How to Choose the Best Name for Your New Pet

When you name your new family member it reflects on who you are as well. Sure, you could go with the most popular name for a dog or cat like Bella, Max or Buddy. The days of Rovers and Fluffys are long gone.

I once had a cat named Fluffy and my sister’s cat was Puffy but that was a few decades ago. A coworker wants to name his next dog Steve or Frank so he can say he is going to hang out with his buddy, Frank. Today, people are more likely to choose a human name for their pet, which reflects their place as a genuine part of the family.

Tips for choosing a name for a new pet from Veterinary Pet Insurance:

1. Keep it simple and short. Pick a name that your pet will easily recognize. For example, it may be easier to get your dog's attention with a name like "Bella" versus "Princess Dandelion III."

2. When you get a new pet, don't name him immediately. Wait a few days. It might be a good idea to observe your new four-legged friend's behavior to find the name best suited for his personality. You may not want to name your new puppy "Bounce" if he doesn't bounce or a new kitten "Meow" if she's not very vocal.

3. Use breed heritage as an inspiration. Consider a French name for your Poodle, something German for a German Shepherd Dog, Schnauzer or Dashshund or something Scottish for your Terrier.

4. Make it appropriate. Your pet is going to go through her life with her new name, and as a pet owner you'll be saying this name hundreds--if not thousands of times -- throughout her lifetime. Choose a name you'll feel comfortable using in public.

Remember that the name you choose lets others know how you feel about your pet. I really hate when someone has named their dog Digger and then contacts me, as a dog rescuer, to help find a home for him because he just won’t quit digging in the yard. I have rehomed dogs originally named Killer, Taz and Chewy, among many other less desirable names. The name says it all so please pick a good one.