Chat Pet Owner, Pet Parent, or Pet Guardian?

[ClemmyOddieIndy]

I tried to see if this topic had been discussed before, but the search page looked all sorts of weird when I clicked on it. Anyway, I was thinking about these three titles today (owner, parent, guardian), and was wondering what others considered themselves. I've always used either pet owner, or pet parent, but I really like the term pet guardian. I didn't even know that term existed until I heard it on an episode of My Cat From Hell. That show has actually changed a lot of my perspective on the way I view my animals, and my role in their lives.

Are there any other terms that others use for their relationship with their animals?

 

[Starthecavy123]

I call myself a piggy parent.

 

[Starthecavy123]

I've always viewed my pets as my babies and family members so thats why I like the term pet parent.

 

[pigger123]

Pet parent when I'm being cutesy and lovey about my darling piggies, pet guardian or pet caretaker when I'm being more serious.

 

[PumpkinPig]

I definitely consider myself a pet parent as they are all my fur babies.

 

[Rywen]

I use pet parent, they are like my kids (if I had kids).

 

[LucidCavies]

I don't like the term "own" when it comes to my animals. I know it sounds cheesy, but they are a HUGE part of my life, and I know I wouldn't be the person I am today without each and every animal I've ever had. I consider myself a "mommy." I don't really like the term "pet" either. I don't like to insinuate that I am their "Master/Owner." I don't rule them. They all have their own personalities and behaviors. Plus I am very close with all of our animals, I sleep with the doggies every night, I am the closest to baby asher (the piggie), etc.

To answer your question
I consider myself their mommy. Or if they are our families animals, I consider them my brother and sisters

 

[Ibbet]

I've always called myself a pet parent or very occasionally a pet owner when I'm talking "professionally". Either way they are my "furbabies" or "scalebabies". My mom calls them her grandanimals. Like granddogs, grandpigs, etc.

 

[LifeAsItMayBe]

Umm, what about slave? lol But seriously, owner. If they aren't going to grow up and go off to college, I'm not their parent.

 

[Mastershroom]

I prefer "overlord", or "benevolent dictator".

 

[Lizzieball12]

My mom always considered her kitties he babies, so pet parent applies there! I feel like I use parent and owner interchangeably, but parent more due to the fact that I work in a pet store and we have pet parents shopping with us, not just customers.

 

[elfje]

I am the veggie-provider / staff-member of 5 demanding and stubborn piggies... and love every minute of it...

 

[LilliAndFelix]

i don't use pet owner as I don't think we own piggies, i think piggies own us!lol! i refer to myself as a Cavy Carer or Pet Guardian, Or Pet Parent!LOL! tho they probably refer to me as "MY SLAVE"! lol

 

[Inle_Rabbit]

I use owner. My pets are all very important and contributors to the family unit but I have 3 children and my pets are simply not my children. As much as I love them my dog, for example, will never be on the same level as my children. If push came to shove my children win out over any of the animals any time.

I do like pet or animal guardian though , I might start using that more often as I do feel as care taker and provider for the animals I am more guardian and protector that owner. My pets may not be on the same level as children but the certainly are above objects which are owned and possessed.

 

[Dagny_Rango]

My pigs are my babies. Every time I come home I say, "Momma's home!" to a chorus of wheeking.

 

[Starthecavy123]

My aunt can't have kids so her pets are her kids. You should see them she treats them just like little people. But of course if you have kids your probably not gonna see your pets as children. If someone gave you a choice your pets over kids of course you're going to choose your kids I mean any normal person would.

 

[pinky]

Owner. As much as my pets are part of my "family", there is a distinction between them and my kids and husband. I do sometimes refer to them as my "kids" or "fur babies" when I discuss my pets with others who also have pets.

 

[ClemmyOddieIndy]

I completely forgot about slave.

I don't have children, but I do have a large family and to me I consider my animals part of that family. I would move mountains for my blood family members, and I would do the same for my animals. But, I grew up in a family that treated animals as part of the family. My mom always called our dogs my sisters, and I know she would've done anything for me or the dogs. Actually, I remember when my mom brought home a dog from a horse show, and her fiance was furious about it. She said, "If you're going to leave me over a dog then you aren't the man for me." I use that same perspective with my boyfriend of 8 years. My animals are forever, he is replaceable. Hehe. I'm sure some people think I have serious priority problems. But, it takes all kinds to make the world an interesting place.

 

[pinky]

My aunt can't have kids so her pets are her kids. You should see them she treats them just like little people. But of course if you have kids your probably not gonna see your pets as children. If someone gave you a choice your pets over kids of course you're going to choose your kids I mean any normal person would.

I have an aunt who couldn't have kids and treated her dogs like children. She even had a "Christening" for one of them. Her dog wore a gown.

 

[MLT2007]

I completely forgot about slave.

I don't have children, but I do have a large family and to me I consider my animals part of that family. I would move mountains for my blood family members, and I would do the same for my animals. But, I grew up in a family that treated animals as part of the family. My mom always called our dogs my sisters, and I know she would've done anything for me or the dogs. Actually, I remember when my mom brought home a dog from a horse show, and her fiance was furious about it. She said, "If you're going to leave me over a dog then you aren't the man for me." I use that same perspective with my boyfriend of 8 years. My animals are forever, he is replaceable. Hehe. I'm sure some people think I have serious priority problems. But, it takes all kinds to make the world an interesting place.

I don't think you have serious priority problems. I am the same way. I told my boyfriend when we met that I have 4 cats and 2 guinea pigs and if he ever expects me to get rid of them then I will show him the door. I have had guys in the past think that they are going to tell me to get rid of my animals and that's why they are now in the past. My boyfriend now is so wonderful that when I mentioned fostering some piggies from the local rescue he said he would support me if I wanted to open up my own rescue. I definitely have a keeper!