In Spanish, there are two main words for "pets": mascotas and animales domésticos. However, there are some subtle differences between the two words that you may want to keep in mind when choosing which one to use.

How to Say

Mascotas

Mascotas is the most common word for "pets" in Spanish. It is typically used to refer to small, furry animals that are kept as companions, such as dogs, cats, rabbits, and hamsters. Mascotas can also be used to refer to larger animals, such as horses or cows, but this is less common.

Animales domésticos

Animales domésticos is a more formal way to say "pets" in Spanish. It is often used in official documents or when discussing the legal aspects of pet ownership. Animales domésticos can be used to refer to any type of animal that is kept as a pet, regardless of its size or species.

Other Words for "Pets" in Spanish

In addition to mascotas and animales domésticos, there are a number of other words that can be used to refer to "pets" in Spanish. These words include:

  • Compañero/a: This word literally means "companion" and can be used to refer to any type of pet.
  • Mascotita: This is a diminutive form of mascota and is often used to refer to small, furry pets.
  • Peludo/a: This word literally means "hairy" and can be used to refer to any type of pet that has fur.
  • Animal de compañía: This phrase literally means "companion animal" and can be used to refer to any type of pet.

Examples

Here are some examples of how to use the different words for "pets" in Spanish:

  • Tengo un perro mascota. (I have a pet dog.)
  • El gato es un animal doméstico. (The cat is a pet.)
  • El conejo es mi compañero. (The rabbit is my companion.)
  • Tengo una mascotita. (I have a small, furry pet.)
  • El perro es un peludo. (The dog is hairy.)
  • Tengo un animal de compañía. (I have a companion animal.)

Conclusion

The most common words for "pets" in Spanish are mascotas and animales domésticos. However, there are a number of other words that can be used to refer to "pets" in Spanish, depending on the specific context.