From Property to Pawperty™*: The treatment of pets in Family and Estates Law

In recent years, pets have assumed a central place in households and families and in the hearts of pet owners. This marks a significant shift in how people conceptualize family, companionship, and emotional attachment. Studies show that more than 70 percent of pet owners describe their animals as family members. This categorization has intensified since the COVID-19 pandemic, which recorded a surge in ownership as many Canadians sought comfort, stability and companionship amid social isolation. Despite this social shift, the law in Ontario continues to categorize pets as mere personal property, a categorization increasingly viewed as archaic, and out of step with expectations and understandings of the pet and pet owner bond.

Since pets are legally viewed and treated as property, albeit a unique kind of property,  judges and courts are not equipped to consider the issue of pet custody and pet parenting beyond the legal framework of property principles. As such, and to the dismay of pet owners, this approach often leaves one, if not both pet owners with an unsatisfactory outcome. By opting to settle pet disputes outside of traditional litigation and handling matters privately, pet owner litigants are able to be more creative with solutions tailored to their specific needs and circumstances.

In a discussion moderated by Doreen So, our panelists the Hon. Laura Stewart, Nandishi Bekah and Sandra Monardo, will address the following topics:

• Overview of the current law of pets in family law and estates disputes
• Where does estate planning fit in?
• Where can things go and proposed solution: Pawperty™* Agreements?

Register today!

*Pawperty™ is a term conceived and trademarked by Family Law lawyers Gobind Grewal and Nandishi Bekah to represent the specific agreement to be entered into by pet owners. These agreements are stand alone agreements and can be added as a specific part to another domestic contract, such as a separation agreement, cohabitation agreement, or marriage contract. Outside family law, these agreements can also be entered into by non-romantic relationships, applied through broader contract law principles as a stand alone agreement.

SPEAKERS

The Hon. Laura Stewart, Superior Court of Justice for Ontario 

Nandishi Bekah, Stanchieri Family

Sandra Monardo, Monardo Estate Law 
 

MODERATOR

Doreen Lok Yin So, Hull & Hull 

DETAILS

Date: October 21, 2026

Time: 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm

CPD

This program is eligible for up to 1 Substantive Hour.

REGISTRATION

• Members - $59 +HST
• Non-members - $109 +HST
• Licensing Candidates & New Calls - $30 +HST 

No refunds after October 14, 2026. An administrative fee of $25.00 will be applied to all cancellations