have a pet

Meaning

To own and care for a domesticated animal (like a dog, cat, or bird) for companionship. It is a common topic in small talk and when discussing family life or living arrangements.

Examples

• We want to have a pet, but our apartment is too small.

  We want to have a pet, but our apartment is too small.

• Did you have a pet when you were a child?

  Did you have a pet when you were a child?

• My partner and I decided to have a pet to keep us company.

  My partner and I decided to have a pet to keep us company.

• Many families have a pet dog to teach their children responsibility.

  Many families have a pet dog to teach their children responsibility.

• I would love to have a pet cat, but my roommate is allergic.

  I would love to have a pet cat, but my roommate is allergic.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I possess a pet.

  ✓ I have a pet.

  'Possess' is too formal and unnatural for animals in everyday English; use 'have' or 'own'.

• ✗ We want to keep a pet in our house.

  ✓ We want to have a pet in our house.

  While 'keep a pet' is grammatically correct, 'have a pet' is much more common and natural for everyday conversations.

Related Expressions

Practice

• It is a big responsibility to ___.

  💡 own and care for an animal

  Show answer

  have a pet

• Do you ___ or do you prefer living alone without animals?

  💡 own a cat or dog

  Show answer

  have a pet