Why I Don’t Refer to Animals as Pets or Their People as Owners

When I began my professional career as an animal communicator in the 1970s, I made a conscious decision: I would not refer to animals as pets or to people as their owners.

Why?

The term pet is inherently condescending. Its definition implies something that is owned, disposable, or existing merely for human amusement. Even today, dictionary definitions have hardly changed. A common entry reads:

“An animal kept by humans for enjoyment, pleasure, amusement, entertainment, or companionship rather than for utility or work.”

This description reduces animals to objects of human use and diminishes their dignity.



Choosing Respectful Language
Instead, I use terms that honor equality in relationship: animal companion, animal friend, or animal family member. These words reflect the truth that animals are fellow beings with intelligence, sentience, and soul.

I know many people who say pet don’t consciously view their animal friends as possessions or disposable objects. But the words we choose carry energy and influence. By uplifting our language, we expand and deepen our perception. Using more respectful terms helps us see animals as they truly are—spiritual beings with whom we can communicate when we open to our natural telepathic connection.

Beyond Ownership
Likewise, I don’t call people owners of animals. Animals are not property. They are companions with their own lives, purposes, and spiritual journeys. I prefer words such as the animal’s person, guardian, human friend, or caretaker.

When we move beyond limiting concepts of ownership, and rediscover how to communicate with animals, we discover something profound: animals are not only companions, they are also teachers, healers, and guides.

A Paradigm Shift
This shift in language signals a new paradigm—one where animals are recognized as conscious partners in life, not possessions. It encourages us to deepen our relationships with them and to remember the telepathic connection that has always been available.

Animals have never lost their awareness of themselves as spiritual beings. They continue to communicate telepathically, waiting for us to remember and rejoin the conversation.

Moving Forward Together
It is heartening to witness how human awareness has evolved over the past fifty years. More and more people now understand that animals are not “less than” but are fellow travelers on Earth.

We are privileged to share this planet with all species. When we shift our perceptions and reclaim our ability to communicate with our fellow beings, we enrich not only our connection with animals but also our connection with all of life.