Overview

• The Congress of Mexico City voted 57–0 on August 18 to amend the Civil Code during an extraordinary session.
• Divorce agreements must include a plan detailing custody, visitation, maintenance and veterinary care for companion animals, weighing factors such as living conditions, time availability and economic resources.
• If the parties cannot agree, judges will decide custody — including the option of shared care — and set visits and support with the pet’s welfare as the guiding criterion.
• The reform takes effect the day after its publication in the Gaceta Oficial de la CDMX, moving the rules into courtroom practice shortly after promulgation.
• By embedding sentience and care standards into the Civil Code, the capital becomes a national pioneer on pet-custody provisions.