Are we “pet parents” or “pet guardians”?

[kiwilrdg]

I do not use the term parent since a parent prepares their young for a life beyond the immediate family. Owner makes the dog too much like livestock. Guardian is a pretty good word because I am the dominant family member over the dogs, but it still is not right for the partnership since a dog will do anything they can to help the family. Terms to describe human interactions are just not right.

I guess my dogs are my dogs and I am their human.

[KZoppa]

i am a pet owner. Though they are like children at times, they are still animals and my pets. I love them. But my kids are still and always will be above the animals.

[Zoeys mom]

I'm not my dog's mom per say since I did not birth them, but I am their adopted mom and they are a part of my family. Sure they are treated differently than my non furry kids but I can't think of a better term really.

[Chicagocanine]

Owner. I sometimes will call them my "babies" or call myself "mom" and I used to tell people that Ginger (my Golden) didn't know she was adopted, but at the end of the day I am their owner.

The legal implications of "guardian" are very disturbing and there are some organizations trying to get the legal term changed, so I avoid that term. Pet parent is a little better because I think it is more of a 'cute' way to refer to them because there is no legal issue there, but although I sometimes use "mom" "parent" just sounds odd to me.