15 Statements That May Not Go Down Well with a Pet Owner

Owning a pet is a deeply personal and emotional experience filled with joy, companionship, and sometimes challenges. As such, there are certain comments that can unintentionally rub pet owners the wrong way. To keep your interactions smooth and positive, avoid these 15 statements that may not go down well with a pet owner.

“It’s just a pet”

To you, it’s only a pet. To the owner, they are a living friend they share an emotional bond with, a companion, and something that brings joy to their life. When you say it’s just a pet, you’re diminishing the role and the value they place on them.

“Why don’t you just get rid of it?”

Sometimes, pet parents face tough times with their pets. Maybe they’re broke and find it stressful to provide for their food, or their pet constantly falls sick. Yes, these issues may weigh on them, but that doesn’t mean the pet is no longer useful in their lives.

“Why don’t you just get rid of it?” (Continued)

Suggesting that they get rid of what they cherish can make them think you don’t care about their attachment. A lot of pet owners would rather hold onto their pets until they are no more than let them go just because of a rough patch.

“Your house must be filthy”

When pets are well trained, their living environment can be as clean as a place with no pets. Even during training, some pet owners ensure their space is always clean. By saying this, they may hear that they are either unhygienic or not doing a good job training their pets.

“Don’t you worry about the germs?”

Many pet owners know the potential for germs and take necessary precautions to keep their homes and pets clean. Pet parents want you to see their pet as more than a potential germ carrier, but as something worthy of a space in their homes, so this question may not sit well with them.

“You spend too much money on your pet”

No amount of money is too small to spend on what you love. Pets have many needs that may stretch your pockets—feeding, vet visits, grooming, etc.—and the owner is fine with taking a part of their paycheck to attend to their pet.

“You spend too much money on your pet” (Continued)

How they choose to spend their money is their own business. This comment can make them feel like you’re judging them for investing in their pet’s well-being. They may take it as you trying to attack their personal choice and priority.

“Pets are a waste of time”

Your opinion may be that pets are a waste of time, but everyone has theirs, and regarding this matter, everyone’s opinion is valid. Just know that they don’t see pets as a waste of time, and that’s why they have them.

“Your pet doesn’t love you; it’s just using you for food”

Saying that someone’s pet doesn’t love them can either tell them that you are ignorant about how pets are or make them think you want to turn them against their pets. Most pets have genuine love for their owners, and the owner doesn’t want you to be the one to decide if their pet loves them.

“Your pet doesn’t love you; it’s just using you for food” (Continued)

Also, animals don’t earn salaries like humans, so it’s only expected that they will depend on their owners for food. A lot of pets behave in certain ways for a food reward, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t love for their owners present.

“You can’t bring your pet here”

Several places have restrictions on pets, and they have good reasons for such rules. However, when communicating it, a blunt statement may seem like you have a personal agenda against their pet. Use a more respectful approach where you explain the reasons for the restriction and share possible alternatives.

“I hate your pet”

It’s okay not to cherish other people’s pets, but saying it to their face is uncalled for, especially when they aren’t forcing you to love them. You have to respect their relationship. Instead of declaring hatred, tell them if their pet causes you discomfort.

“Aren’t you worried about allergies?”

We get it—you’re concerned about the pet owner and allergies they may have, but have you stopped to consider that they have already thought about it? Sometimes, they may not have allergic reactions, but their visitors will. However, it doesn’t mean they can no longer have pets they love.

“Why do you talk to your pet? It can’t understand you”

It’s common for owners to talk with their pets as a way to bond with them. Pets may not decode full sentences as much as they understand tones and body language, but they pick up some words. You don’t expect someone to speak gibberish just because their pet doesn’t get what they are saying.

“Why do you talk to your pet? It can’t understand you” (Continued)

It’s also fun talking to a pet if the owner enjoys it. Know that it doesn’t matter if the pet understands what the owner is saying. This statement can sound like you are belittling them for doing what they enjoy.

“I don’t see why you have a pet”

The truth is, you don’t have to see a reason why anyone has a pet. It’s their choice, their money, and their life. When you express your inability to see a reason, it seems like you’re denying all the positive impacts pets can have on their owners’ lives.

“I don’t see why you have a pet” (Continued)

Look at it this way: You do some things that your parents, friends, and even your partner may not understand. But you see their benefits and enjoy them, and would prefer it if no one trash-talks these things. Assume the same about pet owners.

“You should discipline your pet more”

When it comes to disciplining pets, every owner has their approach. Their approach is usually based on what they believe is best for their pet. Hence, when you tell them how to discipline their pet, especially when they don’t ask for your opinion, it will not sit right with them.

“Pets are replaceable”

A trip to a pet shop will land someone a new pet, but pets aren’t just another animal out there. They are family members with which the owners have an attachment. Just as a lost sibling cannot be replaced, even if another is born, so it is with pets.

“I can’t believe you let your pet sleep in your bed”

Some people enjoy physical contact with their pets so much that they don’t mind their pets sharing a bed with them. Others would rather keep their pets off their beds. It all comes down to choice, and preference.