Are Pets Property in North Carolina?

Although most people value their pets as more than a piece of property, North Carolina – like most other states in the country – continue to determine custody of pets by identifying them as property and including them in the equitable distribution process. There does seem to be a trend in some states to treat pets more like children, considering their best interests and even awarding visitation rights to the non-custodial spouse. That approach to pet custody is, however, not how North Carolina treats the issue.