Being a pet parent means dealing with things that make you laugh, that warm your heart, and that downright gross you out, but we wouldn’t trade it for the world. Knowing this, we’ve put together a list of 15 things we know that we’re guilty of doing as a devoted pet parent – how many can you check off the list?

1. Having more photos of your pet than anything else on your phone

This is probably because your pet can’t do anything without it turning into a photo shoot. Eating? Take a photo. Playing? Take a photo. Sleeping? Take a photo. It’s understandable though – they look adorable doing absolutely anything!

2. Talk about your pet like they are your child

When your friends talk about cute things their babies have done, you’re quick to pipe in with stories about cute things your pet has done. If we have to guess, you probably refer to yourself as mom or dad as well (though maybe not in front of your friends…).

 

3. If you do have younger kids, you likely refer to your pet as your “first born”

If you had kids after you already had your pet in your life, you half-jokingly refer to it as your “first born”. But don’t worry, we totally get it – they really were your first child!

4. Call your pet by a nickname way more often than you call them by their real name

And there’s likely a different illogical nickname for different situations. Of course, you reserve their full names for serious situations so they know you mean business.

 

5. Spend your free time baking them homemade treats

You might not remember the last time you baked something for yourself, but you have an entire Pinterest board dedicated to organic pet treats and you spend many free weekends testing them all out.

6. Be more concerned about what you feed them than what you feed yourself

You don’t think twice about calling a box of macaroni or a handful of crackers and cheese a meal for yourself, but you spend hours researching the ingredients in your pet’s food to ensure what they’re eating is made with
fresh, wholesome ingredients.

 

7. Look for new ways to keep their meals interesting

Not only do you ensure your pet is eating the best food possible, you actively look for healthy new ways to mix it up and keep it interesting.

8. Plan entirely pet-friendly vacations

When you do go on holiday, you wouldn’t dream of leaving your four-legged friend behind. This means going the extra mile to ensure all aspects of the trip are 100% pet friendly, from the travel and accommodations to the fun and games.

 

 

9. Order them a dog-friendly treat when you go through the drive thru

You couldn’t even imagine going to your favorite drive thru without picking up a little something for your pup, whether or not they’re in the car with you. Bonus points if you go so often the employees know your pup’s name and ask where they are when they’re not in the car with you.

10. Let your pet take up most of the bed without complaint

No matter how small your pet is, they somehow still seem to take up 95% of the bed. It’s okay though, you’ve gotten pretty good at sleeping in seemingly impossible positions. Just think of it as another chance to practice your yoga moves, right?

 

 

11. Throw them a human-style birthday party

As any (pet or human) parent knows, birthdays are a big deal. We’re talking personalized invitations, decorations, cake, loot bags for all the guests, and a photographer – because if any event is worthy of a professional photo shoot, it’s your pet’s birthday party.

12. Feel a bit jealous when our pet initially chooses to sit with you, but then goes to someone else

Especially for owners of pets who love to make new friends, it’s hard not to feel a little bit jealous when your pet chooses your company over meeting someone new. It’s also not hard to feel a little bit hurt when they inevitably decide that you’ll be okay on your own for a few minutes while they go check out what the new guy with the unguarded plate of food is up to.

 

 

13. Sit somewhere much longer than you intended because your pet is on your lap

You know it’s a true honor when your pet chooses your lap as the perfect resting place, so there’s no way you can get up until they decide to move. No matter how late you’re running or how badly you need to go to the restroom…

14. Find ways to incorporate them into your biggest events, such as your wedding

No special day would be complete without your beloved pet by your side, so you look for any chance to
get them involved. Whether it’s giving them a special role in the event or a subtle nod with the decorations, your pet will have its place.

15. Choose your entertainment based on what you think might interest them

Even though you’re not 100% sure your pet is listening, or even cares for that matter, you always make sure to take their interests into account when choosing something new to listen to. If this sounds like you, we’ve got something we’re sure you and your pet are going to love.

The Freshpet family is excited to announce our new podcast
‚Pet Parents, Oversharing‘!

 

 

Hosted by Andrea Shapiro, cat mom and former dog walker, and Kaity Reagle, dog mom to a shih tzu mix named Floof Boi, they dive into the completely ridiculous, gross and magical cult you join the moment you become a pet parent. ‚Pet Parents, Oversharing‘ is available to listen to on
Apple Podcast,
Stitcher, and wherever you find your
favorite podcasts.