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Written by Paul
Dr Paul Manktelow is a vet who’s worked for almost 20 years on the front line in some of the UK’s busiest veterinary hospitals. As Chief Vet in the Charity Sector, he leads a team of vets and nurses that treat thousands of pets every year. Paul also appears regularly in the media as a TV and radio presenter, writer, public speaker and podcast producer.
Our relationship with pets has changed dramatically over the last few decades. Once seen mainly as companions or working animals, pets are now fully integrated into family life. But with this cultural shift has come a change in the language we use: are we pet owners, pet parents, or something else entirely?
This might feel like semantics, but the words we use matter. They shape how we view our pets, how we treat them, and even how we make important welfare decisions.
From “Owner” to “Parent”
Traditionally, the term pet owner implied responsibility but also property. Pets were legally and socially considered possessions, and the language reflected this.
Today, many of us call ourselves pet parents. Surveys show that over 70% of owners now consider their pets to be family members, often referring to them as “fur babies” or even using terms like “mum” and “dad”.
This shift in language reflects the deeper emotional bond we share with our pets. It signals closeness and love, but it can also have unintended consequences.
Why Language Matters
The language of parenthood can unintentionally lead to problems:
– Blurring species-specific boundaries (e.g., over-indulging or under-disciplining).
– Encouraging anthropomorphism – treating pets as humans rather than animals.
– Creating emotional pressure to pursue extreme or expensive medical interventions.
Studies show anthropomorphism can contribute to behavioural issues like separation anxiety, aggression, and poor socialisation. What starts as “treating them like one of the family” can compromise welfare.
Finding a Balanced Approach
Increasingly, the term guardian is being used by those who want to balance love with responsibility. Guardians see themselves as protectors, prioritising their pet’s welfare and species-specific needs.
Thinking like a guardian can help us:
– Respect our pets as animals with unique needs.
– Set boundaries that make them feel secure.
– Make balanced welfare decisions without unnecessary emotional pressure.
Hear More on the Podcast
This topic is explored in depth in the latest episode of The Consult Room podcast, “Do We Love Our Pets Too Much? The Hidden Cost of the Pet Parent Era”.
Whether you call yourself a pet owner, a pet parent, or a guardian, remember: language shapes mindset. Words aren’t just labels, they influence how we care for our pets.
