What's In a Name?

Naming your pet is almost as important as what you name your child. Yes, really!

Wendy Nan Rees, author of The Name Game: An Eclectic Look at How and Why People Name Their Pets, suggests that you get to know your new animal and his personality before deciding on a name. Try out a few names and see which one your pet responds to. “My dad is a politician,” says Rees, “and my whole family is into politics. I tried different names for a week, and then I was sitting at my desk and thought ‘Governor,’ and he loved it.” Don’t forget to make sure the name you pick is easy to say, especially if you have kids.

If your pet comes to you already named, it’s fine to change the name. If you’re adopting a rescue pet, it’s probably a good idea to change his name so he can develop positive associations with his new home. It can help to choose a name that sounds like the old name. For instance, if the cat was Suzy, you could try Lucy. But the most important thing is to say the pet’s name often as you give him lots of hugs, treats and positive reinforcement, so he quickly learns to recognize his name and associate it with his happy life with you.

DID YOU KNOW? You’ll say your pet’s name more than 35,000 times during his lifetime. You and your pet will hear it often, so pick a good one!