Pet owners are a passionate bunch, and while most are too polite to say it out loud, they definitely have opinions about how others care for their furry friends. Whether it’s a safety concern, a questionable fashion choice, or just plain pet-parent etiquette, some behaviors spark quiet judgment among fellow pet lovers.
Here are 10 things pet owners secretly (or not so secretly) judge other pet owners for.
1. Letting Their Dog Ride in the Front Seat
We get it—your pup loves to be your co-pilot. But letting a dog roam the front seat (or worse, sit on your lap while driving) is a major safety risk.
In an accident, airbags can seriously injure a pet, and a loose dog can become a projectile. Responsible pet parents use seat belts or secured crates—and they definitely side-eye those who don’t.
2. Using a Retractable Leash
Pet owners have strong feelings about retractable leashes. These leashes often extend too far, making it hard to control a dog in crowded areas or near traffic.
Not to mention, the thin cord can snap or cause rope burns if it wraps around someone’s legs. Many pet owners cringe when they see an overextended leash dragging behind an oblivious owner.
3. Dressing Their Cat in a Full Outfit
Most cats barely tolerate a collar, let alone a full-blown ensemble. While tiny hats and bowties can be cute, full costumes (especially ones with sleeves or hoods) are often met with side-eye from fellow pet owners.
If your cat loves it, fine—but if they freeze up, frantically paw at the outfit, or slink away in shame, people will judge you.
4. Not Picking Up After Their Dog
Few things unite pet owners more than their shared hatred of people who don’t pick up after their dogs. There’s nothing worse than stepping in a mystery pile at the park or on the sidewalk.
If you don’t have a bag, admit it, apologize, and come back later—don’t just walk away hoping no one notices. Because everyone notices.
5. Bringing an Untrained Dog to a Dog Park
Dog parks are supposed to be a fun, social space, but when an untrained or aggressive dog runs wild, it ruins the experience for everyone.
If your dog has no recall, doesn’t know basic commands, or always starts fights, other owners will judge you for bringing them in unprepared.
6. Letting Their Dog Walk Off-Leash in a Leash-Only Area
Unless you’re in a designated off-leash area, letting your dog run free is a major faux pas.
It doesn’t matter how “friendly” or “well-trained” they are—other pet owners worry about their own dogs, traffic, or reactive pets who don’t want an off-leash visitor bounding toward them.
7. Giving Their Pet a Trendy but Unhealthy Diet
Raw diets, grain-free food, or homemade meals may sound trendy, but not all of them are actually good for pets. Other owners definitely side-eye those who follow fads over vet recommendations.
Yes, pet nutrition matters, but if someone insists their dog can only eat organic, human-grade filet mignon, other owners might be rolling their eyes.
8. Treating Their Dog Like a Baby (Literally)
Pets are family, but when someone starts babying their dog—carrying them everywhere, pushing them in a stroller, or spoon-feeding them—it raises eyebrows.
Some dogs need strollers (for medical reasons), but if your perfectly healthy pup never touches the ground, people will have thoughts.
Read More: Tips for Leash Training Your New Pup
9. Naming Their Pet Something… Questionable
Some pet names are adorable, some are unique, and some make you wonder what the owner was thinking. If your dog’s name is “Sir Fluffington McWoof” or your cat is called “Chair,” expect some silent judgment.
Sure, naming pets is personal—but a name can say a lot about an owner.
Read More: Do’s and Don’ts of Dog Park Etiquette
10. Letting Their Dog Bark Nonstop Without Intervention
Dogs bark—it’s natural. But when someone allows their dog to bark for hours on end without trying to stop them, it will annoy fellow pet owners (and non-pet owners alike).
If your dog barks excessively, training or redirection can help. Ignoring it completely? That’s how you make enemies with your neighbors.
Read More: Top 10 Paw-some U.S. Cities You’ll Want to Visit with Your Pup This Year
