DE HB95

Defines "companion animal" as an animal kept primarily for companionship, excluding working animals, service animals as defined in Title 6, and animals kept as a source of income including livestock.

Prohibits transfer, encumbrance, concealment, disposal, spaying, or neutering of a companion animal during divorce proceedings without written agreement of both parties.

Requires Family Court to award ownership and responsibility for companion animals determined to be marital property to one or both parties, potentially including responsibility for veterinary or extraordinary expenses.

Directs courts to consider the well-being of the companion animal when making ownership decisions, including factors such as each party's ability to care for the animal, the animal's attachment to each party, and time spent caring for the animal during marriage.

Restricts disposition of jointly-owned companion animals to: joint transfer to a third party, written irrevocable surrender by one party to the other, automatic transfer to surviving party upon death, or court petition for sole ownership based on changed circumstances and animal welfare.