Kritters That Twitter

Fetch Seeks a Graphic Artist in New York City

03/25/2012 Kritter Kondo One comment

There are some really cool and pawesome jobs in the Pet Industry right now. Many of them I have been posting here on our Blog for you to have a sneak peak and then click over to the application page. This morning, I received in my pee-mail, a very interesting and helfpul article from Mashable (one of my favorite Twitter friendly sites for up to date Techy information). The blog post is titled "How to Leverage Your Personality Type to Nail the Interview". The post gives some great tips and ideas about landing an interview by honing in on your natural characteristics. I thought it pretty appropriate for this post I am putting up today which is a description of a job at Fetch. They are currently seeking a Graphic Artist for their New York City location. Check it out! As always, let me know if you have any questions or feedback. Happy Funday!

Job Description

Fetch … for pets! is looking for a graphic artist to join our team!

Fetch is an innovator of Pet Supplies including the world famous Pet Head grooming line (http://www.petheadshop.com).

We need the following qualifications:

(1) Strong illustrating capability. (eg. Draw a dog toy from Scratch or design dog clothing)

(2) Strong technical design capabilities (eg. Doing clothing tech packs for overseas supplier)

(3) Experience working with packaging and display vehicles (eg. Designing a cardboard display to hold our products. Must not only be pretty, but conform to a certain spec and designed to hold the weight of the product.)

(4) Fashion clothing design ability & experience required.

(5) Experience of at least 3 years post college performing all of the above functions.

What we are NOT looking for:

(1) Logo designer

(2) Print/Digital Media designer

(3) Textile print designer.

Approximate salary range is $40,000 plus benefits.

APPLY HERE

Best Friends Animal Society Seeks Fundraising Coordinator in Salt Lake City Utah

03/21/2012 Kritter Kondo No comments

Job Description

Location: Kanab, UT, Salt Lake City, UT Los Angeles, CA

Reports to: New MediaFundraising Manager, will work closely with Direct Response Marketing SeniorManager

PositionSummary: The Direct Response Fundraising Coordinatorwill work as part of the Direct Response team to initiate and manage outboundappeals from inception through execution. Working with both online and offline impacts, this roll will havecritical responsibility for managing “traffic” (progress from concept throughcompletion) of appeals. This positionwill work to keep fundraising impacts on time, and will work withCommunications and other members of the Development Division to ensure smoothcollaboration. The Coordinator will alsointerface with key vendors who are responsible for different aspects of thesefundraising programs. Additionally, thisposition will coordinate the Best Friends animal sponsorship program tomaximize the donor experience, as well as keeping enhanced thank-you programs(phone calls, emails and mailings) on track for key donor groups.

Key Responsibilities:

Traffic Management of Email Appeals, Mailings, andSocial Media fundraising:

Developand execute appeal schedules for all fundraising impacts, ensure deadlineadherence from all involved (Development, Communications, Marketing, andVendors).
Schedulemeetings, take notes, and facilitate meetings and resource needs.
Providesupport to the New Media Fundraising Manager and the Direct Response MarketingSenior Manager. Includes meeting andtravel scheduling, paperwork, reporting, and other duties as assigned.
Coordinateenhanced acknowledgement processes (via phone, email and mail) for donor groupsincluding mid-range donors, monthly donors and donors new to Best Friends.
Provideback-up staffing for Direct Response Senior Manager and New Media FundraisingManager.
Maintainshared Google Calendar for appeals, noting planned and actual drop dates.

Animal Sponsorship Fundraising

APPLY HERE

PetCare RX Seeks Email Marketing Manager in NYC

03/21/2012 Kritter Kondo No comments

Job Description

Position: While pets garner a tremendous amount of loyalty from their owners, no competitor in this industry has strong customer loyalty. This provides an opportunity for PetCareRx to develop an industry-leading customer relationship program that drives deep engagement in a community of pet parents and service providers. An essential component of the CRM strategy will be a comprehensive lifecycle email marketing program that inspires and motivates pet parents to take the necessary steps to help their pet lead a happier, healthier. This exciting opportunity to design a market-leading email program requires a manager with strong expertise in email marketing and production and a passion for pets and enhancing people’s lives.

Responsibilities:

The Email Manager will have full responsibility for driving our email marketing programs. The successful candidate will have a good understanding of email strategy, design and production, including experience managing the production and delivery of regular, personalized promotional emails as well as lifecycle campaigns. This position has lots of growth potential, and provides the unique opportunity to create an industry-leading email program from the ground up. Specific responsibilities include:

Plan and execute email campaigns from conception to launch including: identifying business goals, managing creative development, completing customer segmentation, building email creative, pre-deployment testing, and deployment.
Manage email development pipeline. Prioritize new programs, identify email requirements and timelines to support upcoming marketing campaigns and site enhancements, work with stakeholders to ensure on time delivery.
Management of data architecture in Exact Target and submitting requirements to data warehouse team and internal tech team to build campaigns.
Complete comprehensive reporting for email campaigns and the overall email program and identifying opportunities new customer engagement campaigns and areas for improvement.

APPLY HERE

Nestle Purina Seeks Staff Engineer

03/21/2012 Kritter Kondo No comments

Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY:
Primary responsibilities include the design, estimation, and execution of plant capital projects. Projects require attention to mechanical, electrical, industrial, and safety design. Additional key responsibilities include the investigation and resolution to existing plant operational issues as well as investigations into existing opportunities in plant operations.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Initiative of plant capital projects including design, estimation, justification, and project submission for approval.

Execution of approved capital projects including purchasing, cost control, installation plan, and start- up.

Responsible for the cost schedule and performance for assigned projects and provides assistance in the development of annual capital budget.

Supervision of contractors, as required for projects. Directs the installation of new equipment and/or modification/rearrangement of existing equipment for assigned projects.

Inspects and advises on all areas of the plan for equipment design, evaluation and troubleshooting.

Daily interaction with maintenance and production team leaders to provide engineering assistance to them, as needed.

Development and implementation of energy conservation and utilities projects.

Contributes to other plant wide initiatives, as assigned.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Supporting company initiatives (e.g., NCE, Wast Reduction, etc.)

APPLY FOR THIS PET JOB HERE

Dog Living within this Cat

03/17/2012 Kritter Kondo 5 comments

This cat is hysterical! He seriously acts like a canine, playing fetch, sitting all perked up like a dog. Too funny! Does your kitty cat play fetch?

Abigail and Madison (RIP Madi, we love and miss you!) would NEVER!

Pet Care Products You can Make at Home

03/17/2012 Kritter Kondo 3 comments

How to Make Your Own Natural Pet Care Products

If your favorite type of companion is furry and has four legs and a tail, chances are you have pets at home. Most pet owners want the very best for their cats and dogs, and what could be better for them than safe pet care products that you've prepared yourself at home? Not only will you have peace of mind knowing your homemade goodies are free of harsh chemicals and toxins, you'll also avoid spending exorbitant amounts of money on the expensive products that you usually purchase at your local pet store. Here are some easy recipes for some great pet care products that both you and your best pet friend will love.

Basic Shampoo

You can make a very simple shampoo that can be used on cats and dogs by mixing together 1 cup of mild dish soap, 1 cup of apple cider vinegar, 1 cup of water, and 1 teaspoon of glycerin in a bowl. Using a funnel, pour the mixture into a clean plastic bottle. Recycled shampoo or dish soap bottles work nicely for storing your homemade pet shampoo. Remember to label the bottle and include the ingredients used for future reference. Apply the shampoo on wet fur as you would with store-bought shampoo, and be sure to rinse completely before towel-drying your pet.

Oatmeal Shampoo

If your pet has dry skin, oatmeal shampoo is the way to go. Using a coffee grinder or food processor, grind up 1 cup of oatmeal. Add the ground oatmeal along with 1 cup of baking soda to 1 quart of water and stir until the mixture is well-blended. Gently massage the oatmeal shampoo into your pet's wet fur and rinse well.

Aromatherapy Flea Shampoo for Dogs

Essential oils work wonders when used in pet care products. When used appropriately they can be very therapeutic as well as fragrant. To make a dog shampoo that will help keep flea problems at bay, mix together 1 cup of water, 1/2 cup of liquid Castile soap, 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar, 1/4 cup of glycerin, 2 drops of lemon oil, 2 drops of citronella oil, 4 drops of lavender oil, and 4 drops of rosemary oil. Blend the ingredients together thoroughly and then use a funnel to pour them into a plastic bottle. Use it as you would the basic shampoo–and don't forget to label it.

Pet Conditioner

Conditioner will not only help you comb any tangles or mats out of your pet's fur, it will leave their coats shiny and healthy looking as well. You can make a conditioner that can be used following any of the above shampoo recipes by bringing 4 cups of water to a boil on your stovetop. Once the water is rapidly boiling, remove it from heat and add to it 2 tablespoons of dried or fresh rosemary and 1 tablespoon of dried or fresh lavender herb. Let the hot water and herbs steep for approximately 15 minutes, and then filter out the herbs by pouring the mixture into a colander that has been lined with cheesecloth. Allow the infused water to cool before pouring it into a plastic bottle for storage.

Pet Cleaner

If you would like to make a natural pet cleaner that you can use to clean up after accidents, mix together 2 cups of hydrogen peroxide, 2 tablespoons of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of liquid dish soap. After you've mixed it well, apply it to the soiled area and scrub with a damp sponge or washrag. Rinse the area completely and repeat as necessary.

Carpet Deodorizer

Pet accidents can leave your carpets and upholstery less than fresh-smelling–and most of the carpet deodorizers on the market simply mask the odor temporarily. You can make your own carpet deodorizer that will not just cover the odor–it will help eliminate it as well. To make a natural carpet powder, add a few drops of the essential oil of lavender per 1 cup of baking soda, making sure to break up any clumps that the oil may form. Sprinkle the baking soda on your carpet and let stand for a bit before vacuuming it up. You can substitute the lavender with any one of your favorite essential oils, or opt for ground-up herbs in place of the oil if you wish.

Pet care products are easy and fun to make, and they'll save you a bundle in the long run. Most importantly, your pet will benefit from safe, natural, Earth-friendly products made by your loving hands.

Guest post from Adam. Adam writes for FrugalDad.com, a frugal living and coupon site.

Do You Purrfer the Swedish or Sports Massage?

03/13/2012 Kritter Kondo One comment

Kitten Massage – watch more funny videos

About Lovebirds

03/13/2012 Kritter Kondo 2 comments

The King and Queen of Fidelity: Love Birds

Guest Post

Contrary to popular belief, lovebirds do well living alone as when they are with their partners. These birds are very social animals. There are species that can even be taught how to talk, just like that of a parrot, give time and constant interaction. They can get too noisy with their constant chirps and squeaks. Because they are vey active birds, they can be trained to do a number of tricks.

Before you get yourself a pair of these lovely birds, make sure that you have had the necessary knowledge when it comes to their care and upkeep. Also get your new lovebird be checked by a reputed veterinarian to ensure that it is in its optimal health. Should you see notice warning signs of illness in your birds, get them to the doctor immediately. These signs include change in behavior, riffled feathers, sitting with closed eyes, runny nose, sleeping a lot, tail bobbing, excessive scratching, sneezing, odd breathing, and changes in its droppings.

Housing

The minimum requirements for the size of their cage is 30 by 30 by 18 inches with bar spacing that is not more than three-quarters of an inch apart. Lovebirds are very active animals so they will needs toys to play with and keep them entertained. Over time, you should be able to point out the kinds of toys that they prefer along with the color and material types. Position the cage in a place where the bird will constantly see active moment. This is important so that it will feel that it is part of the flock. The quiet corner of a family room would be the most ideal. Cover the cage at night.

Always ensure that the cage and the toys remain clean. Replace the cage paper and wash the bowls every day. Disinfect the cage at least once in two weeks. These birds have very sensitive respiratory systems so keep them away from smoke, deodorizers, uncommon scents, and other fumes. Note that heated Teflon and polymers can create toxic fumes that can kill the bird.

Diet

You have the option to feed your bird with a seed base or a pellet base. However, you should still throw in fresh fruits (like apples, blackberries, and blueberries) and vegetables (like broccoli, carrots, parsley, and spinach) into their diet. Make sure that you have removed any remnants of pesticides and other chemicals on these fresh produce by washing them well. Chop these fruits and vegetables into small bits so that your lovebird can easily eat it.

Grooming

Lovebirds enjoy bathing that they can do so several times in a week (mostly about three or more times in a week) to keep their feathers in the best condition. Make sure that they cage comes equipped with water dishes that are able to hold at least a quarter deep of room temperature water. You can even just mist them with lukewarm water with the use of a light sprayer. Note, though, that not all lovebirds will enjoy this.

Resource Box:

Amy C. takes a fancy in blogging about the treatment and care of animals. She is especially interested in writing about reptiles like snakes and lizards. When she is not writing about these, she does administrative work and blogging activities for Greyside Group, a maritime security and executive protection company. Check out her next blog post for her next featured animal.

Dog Agility Fail

03/11/2012 Kritter Kondo 2 comments

OMD when you have to go…. you have to go.

PetSmart Seeks a Strategic Planning Analyst in Florida

03/10/2012 Kritter Kondo No comments

Desired Skills & Experience

Bachelor's degree required, with a focus on Business. 2-3 years of progressively more responsible experience in strategic planning, financial consulting, or related field preferred. Record of successful application of financial analysis supporting business objectives or strategic planning function desired. MBA and retail experience preferred.

Demonstrated strong skill set in conducting secondary research and applying advanced excel and powerpoint techniques. Ability to work independently and as a functioning member of a team. Strong client relationship building and communication skills required. Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills, presentation and report writing/structuring skills required. Strong leadership potential and the ability to articulate complex business concepts and present coherent solutions required.

Apply Now

Freshpet Seeks Director of Research and Development in Philadelphia

03/10/2012 Kritter Kondo No comments

Job Description

Freshpet is a small entrepreneurial company that began making fresh foods for pets in 2007. The company was started with the goal of changing the way pets are nourished and cared for in America and revolutionizing the $16 billion pet food industry along the way. Freshpet sales have quadrupled since 2008, and have plans to experience the same aggressive growth in 2012 and 2013. Our company is a small group of people (70+) who are highly skilled in their respective areas with the ability to get things done. The R&D department is in need of a talented, knowledgeable and self-motivated consumer packaged goods professional. This Director position offers the unique experience of working on a national brand with an opportunity to have a dramatic impact on the business, as well as involvement in key aspects of our organization.

The ideal candidate should have 10+ years experience in the food research industry with hands on experience in a testing laboratory or pilot plant formulating and preparing meat based products. Experience with refrigerated products or extensive pet food background is needed. Applicant should be innovative and creative with a basic knowledge of chemistry, microbiology and statistics. Basic understanding and working knowledge of formulating products, nutrition and Federal/State Food Regulations is also desired as well as an understanding of Quality and HACCP Principles.

APPLY NOW

Caturday Chatter

03/10/2012 Kritter Kondo 6 comments

Hey guys, Lisa and Abigail here! Hope you had a fabulous weekend and are enjoing your pets and hoomans. I wanted to get a personal post up on our Blog tonight. Since Madison passed, I have not been motivated to blog. He was the one in charge of posting and even did some of his own writing, so it has just been something I have been avoiding. I decided that tonight I would push myself to type something and not just post a video or job opening (which is what I have been doing here and there the past week or so).

Abigial is doing pretty good, she is still kind of confused without her brother and wants me to be in the same room with her all the time. Madison and she would go off on their own and crash or hang out under the kitchen table while I would be working in my office. Now she sits with me or meows for me to come upstairs and hang with her. I have been giving her lots of attention, and I think she is loving all the one on one time. I am thinking about a little kitten, maybe a younger brother for her to lead around. Madison was always leading her around, it might be her time to be the leader. I have contacted a few adoption places and put the word out we are looking for an FIV kitten. Let's see what comes back.

In honor of Madison who is still with us in spirit and alway will be, and my fur baby girl Abigail who is my precious princess; I am posting some photos. Enjoy!

Thanks for reading and being patient while we slowly get back into the swing again….. xoxoxo

Lisa and Abigail

Mirror Mirror on the Wall, Who is the Fairest Kitty of Them All

03/08/2012 Kritter Kondo No comments

Pet Safety and Boating

03/07/2012 Kritter Kondo No comments

Keeping Your Pet Safe While Boating – Guest Post

If you're a boat owner, you've probably taken all the precautions to keep your passengers safe. Don't forget to keep your passengers with paws safe, too. Here are some key safety tips to keep your dog or cat safe while boating:

1. Have your pet wear a life jacket at all times.

This rule applies even to natural swimmers like the Labrador retriever. Even good swimmers can't keep dogpaddling forever, and choppy water taxes even the strongest dogs. Beyond that, there may be rip currents that can pull your pet away from the boat and large waves to pull him under.

When you look for a life jacket, make sure it's the right size and is adjusted correctly. It should fit snugly without chafing and be comfortable enough to allow for easy breathing. Choose a brightly-colored life jacket so you can spot your pet easily. If you're boating at night, choose a life jacket with reflective strips.

Introduce the life jacket in a positive and enthusiastic manner. Before expecting him to wear it on a boat, gradually get him used to the device by letting him wear it for several short sessions while playing at a lake.

2. Attach a leash to your pet, and be sure that it floats.

Attaching a leash to your pet's life jacket will give you something easy to reach if your pet falls into the water. Do not use a retractable leash because the handle will weigh the leash down. A sinking leash is useless and can even get caught in the boat's motor. Instead, attach either a floating key chain to the handle of the leash, or wrap the end in bubble wrap.

3. If you worry that your pet may jump or fall into the water, keep him secured.

This is especially important as you approach the dock. Many pets become excited at the sight of land and may jump off the boat prematurely. This can lead to getting caught underneath the dock or trapped between the boat and the dock. One option is to tether one end of the leash to the boat and the other to his life jacket. On a boat, never tether a dog or cat by a leash attached to the collar. If he jumps overboard, his collar may hang him.

Another way to secure your pet is with a carrier. Larger carriers will give him a little more room to stretch his legs on a long boat ride. Foldable carriers are the easiest to bring onto a boat.

4. Secure toys during the boat ride.

If a loose toy falls overboard, there's a good chance that your pet may jump into the water to fetch it. Unless you are using the toy, keep it in a secure place.

5. Have a way for your pet to get onto the boat.

There are ladders specially made for pets to get onto a boat, and this can be a lifesaver if he falls overboard. Strong cats that have their claws can often climb aboard a piece of carpet.

6. Be alert to your pet's nervousness.

Bouncing across a rough wake with a noisy motor makes some pets nervous, especially cats. A pet that's quivering when boarding the boat may make a last-chance leap into the water as the boat pulls away from the dock. Because they have a gentle ride and a quiet motor, a pontoon boat may be the answer for nervous pets. They also have higher sides to prevent jumping or falling overboard. The good news is that even nervous pets often come to enjoy a boat ride. If not, a very nervous pet may need to be left at home for his own safety and happiness.

7. Bring plenty of fresh bottled water.

Even though you're on the water, it may be too contaminated, dirty or salty for your pet to drink.

8. Keep your pet's records onboard if you're boating between countries or states.

Some countries or even states may require your pet's vaccination records. If you can't produce them, your dog or cat may be quarantined.

Lee M. is a freelance writer who loves water sports and pets, especially the water-loving Labrador retriever. Her favorite vacations have been spent snorkeling from a pontoon boat in Florida.

Cats Watching Lions on Video

03/07/2012 Kritter Kondo One comment

Grab the nipcorn and bowl of milk, let's watch some Lion videos together kitties!

Rescuers Save Dog from Australia Flooding

03/04/2012 Kritter Kondo No comments

A very important reminder of all the hardwork rescuers put forth during natural tragedies to save people and their pets.

Drop Kisses on CJ’s Head Hop

03/04/2012 Kritter Kondo No comments

Happy FUNDAY, this is the Saturday Pet Blog Hop, but I am a day late.

Follow your co-hosts listed in the first 3 slots of the Linky Tool.

Follow as many other blogs on the linky as you’d like.

Take a moment to comment on the blogs telling them you’re from the blog hop.

Follow back when you get a new follower through the Saturday Pet Blogger Hop.

Make friends and grow. ♥ *note –

Today's theme is "DROP".
Drop a kiss on CJ's wittle head!

(For those of you who want to learn about CJ's Story, click here)

***

Nestle Purina Seeks Staff Engineer in St. Joseph, MO

03/03/2012 Kritter Kondo No comments

Job Description

Primary responsibilities include the design, estimation, and execution of plant capital projects. Projects require attention to mechanical, electrical, industrial, and safety design. Additional key responsibilities include the investigation and resolution to existing plant operational issues as well as investigations into existing opportunities in plant operations.

Desired Skills & Experience

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Initiative of plant capital projects including design, estimation, justification, and project submission for approval.

Execution of approved capital projects including purchasing, cost control, installation plan, and start- up.

Responsible for the cost schedule and performance for assigned projects and provides assistance in the development of annual capital budget.

Supervision of contractors, as required for projects. Directs the installation of new equipment and/or modification/rearrangement of existing equipment for assigned projects.

Inspects and advises on all areas of the plan for equipment design, evaluation and troubleshooting.

Daily interaction with maintenance and production team leaders to provide engineering assistance to them, as needed.

Development and implementation of energy conservation and utilities projects.

Contributes to other plant wide initiatives, as assigned.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Supporting company initiatives (e.g., NCE, Wast Reduction, etc.)

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION:
B.S. or Master's degree in Engineering from an accredited university.

Apply for Nestle Purina Job Here

TruPanion Pet Insurance Seeks a Communications Manager in Seattle

03/03/2012 Kritter Kondo No comments

Job Description

Trupanion, North America’s fastest growing pet health insurance company is looking for an exceptional Communication Manager to join our team.As a key member of Trupanion’s Brand & Communication team, the expertise that you bring will continue to raise the bar in the quality, efficiency and effectiveness of our brand. You will work and interact with members of the Leadership, Sales, E-Commerce, Claims, and Customer Service teams. You will have the unique opportunity to manage Trupanion’s corporate image and communicate its value and values to external, partner and internal audiences.

Looking for a highly organized, motivated and self-directed individual with a keen sense of matching strategy with objective and the ability to implement programs and produce strategic communication that engages, informs and inspires. You display acute attention to detail. You have strong planning expertise and a seasoned ability to work with Trupanion’s operations and regulatory teams as well as individual contributors, such as freelance writers, designers, PR advisors, etc.

Do you also have a sense of humor and an ability to have fun while working hard? If so, and you have the ability to consistently deliver high quality results despite competing priorities then you’re someone we want to meet.

Company Description

Trupanion pet insurance offers cat insurance and dog insurance in the United States and Canada.
Trupanion is self-underwritten by the American Pet Insurance Company, allowing Trupanion to offer a
customizable pet insurance policy with no benefit schedules. Enrolled pets receive lifetime coverage for diagnostic tests,
treatments, surgeries, and medications if they become sick or injured with no payout limits. Trupanion’s mission is
to protect the cherished bond between pets and their families by ensuring that pets are able to receive optimal veterinary care.
For more information about Trupanion, call 800-569-7913 or visit http://trupanion.com.

About the North American Pet Health Insurance Association
Trupanion is a founding member of the North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA). Founded 2007, the North American Pet Health Insurance Association is committed to educating and promoting the values and benefits of quality pet health insurance to North American pet owners, the general public, and veterinary community. As an association, we are committed to high standards and transparency in all of our actions and products. To learn more, visit the North American Pet Health Insurance Association website at http://www.naphia.org.

Apply Here

•Follow us on Twitter @Trupanion
•Trupanion Blog: http://blog.trupanion.com
•Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/petinsurance
•YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/trupanion
•Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/trupanion

Trendy Cat and Dog Names

03/03/2012 Kritter Kondo 5 comments

Vetstreet.com Announces Top 10 Trendiest Cat and Dog Names

Tampa, FL (March 2, 2012) – A lot of thought goes into selecting just the right name for a much-anticipated new family member — especially when that addition happens to be a dog or a cat.

Truth be told, we’ve come a long way from the days when names like Spot and Fido sufficed.

As we learned while researching the most popular names given to puppies and kittens in 2011, pet owners are favoring more human-like monikers for their animals — Charlie and Chloe, anyone? — and even pop culture-inspired picks that pay homage to cult movie characters, including Bella from the Twilight series.

Fascinated by these findings, we decided to dig even deeper into the whys and hows of modern-day pet naming, so we culled Vetstreet’s records to determine the feline and canine names that have been trending up over the past 12 years. It turns out that the names we select for our pets say a lot about our culture — and the fact that we have truly come to view pets as indispensable members of the family.

For some added insight about these increasingly popular names, we also asked Laura Wattenberg, author of The Baby Name Wizard and creator of babynamewizard.com, to help us make sense of why less-than-expected monikers, such as Zoey and Bentley, are all the rage these days. (To see the full list, read Top 10 Trendy Dog and Cat Names on Vetstreet.com).

A Guys and Dolls–Style Revival

Popular names like Lulu, Milo, Leo and Louie bear a striking resemblance to a current baby-naming trend that Wattenberg calls “Guys and Dolls–style.” In other words, these are nicknames that are short and cute but somewhat old-fashioned. “Parents are giving pets the more extreme versions of their kids’ names,” says Wattenberg. “While they’re happy to name their children Leo and Max, they aren’t quite ready for Lulu or Milo for their kids.”

Cozy and Cuddly Callouts

The names we choose for animals also symbolize our increasing connection to pets — and this is particularly evident when it comes to female kitty names, such as Lola, Stella, Zoey and Penny. Not only do these picks have a soft, cozy sound to them, but Wattenberg also points out that “the more human names we give our pets, the more family-like a role they tend to play. These names lend a feeling of warmth and personal attachment to the pet.”

Single-Sex Monikers

Another popular pet-naming trend that speaks to our tendency to look at pets as children: single-sex picks like Dexter and Gunner. “Classic unisex pet names used to be about physical characteristics — Spot, Midnight, Fluffy — which you might think of as objectifying today,” says Wattenberg. “Now pets are given more traditional, single-sex human names.”

Pop Culture Options

As long as blockbuster books and flicks continue to hit the market, people will gravitate toward pop culture monikers. A couple of hot names for pets today: Bentley, the name of a baby on Teen Mom, and Nala, a main character in The Lion King.

Speaking of pop culture, it’s worth noting that the Duchess of Cambridge recently revealed her puppy’s name: Lupo (Latin for “wolf”). We’re betting we know the name that will jump to the top of the chart next year.

Did your pet’s name make the list of 10 Trendiest Dog and Cat Names? You can also check out our list of the 10 Least Trendy Dog and Cat Names.

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