In the movie Legally Blonde, Paulette Bonafonte’ the manicurist befriends Elle Woods. (Reese Witherspoon) Paulette and Elle go to her ex and Elle Woods pretends to be her lawyer. Elle says Paulette is claiming the dog, Rufus, under equitable distribution. When her ex does not understand Paulette tells her ex “I’m taking the dog, dumbass”. And she took Rufus.

Your pet may have significant emotional value to you or your children but in Florida pets are personal property. They are part of distributing assets and liabilities known as equitable distribution. No one gets custody and visitation.   Florida courts do not determine the best interest of your pets. So, if you want the dog, like Rufus, have them stay with you when you break up.