Karis Nafte

Karis Nafte, CDBC is the founder of Who Keeps the Dog, Pet Custody Mediator. A Certified Dog Behavior Consultant & Accredited Family Mediator with 25 years of experience as a dog behavior expert, Karis brings her unique expertise to the divorce world, assisting clients worldwide with pet custody matters. She regularly collaborates with mediators and attorneys to provide support and ensure the well-being of pets during divorce proceedings.

As a sought-after educator and speaker, Karis developed the first accredited pet custody education course for divorce professionals. She has presented for prestigious organizations including the American Bar Association, The Kentucky Bar Association, The Ontario Family Mediation Association, The Association of Professional Family Mediators, and International Mediation Week. Karis's work has been widely featured in prominent media outlets such as The Washington Post, The Associated Press, VICE News, ABC News, Scripps New, The New York Post, The Daily Telegraph, Australian Dog Lover Magazine, and Inside Your Cat’s Mind Magazine.

Committed to legal reform, she currently serves on The Working Committee on Pet and Divorce in England and Wales, advocating for changes in pet custody legislation. Beyond her mediation work, Karis is also a Certified Service Dog Coach, Agility Judge, behavior consultant, public speaker, and educator.