I am writing this article in response to a post published on X (formally Twitter) by Ann Lesby Ph.D. concerning the attribution of human gender identity concepts to non-human animals. The post that gained my attention claimed that "misgendering a pet can result in serious microsubconscious distress" and that pets "will let you know his/her/their/cir identity through things like body language, toy preferences, and reaction to gendered pet clothing." As a seasoned professional in the field of canine behavior, I feel a strong obligation to address these assertions head-on. Not only do these claims lack any scientific basis, but promoting such ideas is both misleading and potentially harmful to the well-being of the animals in our care.

The gravity of this issue extends beyond the immediate impact on individual pets and their guardians. When influential figures like Ann Lesby, who presents herself as a "Ph.D.", make such unfounded claims, they risk misleading a wide audience of pet owners who may take their statements at face value. The fact that Lesby has a substantial following on social media only amplifies the potential for harm, as her followers may assume that her opinions are grounded in scientific expertise and credible research.

This is a dangerous situation, as it can lead to the spread of misinformation and the adoption of misguided practices that fail to address the real needs of our animal companions. When pet owners are encouraged to focus on their animals' supposed gender identities and the distress caused by "misgendering," they may overlook or dismiss the actual sources of their pets' behavioral issues and fail to seek appropriate interventions.

For instance, if a dog is exhibiting signs of aggression or anxiety, attributing these behaviors to a mismatch between the dog's "true gender identity" and the pronouns used by their human family is not only baseless but also potentially harmful. It can lead to a delay in seeking professional help from a qualified behaviorist who can accurately diagnose the underlying causes of the problem and develop an effective treatment plan. Similarly, if a cat is experiencing stress or displaying unwanted behaviors, focusing on their presumed gender identity and the need for "gender-affirming" clothing or accessories is a distraction from addressing the real issues at hand. It may cause pet owners to overlook factors like environmental stressors, medical conditions, or a lack of appropriate enrichment and stimulation, all of which can contribute to feline behavioral problems.

Moreover, the notion that pets experience "microsubconscious distress" from being misgendered is not only unsupported by science but also trivializes the very real psychological distress that animals can experience due to factors like illness, injury, fear, anxiety, abuse, or neglect. By attributing distress to an imagined slight against a pet's supposed gender identity, we risk overlooking or dismissing the actual sources of their discomfort and failing to provide them with the care they need.

This is why it is crucial for pet owners to rely on evidence-based practices and the guidance of qualified professionals when it comes to understanding and meeting the needs of their animal companions. Veterinarians, animal behaviorists, and other experts in the field of animal welfare have the knowledge and skills necessary to accurately interpret an animal's behavior, identify potential stressors, and develop effective interventions to promote their physical and emotional well-being.

These professionals understand the importance of treating dogs like dogs, cats like cats, and all companion animals as the unique species they are. They recognize that our pets have their own species-specific needs, communication styles, sensory experiences, and cognitive abilities that must be respected and catered to in order to ensure their optimal health and happiness.

By grounding their approach in the science of animal cognition and behavior, these experts can provide pet owners with accurate information and effective strategies for addressing behavioral issues and promoting their animals' overall well-being. They can help guardians understand the true nature of their pets' experiences and develop evidence-based plans for meeting their needs in a way that aligns with their individual personalities, preferences, and sensitivities.

In contrast, when influential figures like Ann Lesby promote the concept of "pet gender identity" and the supposed harm caused by misgendering, they are not only spreading misinformation but also undermining the efforts of qualified professionals who are working to improve the lives of companion animals. They are encouraging pet owners to focus on human social constructs and agendas rather than the actual needs and experiences of their animal companions.

This is a dangerous trend that we must resist as a society. We cannot allow the spread of pseudoscience and anthropomorphism to dictate how we understand and care for our pets. We must prioritize their well-being above our own human projections and biases, seeking out reputable sources of information and expert guidance to ensure that we are making decisions based on what is best for them, not what aligns with our own beliefs or agendas.

As responsible pet guardians and animal welfare advocates, we have a duty to educate ourselves and others about the science of animal cognition and behavior. We must be critical consumers of online content, questioning bold assertions that seem to anthropomorphize animals and demanding evidence to support claims about their inner lives and experiences.

We must also advocate for a more scientifically informed approach to animal welfare in our communities, challenging myths and stereotypes that can lead to misunderstandings about our pets' needs. By promoting education and dialogue grounded in empirical evidence, we can work to create a society that truly values and respects the unique nature of our animal companions. This means being willing to have difficult conversations with friends, family members, and even public figures who may be perpetuating harmful ideas about pets and their supposed gender identities. It means standing up for science and reason, even in the face of social pressure or popular opinion. And it means always putting the needs of our animal companions first, even when it requires us to challenge our own assumptions and biases.

Ultimately, the key to being a good pet guardian is to approach our animals with empathy, curiosity, and a commitment to understanding them on their own terms. We must strive to see the world through their eyes, to appreciate the richness and complexity of their experiences, and to provide them with the care and support they need to thrive. This means creating environments that cater to their species-specific needs, providing them with opportunities to express their natural behaviors, and fostering positive relationships based on clear communication and mutual trust. It means being attuned to their individual personalities, preferences, and sensitivities, and adapting our approach accordingly. Above all, it means treating our pets as the sentient beings they are, with their own unique perspectives and ways of experiencing the world. We must respect their autonomy, prioritize their well-being, and make decisions based on what is best for them, not what aligns with our human social or political agendas.

By grounding our approach to pet guardianship in science, empathy, and a deep appreciation for the animal mind, we can create a world in which every companion animal is valued, understood, and loved for who they truly are. We can be the advocates and allies they deserve, working tirelessly to promote their health, happiness, and quality of life.

However, this vision of a more compassionate and scientifically informed approach to animal welfare is threatened by the spread of misinformation and pseudoscience, particularly when it is promoted by influential figures like Ann Lesby. When someone with a large platform and the appearance of expertise makes unfounded claims about pets and their supposed gender identities, they are not only misleading their followers but also contributing to a dangerous erosion of trust in the very experts who are best equipped to help us understand and meet the needs of our animal companions.

This is why it is so important for all of us – pet owners, animal welfare advocates, and concerned citizens alike – to speak out against the spread of misinformation and to champion a more evidence-based approach to animal care. We must be willing to challenge even the most popular and influential voices when they promote ideas that are not supported by science and that risk harming the very animals they claim to care about.

We must also work to elevate the voices of qualified professionals who are dedicated to advancing our understanding of animal cognition and behavior. We must support their efforts to conduct rigorous research, share their findings with the public, and develop evidence-based practices for promoting the health and well-being of companion animals.

By working together to build a more scientifically literate and compassionate society, we can create a future in which every pet is treated with the respect, understanding, and care they deserve. We can challenge the myths and stereotypes that limit our ability to truly see and appreciate the unique individuals that our animal companions are, and we can create a world in which their needs and experiences are always put first.

This is the vision that we must strive for – a world in which the concept of "pet gender identity" is recognized as the dangerous misconception it is, and in which all companion animals are valued and cared for based on a deep understanding of their true nature and needs. It is a world in which science, empathy, and compassion are the guiding principles of our relationships with our animal companions, and in which their well-being is always our top priority.

As pet guardians, animal welfare advocates, and concerned citizens, we all have a role to play in making this vision a reality. We must educate ourselves and others about the science of animal cognition and behavior, and we must be willing to challenge misinformation and pseudoscience wherever we encounter it. We must support the efforts of qualified professionals who are working to advance our understanding of companion animals, and we must always prioritize the needs and experiences of our pets above our own human projections and agendas.

By working together and staying true to these principles, we can create a better world for all creatures – one in which every pet is treated with the respect, understanding, and care they deserve. It is a world worth fighting for, and it is a vision that we must never lose sight of, no matter how difficult the challenges we face may seem.

In conclusion, the concept of "pet gender identity" is a dangerous misconception that has no place in responsible animal care. It is a product of anthropomorphism and a lack of understanding about the true nature of our animal companions, and it risks causing real harm to the pets we claim to love.

As pet guardians and animal welfare advocates, we must reject these baseless claims and instead turn to the science of animal cognition and behavior to guide our approach. We must treat dogs like dogs, cats like cats, and all companion animals as the unique and complex individuals they are. We must prioritize their well-being above our own human projections and agendas, providing them with evidence-based care that respects their true needs and preferences.

And we must be willing to challenge misinformation and pseudoscience wherever we encounter it, even when it comes from influential figures like Ann Lesby. We cannot allow the spread of dangerous misconceptions to undermine the efforts of qualified professionals who are working to improve the lives of companion animals, and we cannot let our own desire to believe in comforting myths and stereotypes blind us to the real needs and experiences of our pets.

By working together to promote education, compassion, and a scientifically informed approach to animal welfare, we can create a better world for all creatures – one in which every pet is valued, understood, and loved for who they truly are. Let us be the change we wish to see, always putting the needs of our animal companions first and foremost in all that we do.