30 Spot-on Signs You’re a Dog Mom or Dad

Does your dog have their own social media? Do you throw birthday parties for her? Here are 30 signs you are a dog mom or dad.

30 Spot-on Signs You’re a Dog Mom or Dad

Are you a dog parent? For many of us, our dogs have become an essential part of our home, a part of our family that’s more child than animal. After all, we share a large part of our lives with them, including meals, going on walks and even sleeping together.

So does your dog have their own social media? Friends to invite to their birthday party? These are just a few signs that, yes, you are a dog mom or dad. Welcome to the club. Your dog has certainly left pawprints on your heart.

1. You Have a Booster Seat in Your Car for the Dog

Hey, your dog has to be able to see out the window, too, right?

People may glance in your car and think you have a human child, but nope, that booster seat is so Princess can see out the window as the world rolls by.

We particularly like booster seats that actually help your dog ride safer.

2. You Own a Minivan but Have No Kids

Move over soccer moms, you have nothing on dog parents. You pull up in your minivan that you bought just because it could fit all your dog’s gear, including crates, toys, multiple leashes, raincoats and, of course, their favorite dog beds.

After all, your dog can’t go anywhere without their accouterments, particularly a portable food and water dish. We don't do dehydration.

3. Your Coworkers Know More About Your Dog Than They Do You

Whether they want to or not, your coworkers can tell anyone your dog’s name, age, breed, height, weight, birthday, favorite toy, favorite sleeping position, favorite treat … the list goes on.

You? They are pretty sure your birthday is in September. Maybe?

If you really want to go the extra mile, you could fill out a dog keepsake book to fill in newcomers on all your pup's important deets.

4. Your Phone Has 2,000 Photos, and Your Dog Is in Every. Single. One.

Let’s face it, your dog is just plain photogenic, and to not photograph them 10 times a day would be a crime.

When someone asks to see a photo of your significant other, you have to scroll frantically through to find just one blurry one of them with your beloved furry pet.

5. If a Store Doesn’t Allow Pets, You Don’t Waste Your Time

Shopping is always better with your best friend! Plus, you don’t want to leave them at home or in the car, so naturally, they have to come inside with you.

That means if the store doesn’t allow pets, you go somewhere else. After all, if Tank isn’t welcome, you don’t want to go there.

Besides, Target probably doesn't carry the matching outfits you were looking for anyway.

6. Same Goes for Dog-Friendly Restaurants

How can you share a meal with your dog if they’re not invited in? Just like shopping, you don’t want to leave your favorite bud at home or in the car, so you only eat at restaurants that allow your dog to come.

Bonus points if they have special menu items like a dog patty or a puppuccino. And if they don't get enough to eat at the restaurant, you can give them another treat when you get home.

7. Your Dog Is Your Copilot

You’re all set for the road trip. You have everything: snacks, drinks, directions, spending money. But the most important thing is your dog, who rides shotgun next to you, even if someone else is coming with you.

They either have to sit in the back or hold your dog on their lap because that front seat really belongs to your fluffy companion.

Aviators included.

8 When You’re Invited to a Party, You Ask If Your Dog Can Attend

Is your auto-response to an invite to ask if your dog can come? Then, you are definitely a dog parent. Do you decline if your dog can’t come?

If so, then you are a special kind of dog parent. After all, you don’t want your dog missing out on anything fun.

Might as well throw your own party instead.

9. If Your Dog Isn’t Feeling Well, You Cancel Your Plans and Stay Home

Just like when our two-legged children don’t feel well and we stay home to take care of them, dog parents do the same.

Whether recovering from surgery, a cold or maybe they just seem a bit off, your concern for their well-being means you will cancel anything to stay home. Maybe go the extra mile and get them a get-well-soon treat box.

10. You Cancel Plans to Stay Home With the Dog Even When They’re Well

Of course, sometimes you just decide that staying home with your dog sounds more fun than the dinner you said you’d attend a week ago, so you cancel.

Pajamas, pizza and binge-watching your favorite show on the couch with your dog trumps anything else. Since your dog probably can't eat pizza, order him some pizza-flavored dog treats instead.

11. Your Dog Eats Better Than You Do

Do you eat microwave dinners, Top Ramen and mac-n-cheese while your dog gets high-end, all-natural dog food?

You may even make their dinner with fresh meat, rice and vegetables while you eat something out of a box. If you had to eat a frozen chicken and turkey dinner, though, some dog food these days doesn't look too bad.

There's even a grain-free option.

12. Your Dog Has a Hair Stylist

Your dog has to look their best, so that means routine trips to the groomer for the whole package, including a pawdicure, bath, clip and bows.

Because why not? Alternatively, you could learn to groom your dog yourself for some extra bonding time.

13. Your Dog Has Their Own Social Media Account(s)

Your cute and quirky dog needs to be shared with the world and not just from your social media account.

Cuteness like theirs needed it’s own spotlight, so @DogPrincess was born. And, of course, they have more followers than you do.

And an extra outfit might help them to get a few more, no?

14. Strangers Learn Your Dog’s Name Before Your Own

When you meet people with your dog, it’s all you talk about. They immediately learn their name, age, breed and favorite toy.

After a 20-minute conversation about dogs, they continue on their way, and you realize you have no idea what their name was, and they don’t know yours. But that’s OK because they know all about Fluffy.

You can also get dog collars custom made with their name on it, so there's that.

15. You Have Health Insurance for Your Dog

You want to make sure your dog receives the best care, no matter the cost, so you pay for health insurance for them.

After all, vet bills can definitely add up, and Spike deserves the best treatment possible.

That includes making sure they are as comfortable as they can be at home.

16. Your Dog Gets Presents on Holidays

Your dog gets a new toy, special treat or even a special meal on every holiday. And not just the big ones like Christmas and Hanukkah but on St. Patrick’s Day, Valentine’s Day (after all, they’re the perfect Valentine!), even Fourth of July!

On Easter, they get their own Easter basket full of treats, and you may even hide tennis balls or eggs for them to hunt.

You could even get them their own gift basket.

17. You Throw Themed Birthday Parties for Your Dog

Dogs eating cake at a dog birthday party

You may skip your own birthday, but never your dog’s. They have quite the invite list, and you make sure each party has a fun theme, such as Harry Pawter.

Attendees bring their own dogs and, of course, presents for your dog. Don't forget to bring the White Paw.

18. You Skip Eating Out to Be Able to Buy Your Dog More Things

Couple shopping in pet store with Shih Tzu

Your friends invite you out to eat each week, but you decline, saying you can’t afford it. Meanwhile, you spend more than the price of a good meal on your dog’s next outfit, toy or leash.

You also skip that morning Starbucks and convince your bae to have date night at home. Then, you can buy even more things for your dog. Don't they need another rhinestone collar? It's cheaper than two lattes, right? Right?

19. Your Dog Has More Toys Than Most Toddlers

Yorkiepoo puppy sitting in a bed of yoys

At first glance, people may think you have a very messy toddler when they enter your home, with toys strewn everywhere. But they are actually the dog’s toys.

They even have their own toy chest full of toys. (Did we mention you like to buy things for your dog?)

Those long, flat, squeaky dog toys will probably get ripped to shreds in days, but they're only 10 bucks. The joy is worth it.

20. If Your Dog Doesn’t Like Someone, You Don’t Either

Have you unfriended people because your dog just didn’t seem to like them? Maybe you have even broken up with a significant other after seeing that they didn’t like your dog or your dog didn’t like them.

Some studies suggest dogs are a good judge of character, so you just might be saving yourself some heartache down the road.

And reward your dog afterward, of course. So they can start smiling again.

21. Your Dog Takes Up More Space on the Bed Than You Do

No matter the size of your dog, they take up more space on the bed than you do. They may even steal all the blankets and snag your pillow.

Sometimes, you may end up on the edge of the bed, with your dog sprawled out in the middle. But that’s OK with you, as long as they’re comfy.

Why not get them a cute, plush pillow for them to rest their head on? Yes, they really make that.

22. You Have Conversations With Your Dog

We all say things to our dogs. But true dog parents have conversations with their dog. Maybe you are asking them what they want to do that day or pouring your heart out after a bad experience at work.

Either way, conversations with your dog are the best. And if you want to have some really interesting talks, get your dog a DNA test, and you can peer into your pooch's past and future.

23. You Schedule Puppy Playdates

Instead of regular dates, you schedule puppy playdates with other dog-crazy friends so your dogs can get together and play.

Then, you can talk to other like-minded people that don’t mind hearing the story about how cute it was when Cookie stole the toilet paper roll for the 100th time.

These are your peeps. Surprise them with some adorable dog stickers to show you care.

24. You Hang Out at the Dog Park Instead of the Local Coffee Shop

Two women and a dog relaxing in the park

When you do go out, it’s not to a coffee shop bar but to the local dog park. That’s where anyone can find you on Friday, Saturday and Sunday mornings and evenings.

While others are watching sports or playing trivia, you enjoy watching your dog frolic with their friends. Instead of sipping Starbucks, let your dog enjoy a latte instead.

25. You Miss Appointments Because Your Dog Fell Asleep on Your Lap, and You Didn’t Want to Wake Them

You’ve missed doctor appointments, phone calls with your boss and have even been late to dates. We understand. They are just so sweet when they are sleeping, and you don’t want to disturb them!

Of course, the excuse, "My dog was sleeping and I didn’t want to wake him up," doesn’t go over well most of the time.

You might have to come up with a cover story. Or get a planner.

26. Your Dog Gets the Best Spot on the Couch

You have one of those signs in your home that says, "This is My Dog’s House. His House, His Rules." That includes getting the prime spot on the couch. You even wait to sit until they have selected their spot first.

After all, your dog affords you companionship, empathy and keeps you warm with cuddles, so why shouldn’t they get the prime spot?

Alternatively, you could get them a couch of their very own.

27. You Have Cameras Set Up So You Can See and Talk to Your Dog When You’re Not at Home

Leaving your dog home alone is one of the hardest things you do in your daily life, so you bought a two-way camera with voice control. That way you can not only see and hear your dog, but they can also see and hear you.

It even dispenses treats so you can give him some when you are at work. While some people are playing Candy Crush on their lunch break, you’re talking to your dog.

28. You Watch the Puppy Bowl Instead of the Super Bowl

In fact, you may not even know what the Super Bowl is. Instead, you have Puppy Bowl parties and place bets on the adorable furballs zooming on the TV.

Your dog has a special outfit for the day, and you have both human and canine snacks for your friends. You can even give them some chips to share, minus the guac.

29. Every Outfit is Coordinated to Match Your Dog’s Hair

While some people try to eliminate dog hair, you’ve embraced it. Your outfits tend to be colors that blend well with your dog’s coat.

This means if you have a white dog, you never wear black. Your dog’s hairs are your favorite accessory, and everything else needs to match.

30. Your Dog’s Vet, Groomer and Daycare Are Favorites in Your Phone’s Contact List

Can’t remember the name of your physician? Have to Google the phone number and look up when you last went? That’s very likely.

But your dog’s vet, groomer and daycare are all in your favorites, and you can tell people exactly when your dog was last at each and when they go again. You are on a first-name basis with each of them as well. They even send you holiday cards each year (probably because you funded their vacation home or family trip to Hawaii).

To say thanks, you could even get your vet a funny mug.