Karis Nafte is a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (IAABC No. 6602), Internationally Accredited Family Mediator, and recognized global expert in pet custody matters. With over 25 years of experience in dog training and behavior consulting, Karis has built her career on compassionate, evidence-based approaches to canine behavior and human-animal relationships. Her expertise spans the range of behaviour from puppy socialization, to separation anxiety and aggression rehabilitation. Her passion is conflict resolution, effective communication especially around the complex dynamics of pet guardianship during family transitions.

Karis specializes in resolving pet custody and guardianship disputes during separation and divorce. She provides expert mediation services, behavior consultations, and serves as an expert witness in legal proceedings. Her work addresses the unique intersection of canine behavior, family law, and animal welfare, ensuring outcomes that prioritize the well-being of both animals and their human families.

Karis is the author of Who Keeps the Dog: Navigating Pet Custody During Divorce, published by Dogwise Publishers, and has developed comprehensive training courses for legal professionals, mediators, and pet owners navigating custody matters. She has presented and taught for prestigious organizations including the American Bar Association, the Kentucky Bar Association, the University of Wisconsin, the Academy for Professional Family Mediators, the Ontario Association for Family Mediators, The Resolution Institute (Australia), and the Family Law Pathways Institution (Australia). Her articles have been published by the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts, Divorce Magazine (UK), the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants, and The Canadian Dog Trainers Association.

Currently serving on the Working Group on Pets in the UK, Karis contributes to legislative efforts regarding the treatment of companion animals in divorce proceedings.

Karis brings a unique combination of deep canine behavior expertise, mediation skills, and legal knowledge to her work, making her a sought-after consultant, educator, and advocate for animals navigating family transitions.