How to Choose Pet Names

by animal communicator Sarah Messina

When it comes to naming our pet, we have a range of resources. We can name them after someone or something we like, pick a name out of a book or assign a name that (we believe) defines their persona. Do you remember how you named your animals? It's true, some animals couldn't care less what their named, but others can hold a grudge for years to come.

Just how important are pet names?

I'm an animal communicator, so my opinion is biased. I believe that pet names are of the utmost importance, because that's what the animals tell me. When I speak to pets about their names, I come across some animals who are really unhappy. Dogs and cats tell me the same thing - that humans can unconsciously become patronizing or anthropomorphic (attributing human mannerisms, feelings, etc) in response to unsuitable dog names and cat names. Names are important to all kinds of animals including horses, reptiles and even wildlife in human care. I also know that in some cases, animal names reinforce bad behaviours. This happens with pet names and nicknames that stereotype the animal into a behaviour pattern (eg. "Grumpy", "Snappy").

Does your pet hate their name?

Some of the names animals hate are downright cruel ("Fatso", "Stupid", "Killer") but most name change requests are just personal preference. I met one lizard who insisted he needed a more powerful name. Five months after the consult, he contacted me to say he'd finally figured out what he wanted to be called. His person was very supportive of his wishes, and that unique reptile is now referred to as HeMan.

But It's not just their given names that pets stress over, nicknames are just as significant. One client told me that her horse was such a pretty pony, to which the horse practically screamed at me "I'm a MARE!". The horse's person was respectful of this. "Our girl thinks she is very gorgeous, something we had suspected all along" she said "..and now we make sure not to call her a pretty pony but instead a pretty MARE as she pointed out!"

Should you change a pet name?

Simply put, if your pet doesn't like their name - change it. Surprisingly, it's quite easy for pets to adjust to a new name. I often work with animals who have recently been purchased or adopted, and have already been named. My clients want to know if it's better to change the pet name or keep it. As an animal communicator, time and time again the animals tell me that they'd rather change names to something that works for them and for the family. BUT, they stipulate that they want to be included in the naming process.

Another pet name issue surrounds animal gender. I find that this is less of a problem for the animal, and more for the humans who assume that their female cat should have a feminine name, or their male dog needing a masculine name.  This isn't always true for the animals, for instance some female pets have lots of 'male energy', and they don't want a feminine or gender neutral name.

How to choose the best pet name

If your animal has communicated their desire for a better name, or if you feel they would benefit from a name change, work with them to find the best name. You might  sit down with your human family members and make a list of potential pet names. Next, talk through a few options with your animal, and be open to their suggestions. Some animals like to pick their own names, and others like suggestions.

Either way, give them some time to think about it  - a few days at least. When you include your animals in decisions that concern them (like pet names), they see that you respect them and their right to free will. Animal communication is a great way to ensure your pet name will be something you both love.

As an animal communicator, I know that so much "odd behaviour" has been resolved by respecting animal's preferences, and this includes their pet name choice. Think about what your pet's name means to you, and how it might limit the way you see them. If in doubt, you can always ask your pet if they like their name in your next animal communication consult.

Sarah Messina is a professional animal communicator and healer for Wild Insights Australia.
If you would like to have an animal communicator talk to your animals, you can learn more here or book online today.