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They’re Not “Just Pets;” The Words Pet Parents Use Around the World

Lifestyles of the Furry & Fabulous 4 min read

Non-pet parents might just see a cat or dog. Meanwhile, those of us with these furry little creatures just see another family member! And we’re not alone in calling them fur kids or fur babies. More and more, people from all around the world are recognizing that pets are no longer “just pets;” they’re full-fledged family members who get a spot in the family holiday cards! That’s why the words pet parents use to describe their furry family members are often more than just their cat or dog. From Mexico to Japan and beyond, here are the words pet parents call their pets something other than just “pets,” and what it means when it comes to how we approach their care and well-being.

The US & Canada: That’s My Fur Kid!

In the US and Canada, those with pets aren’t being ironic when they call themselves “pet parents.” Instead, there’s been a major cultural shift over the years, where people are seeing themselves as not just “owners” but guardians and even parental figures. It makes sense; we do feed them, clean them, and make sure they get proper nutrition to live strong and happy lives. They rely on us, and the love we have for them helps us to give them the best care possible.

That’s why so many are taking the steps to improve their nutrition, their physical fitness, and explore holistic options for improving their health and happiness.

Mexico: Loving Their “Perrijos”

Mexico has a deep history and love of dogs. They’re the origin of iconic Mexican breeds such as the adorably tiny Chihuahua and the ancient Xoloitzcuintli, a breed that dates back at least three thousand years. So, it’s no surprise that pet parents in Mexico have their own adorable way to refer to their fur kids: “perrijo.” It’s a blend of the Spanish words “perro” and “hijo,” literally translating to dog-child.

Brazil: The Furry Sons and Daughters of the Nation

Brazil loves pets! In fact, over 60% of households in Brazil have one or more fur kids, with dogs being the most popular. The mixed breed dog “vira-lata” tends to be popular. They’re a breed without a defined pedigree but have tremendous intelligence and adaptability. But no matter if they’re vira-lata or another breed, many pet parents in Brazil call their babies “filjo” or “filja,” meaning son or daughter – a sign of how much they love their fur babies!

Sri Lanka: It’s a Partnership

Cultural influences in Sri Lanka have led to a compassionate attitude towards pets. In fact, it is not uncommon for some to semi-adopt street dogs, feeding them and taking care of them, even if they still choose to roam freely. It’s no surprise that people refer to furry little ones as “Puthä,” which literally means “Son.”

Maybe one reason people in Sri Lanka tend to value pets is that they recognize that it’s a two-way relationship. We may take care of them, but they also take care of us! “In times of stress, it is good to be with them,” shares one pet parent from a rural area in the country. And true enough, research shows that there are heart health benefits to having a fur kiddo!

Japan: “Mr” Fur Kid

In the Japanese language, there are many honorifics (prefixes and suffixes added to names) to show respect, politeness, or even endearment. What’s super adorable is that many pet parents extend these honorifics to their fur kiddos, which helps make them feel like family. For example, a popular dog name in Japan is Mugi, meaning wheat or grain. Combine that with the cute-sounding, affectionate suffix “-chan,” and you get Mugi-chan. Some even use the suffix “-san,” which would be a tongue-in-cheek way to say “Mr” Mugi!

Germany: The Living Room Tiger

The German language is famous for its compound words, and for learners it can seem like there’s a word for everything. One fun word to refer to pets is the “Stubentiger,” a combination of the words for living room and tiger. Similar to the English term “land shark,” stubentiger is a fun way to instantly call to mind those zany zoomies on the couch where our pets probably do in fact feel like a wild animal.

What the Shift Between “Pet” and “Family” Means

Ultimately, whether you are raising a perrijo in Mexico, a beloved son in Sri Lanka, or a fur kiddo in your home country, the feeling is the same across all borders. The words pet parents use all reflect the desire for our fur kids to live their best lives. If you want to learn how a holistic approach can help your fur kid through tough times, whether it’s cancer, arthritis, or even if you just want to take a proactive approach, we can help. Click the chat box below to get connected with an NHV Pet Expert, and we can help your fur kiddo feel better, naturally.

NHV Pet Experts

NHV Pet Experts

We have a dedicated group of pet expert professionals, including veterinarians, vet techs, and other pet professionals to guide you through any questions. We’re committed to your pet’s wellness and can offer additional tips, resources, nutritional advice, and more.

Published: July 9, 2026

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