This week’s column topic is About my beloved pet(s), so for anyone studying English, here are some tips on talking about pets!

The word “pet”: “Pet” can be a noun, a verb, or an adjective. 

Ex. Do you have a pet? (noun)

Ex. I have a pet turtle. (adjective)

Ex. My dog always wants me to pet her. (verb, to stroke or pat affectionately)

Pronouns: The pronoun “it” is generally used to refer to animals, but “he” and “she” can be used for pets. It will sound rude if you use “it” to refer to someone’s pet.

Stray vs. wild animals: A “stray” animal is accustomed to humans and was likely someone’s pet but has been abandoned or has become “homeless”. Stray animals, especially cats and dogs, may be comfortable enough to approach humans for food or affection. A “wild” animal is one that was born in the wild and is not accustomed to humans.

Verbs for pets: 

• To walk a pet: This means to take your pet for a walk for exercise.  
• To pick up after a pet: This means to pick up a pet’s feces (poop) and is common on signs in parks and other outdoor areas.
• To adopt a pet: This means to take a pet into your life and care for it.
• To put a pet down: This means “to euthanize” a pet or “put it to sleep” when it is very sick or in pain.

Nouns for pets:

• Collar: A “collar” is a band worn around a pet’s neck, which a “leash/lead” or “tag” may be attached to.
• Leash / lead: A “leash” (more common) or “lead” can be attached to a pet’s collar (or a “harness”) to control a pet. Pets must be “kept on a leash” in many public places 
• Tag: A “tag” is a piece of metal attached to a pet’s collar that includes information such as its name and its owner’s address or contact information.
• Cage / pet carrier: A “cage” is a metal container that is used to hold and sometimes transport pets. Some cages are specific to a certain type of animal, such as a “bird cage”. A “pet carrier” is a similar container, which is usually made of plastic and metal and is used to transport pets.

I hope this will help you to talk about pets in English!

Zach