Relates to divorce and the consideration by the court of companion animals

Summary

Directs the court to consider whether the companion animal was acquired prior to or during the marriage; the basic daily needs of the companion animal; the party who generally facilitates veterinary care for the companion animal; the party who generally provides the companion animal with social interaction; the party who generally ensures compliance with state and local regulations regarding the companion animal; and the party who provides the greater ability to financially support the companion animal.

Summary from NY Open Legislation. How we handle summaries

Amends the Domestic Relations Law.

Purpose, from the sponsor's memo

Section 1: Amends Subparagraph 15 of paragraph d of subdivision 5 of part B of section 236 of the domestic relations law, as amended by chap- ter 509 of the laws of 2021, to direct the court to consider the best interest of companion animals when awarding possession Section 2: Sets forth the effective date. JUSTIFICATION:: For many New Yorkers, pets are not merely property, they are an impor- tant part of the family. During divorces and legal separations, possession of pets can be a major point of contention and can be used as a manipulation tactic by the parties. This bill directs court to consid- er the best interest of the pet when making decisions of possession, helping to ensure we maintain stability and security for our state's beloved animals. LEGISLATIVE HLSTORY: New bill

Filed with the bill. Read it on nysenate.gov (opens in a new tab)

Where it stands

Passed one of the two chambers; it still needs the other.

Judiciary · New York State Assembly

Also referred to Judiciary · New York State Senate.

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Recorded votes

• Vote: Floor vote

  NY SenateMay 29, 2026Result: passed

  Voted yes (57)Voted no (1)Voted present (0)Absent (5)

  See member positions for the vote on May 29, 2026 (Floor vote)

• Vote: Committee vote · Judiciary

  Senate JudiciaryMay 12, 2026Result: passed

  Voted yes (19)Voted no (0)Voted present (0)Absent (0)

  See member positions for the vote on May 12, 2026 (Committee vote · Judiciary)

Full history

1. Jul 29, 2026

   Referred to committee

   REFERRED TO JUDICIARY

   NY Assembly

2. May 29, 2026

   Sent to the executive

   DELIVERED TO ASSEMBLY

   NY Senate

3. May 29, 2026

   Passed a chamber

   PASSED SENATE

   NY Senate

4. May 29, 2026

   Referred to committee

   REFERRED TO JUDICIARY

   NY Assembly

5. May 14, 2026

   Advanced to Third Reading

   ADVANCED TO THIRD READING

   NY Senate

Read the record

• Read on NY Senate (opens in a new tab) The official record on nysenate.gov.