Certification Program - Companion Animal Mediation Specialist

Key Topics:

• Evolution of companion animal status in law: from property to family members
• Understanding the human-animal bond and its impact on dispute resolution
• Seven states with “best interest” standards for pets in divorce (Alaska, Illinois, California, New Hampshire, New York, Maine, Rhode Island)
• Core mediation skills adapted for animal-related disputes
• Ethical considerations unique to companion animal mediation

Case Study: Facilitating a productive conversation between divorcing spouses with opposing views on their dog’s future living arrangements, applying best interest factors.

Skills Development: Identifying emotional triggers in animal disputes and creating an environment for constructive dialogue.

Key Topics:

• Statutory analysis of the seven states with pet best interest standards
• Best practices for mediating pet custody disputes in states without specific legislation
• Crafting creative solutions: shared custody agreements, visitation schedules, and transition plans
• Financial considerations: pet support, cost sharing, and expense allocation
• Documentation requirements for enforceable pet agreements

Case Study: Developing a comprehensive shared custody agreement including visitation schedule, expense allocation, and decision-making authority.

Skills Development: Drafting clear, enforceable provisions for pet custody agreements that minimize future conflicts.

Key Topics:

• Comprehensive pet trust elements and requirements
• Mediating disputes between potential caregivers and trustees
• Balancing competing interests of family members and the animal’s needs
• Resolving conflicts between estate executors and beneficiaries regarding pet provisions
• Lifetime care agreements and enforcement mechanisms

Case Study: Mediating between family members with conflicting views on implementing a deceased relative’s pet trust provisions.

Skills Development: Facilitating collaborative problem-solving around funding, caregiving responsibilities, and trust administration.

Key Topics:

• Mediating dog bite and animal injury cases
• Neighbor disputes involving animals (noise, property damage, boundaries)
• Veterinary malpractice claims and informed consent issues
• Emotional distress and valuation challenges in companion animal cases
• Insurance coverage disputes related to companion animals

Case Study: Facilitating resolution between a pet owner and veterinarian following an alleged treatment error.

Skills Development: Balancing technical/medical information with emotional components in animal-related disputes.

Key Topics:

• Breeder, rescue, and adoption contract disputes
• Condominium, HOA, and landlord-tenant conflicts involving companion animals
• Service and emotional support animal accommodation disputes
• Pet insurance coverage disagreements
• Emerging issues: pet custody in domestic violence cases, pet-nuptial agreements

Certification Assessment: Participants complete a role-play mediation scenario involving a complex companion animal dispute, demonstrating application of legal knowledge and mediation skills.

Graduation & Certification: Successful participants receive HLM Companion Animal Mediation Specialist (CAMS) certification, marketing materials, and listing in the HLM directory of certified specialists.