What is Your Pet Parent Personality?

Pets are part of the family, and just like children, they need a lot of teaching, guidance, and care. Pet moms and dads tend to fall into one of six distinct parenting styles (or a combination of two or more). While some pet parents are more rules-oriented, others are more permissive and laid back. Some worry more than others about cleanliness and safety, while others have a more free-spirited approach.

Your pet parenting style is a reflection of both your and your pet’s personalities, your pet’s breed, and your home environment.

What is your pet parenting personality? Take the pet quiz to find out!

What is Your Pet Parent Personality?

Let’s Find Out!

1. It’s your day off, what are you and your pet most likely to do?

Stay home and cuddle

Go to the dog park

Bring my pet to the groomer

Work on training together

Whatever my pet wants to do

Go to the pet store to get the latest pet toy

2. What do you give your pet for a special reward?

A pet-safe, allergy-free treat

A playdate with one of their little pet friends

A yummy treat that won’t make a mess

Verbal praise or small treat for following directions

A little bit of food off my plate

Locally-made organic treats that were featured in a pet blog

3. Which pet product are you most likely to purchase for your pet?

An ID collar and microchip in case my pet becomes separated from me

An adorable outfit

A grooming product

A no-pull leash to work on leash manners

Something that catches my eye while grocery shopping

A pet language translator (talking buttons)

4. You’re eating pizza and your pet is begging for a little morsel. What do you do?

Tear off a small piece of crust - you don’t want them to choke!

Give your pet a piece and snap a pic for Instagram

Place a small piece in their food bowl, so they don’t get it on the carpet

Stay firm; begging is not allowed

Let them take a bite of your pizza slice - sharing is caring!

Do a quick google search to see if the ingredients are healthy for your pet

5. Where does your pet sleep?

Right next to me, in case they have a bad dream.

In their designer pet bed, because they look so cute sleeping there!

In their crate or cubby in a separate room because I don’t want pet hair in my bedroom

In their designated safe space, where I have trained them to sleep

Wherever my pet feels most comfortable - it’s up to them!

In a donut-shaped pet “nest” that has over 5,000 five-star reviews

6. You need to leave your pet home alone for a short period of time, what do you do?

I tell my pet that I‘ll be back soon, and give them lots of hugs and kisses

I put on their personalized music playlist and give them a special treat before I leave

I place my pet in a pet-proof area to avoid accidents or messes

My pet is trained to go in their crate or carrier before I leave the house

My pet is free to roam around the house while I’m gone

I set up my new pet cam so I can check on my pet on my phone app

7. Your pet goes on a car ride with you, where are they sitting?

My pet travels in a crate or carrier in the back seat, where they are the safest

In the passenger seat, where they can easily access their favorite drive-through treat

In the backseat, on a protective car seat cover

My pet knows how to hop up into the backseat, where they have been taught to ride

My pet is free to move around the car, and usually ends up on my lap

Secured in a veterinarian- and pet parent-recommended clip-in harness

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Here's a breakdown of the types of pet parent personalities and what they mean:

1. The Helicopter Parent

Do you avoid car rides, dog parks, and leaving your pet home alone because you are worried about their emotional and physical well-being? As a mobile veterinary practice, we totally get it. Otherwise known as “The Worrier,” Helicopter Pet Parents tend to be very focused on safety. Some may call it overprotective, but we call it being a responsible pet parent! 

Tip for Helicopter Pet Parents: Pets pick up on their parents’ anxiety, so if your pet needs to deal with a situation that is a little out of their comfort zone, try to keep your voice and demeanor calm so that your pet feels secure. Consider mobile vet care; it’s a great option for anxious pets (and their parents) because pets are always happiest in a familiar environment with their family.

2. The Proud Pet Mom/Dad

Do you think of your pet as your child? Is your camera roll filled with pics of your pet looking their cutest? You are not alone! According to a recent study, over 95% of pet parents report that they view their pets as a part of the family. Proud Pet Moms and Dads love dressing up their pets, sharing them with friends on social media, and bringing them to pet-friendly places to show them off. 

Tip for Proud Pet Moms and Dads: Before you bring your pet out and about, make sure they are up-to-date on all their immunizations. 

3. The Neat Freak Pet Parent

Do you love your pets but also love a tidy, germ-free home? As in-home veterinarians, we respect your need for clean! Neat Freak Parents look for the best vacuums for pet hair, the most effective nontoxic cleaning products, and pet shampoo to keep your pet looking (and smelling) their best. 

Tip for Neat Freak Pet Parents: Bathing your dog or cat is fine, but doing so more often than every 2-3 weeks can dry out their skin, leading to itchiness. In between baths, you can spot-clean with waterless shampoo or a damp washcloth. Healthy cats typically do not require baths because they are very conscientious about cleaning themselves. When in doubt, your veterinarian can advise you on the best bathing schedule and products for your pet, especially if they have sensitive skin or are prone to itch and infection.

4. The Trainer

Do you research all the current and best ways to train your pet and put in the work to teach your dog or cat how to follow basic commands? The Trainer Pet Parent establishes their role as the alpha (leader) from day one. Trainer Pet Parents expect their pets to be well-behaved, and it shows! 

Tip for Trainer Pet Parents: Make sure that your training methods are appropriate for the age and breed of your pet. For help coming up with the best training plan for your pet, consult your veterinarian or a pet behavior specialist. 

5. The Laid Back Pet Parent

Do you approach pet parenting with a casual attitude and allow your pet to develop their personality without much interference from you? Then you may be a Laid Back Pet Parent. You might allow your pet to bend the rules or you may not have any rules at all (within reason). Laid back people often become Laid Back Pet Parents, and don’t think twice about allowing their pets on the furniture and on the bed.

Tip for Laid Back Pet Parents: Balance your tendency to let your pet rule with firm limits so that your position as the leader of the pack is clear to your pup or kitty. 

6. The Modern Super Pet Parent

Do you look for the latest gadgets, pet accessories, and tech tools to make your job as a pet parent easier and more fun? Then you might be a Modern Super Pet Parent. Whether you are looking for the best leash, harness, nutrition program, or veterinarian, you want what’s best for your pet, and you turn to the internet to find the most up-to-date information and trends.

Tip for Modern Super Pet Parents: Reading reviews online can be very helpful when making decisions for your pet, but if you’re looking for accurate information about your pet’s health and development, a licensed veterinarian is always the best place to start. 

BetterVet Can Help Support Your Pet’s Health and Well-Being

We hope you had fun learning about your pet parent personality. Do you have questions about your pet’s behavior, health, or well-being? Our in-home veterinarians are here to support your pet’s health and well-being as well as the unique bond between you and your pet.