First of all, read this link where I have addressed some of these issues before:https://norrislaw.wordpress.com/2011/10/08/who-gets-the-family-dog-upon-divorce-dogs-are-chairs/Dogs are property.  There are not custody arrangements for dogs in CA according to the courts.  If you sued, you would have to sue for conversion (stealing) in a civil action.  Technically the dog was a gift, which would make it YOUR separate property, not community property.  Gifts are one of the exceptions to community property rules.  So, you can tell your husband that since the dog was a gift, it is yours and you plan to sue him to get the dog back if he doesn't give you the dog.If he doesn't give you back the dog, then sue in small claims court or go to a local attorney for help.Best of luck.