party may take pet_name to an emergency veterinary clinic if the primary veterinarian is unavailable and the situation requires immediate attention.

5. Care Standards

Both Parties agree to provide pet_name with: adequate food and fresh water; appropriate shelter and a safe living environment; regular exercise and mental stimulation; veterinary care as recommended by the primary veterinarian; socialization appropriate for the pet's species and temperament; and a loving and nurturing home environment.

Neither Party shall subject pet_name to any form of abuse, neglect, or cruelty. Both Parties shall comply with all applicable animal welfare laws and regulations.

Both Parties agree to maintain a consistent routine for pet_name, including feeding times, walking schedules, and bedtime. Significant changes to routine shall be communicated to the other Party.

6. Travel and Transport

The Party relinquishing custody shall deliver pet_name to the other Party's residence (or an agreed-upon meeting location) at the designated exchange time. The costs of transportation shall be borne by the delivering Party unless the Parties agree to alternate or share transportation duties.

pet_name shall be transported safely in an appropriate carrier or with appropriate restraints. During transport, pet_name shall have access to water and be protected from extreme temperatures.

7. Emergency Procedures

In the event of a medical emergency involving pet_name, the Party with custody shall immediately seek appropriate veterinary care and notify the other Party as soon as practicable. Both Parties shall have authorization to consent to emergency medical treatment for pet_name.

Both Parties shall maintain current emergency contact information for each other and for the primary veterinarian, and shall provide this information to any pet sitter or caretaker.

8. Relocation

If either Party intends to relocate more than fifty (50) miles from their current residence, they shall provide the other Party with at least sixty (60) days' written notice. The relocating Party shall propose a modified custody schedule that accounts for the increased distance.

If the Parties cannot agree on a modified custody schedule following relocation, the matter shall be resolved through the dispute resolution procedures set forth in this Agreement. The Parties acknowledge that a significant relocation may necessitate a primary custodian arrangement rather than a shared custody schedule.

9. Term and Termination

This Agreement shall remain in effect for the lifetime of pet_name, unless terminated earlier by mutual written agreement of the Parties or as otherwise provided herein.

Either Party may terminate this Agreement upon sixty (60) days' written notice to the other Party. Upon termination, the Parties shall negotiate in good faith regarding the permanent custody of pet_name, taking into account the best interests of the animal.

10. Dispute Resolution

10.1 Negotiation

The Parties shall attempt to resolve any dispute arising under this Agreement through good faith negotiation. Both Parties shall prioritize the well-being of pet_name in all dispute resolution proceedings.

10.2 Mediation

If the Parties cannot resolve a dispute through negotiation within fourteen (14) days, either Party may request mediation with a mediator experienced in pet custody or family matters. The costs of mediation shall be shared equally.

10.3 Legal Proceedings

If mediation fails, either Party may pursue legal remedies in a court of competent jurisdiction. The prevailing party in any legal proceeding shall be entitled to recover reasonable attorneys' fees and costs.

11. General Provisions

11.1 Entire Agreement

This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties regarding the custody and care of pet_name and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings.

11.2 Amendments

This Agreement may be amended only by a written instrument signed by both Parties.

11.3 Severability

If any provision is found invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.

11.4 Governing Law

This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the state in which the Parties reside at the time of execution.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Pet Custody Agreement as of the date of the last signature below.

Party A

party_a_name

[Electronic signature will be collected via zsign]

[Date will be recorded automatically]

Party B

party_b_name

[Electronic signature will be collected via zsign]

[Date will be recorded automatically]