No more arguments over who gets the dog. The Brazilian Congress has passed a bill that will let separating couples share custody of their pets. Lawmakers approved the measure on March 31. It reflects how Brazilians view their animals as family members rather than property.
The bill, known as PL 941/2024, states that if a couple separates without reaching an agreement on their pet, a judge will decide the shared custody arrangement and divide the animal’s maintenance costs fairly between the parties. The animal must have lived most of its life with the couple to qualify as common property. Shared custody will not apply if there is a history or risk of domestic or family violence, or if the animal has suffered mistreatment.
In those cases, ownership and possession go to the other party. The person found responsible faces no right to compensation and remains liable for any outstanding debts related to the pet. The legislation also spells out day-to-day responsibilities. The partner who has the pet at any given time covers food and hygiene costs. Other expenses, such as veterinary visits, hospitalization and medication, are split equally.
Senator Veneziano Vital do Rêgo, who guided the bill through the Senate, noted that it addresses a growing number of pet-related disputes reaching the courts. The project originated in the Chamber of Deputies, authored by Deputy Laura Carneiro of the PSD party from Rio de Janeiro. It cleared the Senate floor on Tuesday and now awaits President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s signature to become law.
Lawmakers said the measure responds to shifts in Brazilian society over recent decades. Couples are having fewer children and forming stronger bonds with their pets, often treating them as true members of the family. The country of roughly 213 million people has about 160 million pets, mostly dogs, according to industry figures.
The bill does not change the legal status of animals as property. It simply adds rules to settle custody when relationships end, aiming to reduce conflict and protect the animal’s well-being. Once signed, the law will apply to marriages and stable unions alike. Judges will consider factors such as each person’s living conditions, time available and ability to care for the pet when setting schedules.
Supporters pointed to rising court cases involving pets after breakups. The new framework gives judges clear guidelines instead of leaving decisions in a legal gray area. The bill passed with broad support in both houses. Lula, who shares the presidential residence with two adopted dogs, is expected to review it promptly.
