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Veterinary Medicine vocabulary · Animals, Species and Breeds

Companion animal

Meaning in veterinary medicine, with examples

/kəmˈpænjən ˈænɪməl/nounCore term

In veterinary medicine, companion animal means: An animal kept mainly for company rather than for food, work or profit, such as a dog, cat, rabbit or pet bird. It is a more formal word for pet.

In Turkish: evcil hayvan, pet hayvan, ev ve süs hayvanı

How it is used

Common in professional writing, legislation and job adverts: companion animal practice, companion animal medicine. In conversation vets say pet or small animal; small animal practice usually means dogs, cats and other household pets.

Example sentences

  1. Most of our patients are companion animals, but we also see a few goats and alpacas.

  2. The journal publishes research on companion animal behaviour and welfare.

Common collocations

  • companion animal practice
  • companion animal medicine
  • companion animal owner
  • exotic companion animals
  • livestockAnimals kept on farms to produce meat, milk, eggs, wool or other products, such as cattle, sheep, goats, pigs and poultry.
  • canineRelating to dogs. As a noun it also means a dog in formal writing, and in anatomy it is the long pointed tooth next to the incisors.
  • felineRelating to cats. As a noun, a feline is any member of the cat family, including lions and tigers.
  • animal welfareThe physical and mental state of an animal and how well its needs are met, including health, suitable food and shelter, normal behaviour and freedom from pain and fear.

More terms: Animals, Species and Breeds

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This page explains English vocabulary for learners. It is not medical advice.