7 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Naming Your Pet

When it comes time to name your pet, be smart about the decision. Despite what Shakespeare may have you believe, there's a lot in a name.

Here are some of the most common pet name pitfalls to avoid.

Fido? More like Fi-don’t. Calling your animal by a super common name can get confusing and chaotic in public places.

If your pet’s name sounds like a word they don’t like, they’ll start having negative associations with it. So just say “no” to Joe (and Bo and Poe).

Get it right, keep it tight. Too many syllables can be hard to say (and for your pet to recognize) in a stressful or emergency situation.

Easy does it. Make sure your sweet furry friend’s name can roll off your tongue so they can distinguish the sounds in a crowd.

Remember they grow and change. Giving them a name that will always work for them unless you’re cool with call your 70 lb dog “Tiny.”

It may be funny to you to name your sweet dog “Sir Bitesalot,” but other people may not get that it’s a joke.

Keep it out of the family. If both your cat and uncle are named Bill, it’s going to get confusing when you try and explain which Bill pooped on the rug.