Naming the Animals in your Care

The naming of cats and dogs is difficult enough for those of us who bring a new pet into our home; but naming hundreds, if not thousands of animal each year is a whole other story. This is the reality that Animal Welfare Professionals face everyday. No matter what Vernon Scannell thinks, names do matter and, contrary to Rudyard Kipling’s opinion, not all dogs can be called First Friend:

"My cat has got no name	"When the Man woke up he said,
We simply call him Cat;	'What is Wild Dog doing here?'
He doesn't seem to blame	And the Woman said,
Anyone for that.	'His name is not Wild Dog any more,
	but the First Friend,
For he is not like us	because he will be our friend
Who often, I'm afraid,	for always and always and always.' "
Kick up quite a fuss
If our names are mislaid."	- Rudyard Kipling
- Vernon Scannell

The name that a person picks for their pet tends to be a very individual choice and determined by a variety of factors. Even though many adopters will change their new pet’s name as soon as they get them home, the name that potential adopters see on the kennel card may have an effect on their decision to adopt that particular animal. It is therefore important to choose names that will not be off-putting for adopters.

It is interesting to note that the most popular names for cats and dogs are similar on both sides of the Atlantic (information provided by ShelterCare Insurance (NA) and Direct Line Insurance (UK))

Top Cat Names			Top Dog Names
North America	UK		North America	UK
1. Tiger	1. Molly		1. Max	1. Molly
2. Max	2. Charlie		2. Buddy	2. Max
3. Smokey	3. Tigger		3. Bailey	3. Charlie
4. Tiger	4. Poppy		4. Molly	4. Holly
5. Shadow	5. Oscar		5. Daisy	5. Poppy
6. Kitty	6. Smudge		6. Maggie	6. Ben
7. Angel	7. Millie		7. Lucy	7. Alfie
8. Chloe	8. Daisy		8. Charlie	8. Jack
9. Charlie	9. Max		9. Bella	9. Sam
10. Buddy	10. Jaspar		10. Jake	10. Barney

When looking at the most popular names that pet owners pick for their pets, they tend to fall into a number of clear and distinct categories:-

• Names that describe the physical attributes of the pet, these names tend to be used for both cats and dogs e.g. Scruffy, Ginger, Shadow, Pepper and Socks. (great choices for animals up for adoption)
• Feminine names with an element of endearment are often given to small dogs and long haired cats e.g. Princess, Precious, Angel and Baby (leave these ones for adopters to choose)
• Names from the Movies and books, they are often breed specific and male or female dependant upon the character in the movie or book e.g. Sylvester, Lady, Benji, Gizmo, Gandalf and Milo (leave these ones for adopters to choose)
• There are a number of names that are traditionally given to big (frequently male) dogs e.g.: Bear, Atlas, Duke and Bandit (leave these ones for adopters to choose as it may limit their adoption chances)
• Edible names e.g. Nacho, Biscuit, Peaches and Cherry (leave these ones for adopters to choose)
• Human names are particularly popular for both cats and dogs especially those which end with a ‘y’ e.g.: Max, Molly, Lucy and Bailey (#1 choices to use for animals up for adoption)
• The names of selected flowers and plants that are also used as human names e.g. Daisy, Holly, Lily, Willow and Poppy (good choices for animals up for adoption)
• Names sparked by the owner’s personal interests e.g. Roxy, Socrates, Karma, and Harley (leave these ones for adopters to choose)
  

As you know, most pets respond better to one or two syllable names. Stay away from names that rhyme with commands such as “Bo” or “Joe” (rhymes with No). Repetition is not that bad if it gets pets adopted, but don’t be afraid to get creative once in a while!

We appreciate your feedback, click here to submit the craziest pet name you have run across and the pets species/breed.  The winner will receive 25 free microchips courtesy of 24PetWatch!

The Pethealth Family