According to a Harris Poll in 2011, more than three out of every five households in the United States have at least one pet. By all rights, pets are often just as much a family member as anyone else, which brings about a conflict if a household must divide because of divorce. The fact is, the judge could simply deem the pet as property and designate ownership to one partner or the other. However, in many cases, the judge will consider what would be good for the best of your pet. If you are facing an upcoming divorce, now is the time to start proving you are a devoted pet parent to ensure you get a fair chance at ownership. 

Gather any evidence you have of prior care expenses provided by you. 

Receipts for pet food, bedding, care items, and even trips to the vet paid for by you are a good way to show you have been a primary financial provider for the pet. Even if the payments made for pet-related expenses came from a joint account, having the receipts in order will still show you already know the price of caring for the animal. 

Try to talk to your partner to make arrangements before you file. 

Just as it is with most other objects and possessions during a divorce, the more you and your partner can come to agreement on your own, the better off you will be. Do your best to discuss ownership arrangements with your partner. If the two of you can agree, you may be able to work out an equally shared ownership so both of you can still have the pet in your life. For example, you could keep the pet one month and your partner could keep the pet the next. It is rare for a family law judge to make such designations of joint ownership with a pet unless this is an agreement you and your spouse come to before court. 

Be prepared to show you can financially support your pet. 

In many cases, the judge will consider who is financially capable of supporting the pet before making a final decision about ownership. If you have no income and no savings, the judge may see taking in a pet solely on your own as something you cannot financially handle. Set up a small savings account or be prepared to offer a plan of financial action to show you can reasonably pay for the pet's needs. 

Be sure to consult a lawyer.