Vet reveals weirdest pet names he’s had to awkwardly announce during his practice – including 'Sergeant Sniffers'

If you wander into any busy animal clinic today, you are bound to hear more than just the usual “Bella” or “Max” echoing through the waiting room. As pets become internal family members, their humans are getting bolder and much more playful when it comes to naming them. This quirky naming phenomenon is changing the atmosphere at vet clinics and occasionally leaving veterinarians in the awkward position of announcing names like “Chairman Meow” or “Queen Furrball Sparkles” at top volume to a crowded lobby.

Dr. Frank Bozelka, an ER vet, is proving that vet visits can be hilarious. Known for his TikTok videos, his page (@dr.bozelkaervet) is dedicated to educating animal parents about veterinary medicine and guidance on animal wellness. One video in particular, posted in June 2022, quickly turned into a crowd-pleaser, collecting 1.4 million likes and sparking laughter across social media.

It opens with Dr. Bozelka casually pouring a glass of milk and dunking a cookie while the overlay text reads, “Weird pet names to yell in a busy animal hospital waiting room. These are all real names.” With a paper in hand, he begins calling out some of the most unusual names ever given to pets. “I’m looking for Sergeant Sniffers,” he starts, then follows with “Sir Francis Duke of Meowington,” whose owner deadpans, “We just call him Sir.” The list only gets more outrageous with more names like “Spicy Mexican Hot Sauce,” “Paw McCartney,” and the unforgettable “Boogers.” One moment of comic gold comes when Dr. Bozelka yells for “Tidy,” only to be corrected by the pet’s owner, “Actually, his name is Tiddy.”

The video struck a chord with viewers, with people sharing other funny names in the comment section. @lucy_rvn wrote, “At my old practice, we had a dog called Hazard.” While @meganturnerr recalled, “A local animal shelter in my city had a dog named Howlie Mandel,” @rehvengebloodletter revealed, “My cat's legal name, the one on his adoption papers, is Sir Noble Archaius Blackwater the First, His Regal Majesty.” The success of this video even inspired Dr. Bozelka to turn it into a series, featuring more real (and ridiculous) pet names from his ER experiences. The viral video not only entertained viewers but also highlighted the growing creativity and personality reflected in the unique names pet owners choose today.

According to Spot Pet Insurance, many pet parents opt for majestic, mythical, or historical names such as “Queen Beatrice Lenore of Westchester” to reflect their pets’ vibrant personalities and the important role they play in their lives. Some combine formal and whimsical elements in names like “Lady Ella Mae Wigglebottom,” bringing a playful and humorous touch that celebrates their pets’ silly nature. Names inspired by food, like “Habanero Destroyer of Worlds,” show owners’ fondness for culinary creativity.

The trend also reflects a deeper shift. As pets become more central to family life, naming them is an act of creativity and connection. Owners want the world to know their fur baby is anything but ordinary. Social media amplifies this, making funny names into instant mini-celebrities. Dr. Bozelka’s videos show how veterinary clinics aren’t just about medicine. They’re about community. Pet names, however quirky, bring lightness and laughter to the clinic environment, helping ease the stress of visits for both pets and their owners. So, the next time “Bark Obama” gets called to the exam room, remember, on TikTok and beyond, celebrating our pets’ quirks has never sounded so sweet.

For more laughs and lifesaving pet advice, follow @dr.bozelkaervet on TikTok.