Great gender-neutral names for every pet!

Naming your new pet is one of the first things you’ll do as a new pet owner. You might even have a name in mind before you meet for the first time!

 

Looking for gender-neutral inspiration?

There aren’t any rules when it comes to pet names—your only limitation is your imagination. Gender-neutral names are all around us, from everyday objects to food to technology—even the news. 

• Animal: Yes, there are dogs named Dog (Zac Efron named his dog Puppy) and cats named Cat, so think wild! Lion, Tiger, Bear, oh my!
• Breakfast: Are you more of a Toast or Bagel person in the morning?
• Color: Sure, it’s easy to name your pet based on their actual color, but there’s nothing stopping you from naming your tabby cat Silver, Grey or Blue. 
• Dinner: Meat eaters might consider Bacon or Brisket; vegetarians and vegans might prefer Tofu or Bean(s).
• Fruit: What’s in your grocery cart—Apple, Kiwi or Mango?
• Nature elements: Get outside with Sky, Lake or Leaf.
• Travel: Is a trip to Paris or Tokyo on your wish list, or a place closer to home, like Dallas or Salem?

If you’d like a name more suited to humans, you can also look to gender-neutral names like Max, Sandy, Charlie or Alex.

Tips for making the new name stick

While the American Kennel Dog (AKC) does offer suggestions for choosing dog names, many of these suggestions apply to all types of pets!

• Keep it short—names with one or two syllables usually work best, especially for dogs.
• Avoid names that sound like commands—Joe could sound like “no.” 
• Test out the name you would like use for a day or two—that's the name you’ll be using for the life of your pet.
• Once you’ve decided on the name, use it often so your pet can learn it more quickly.
• Use the name in positive and playful settings, like when feeding, petting or playing with your pet to help them learn it.
  
   

Looking for sources to adopt a new pet? Read our guide!  >>