Rhode Island General Laws Title 15. Domestic Relations § 15-5-30. Custody of domestic companion animals--Pets

(a) In awarding sole possession or ownership of a domestic companion animal in a divorce or separation proceeding, the court shall consider the best interest of the animal and shall consider, but not be limited to, the following:

(b) In awarding joint possession of a domestic companion animal, the court shall consider, but not be limited to, the following:

(c) Either party to a divorce or separation proceeding pursuant to this chapter may petition the court in a form prescribed by the court for the temporary allocation of sole or joint possession of and responsibility for the companion animal jointly owned by the parties, and at any time prior to the court's decision, the parties may also enter into an agreement allocating the sole or joint ownership or responsibility for the companion animal.

(d) If the court finds that a companion animal of the parties is a marital asset, it shall allocate the sole or joint ownership of and responsibility for a companion animal of the parties. In issuing an order under this subsection, the court shall take into consideration the well-being of the companion animal under the standards set forth in this section.

(e) As used in this section, “ companion animal” means a domesticated animal or pet and shall not include assistance animals (also called service animals), which are defined as any animal that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability.