In most states the law treats the spouses’ ownership and possession of pets or companion animals following divorce like other items of personal property, such as household furnishings. If one spouse owned the pet before the marriage the pet will generally be deemed that spouse’s separate property and ownership and possession will remain with that spouse following divorce. But if the spouses acquired the pet during marriage it will be marital property (community property in community property states) and the court may award ownership of the pet to one spouse as part of the division of the marital property—sometimes using a “best interests” standard similar to the standard used in child custody determinations.

In some divorces the spouses are able to agree to a custody-sharing arrangement for a pet. And a few states (California, Illinois, and Alaska) have enacted statutes that allow family courts to treat the custody and care of children more similarly to care (support) and custody issues for children. In these states the well-being of the pet is the guiding factor for the courts in making such decisions.

In Iowa, pets or companion animals are generally considered personal property in the context of divorce proceedings. If a pet was owned by one spouse prior to the marriage, it is typically considered that spouse's separate property, and ownership will remain with that spouse after the divorce. However, if the pet was acquired during the marriage, it is considered marital property. Iowa does not follow community property laws, as it is an equitable distribution state. This means that in a divorce, the court will divide marital property in a manner that is fair and equitable, but not necessarily equal. While Iowa does not have specific statutes that address pet custody in the same manner as states like California, Illinois, and Alaska, the court may consider various factors when deciding which spouse receives the pet. These factors could include the well-being of the pet, each spouse's relationship with the pet, and each spouse's ability to care for the pet. Additionally, if the spouses can agree on a custody-sharing arrangement for the pet, the court may incorporate that agreement into the final divorce decree.