Summary: First, the author will discuss how the Courts are beginning to apply this âbest interestâ approach, even if that state has no law in place to protect the animalâs best interest. Secondly, the author will analyze the three state laws that have currently been established to protect the interest of pets in divorce proceedings. Lastly, the author will provide a proposal to guide a Courtâs analysis of the best interest of the animal in divorce proceedings.