small animal
[/smɔːl ˈænɪməl/]
nounpl: small animals
pequeno animal
1. A domesticated or wild animal of relatively tiny size, typically kept as a pet or used in agriculture and veterinary care, including rodents, rabbits, and other creatures weighing less than several kilograms
The veterinary clinic specializes in small animal care, treating cats, dogs, and rabbits.
A clínica veterinária se especializa em cuidados com pequenos animais, tratando gatos, cães e coelhos.
2. In veterinary medicine, a classification of animals distinct from large animals (livestock) and exotic animals
She decided to pursue a career in small animal veterinary medicine after working with pets.
Ela decidiu seguir uma carreira em medicina veterinária de pequenos animais após trabalhar com animais domésticos.
3. A creature of diminutive size, such as rodents, hamsters, guinea pigs, and similar mammals
The pet store has a wide selection of small animals available for adoption.
A loja de animais de estimação tem uma grande seleção de pequenos animais disponíveis para adoção.
In Brazil, small animals as pets are increasingly popular in urban areas, particularly in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. The term 'pequeno animal' is standard in veterinary medicine across Brazil and Portugal. Brazilians often use diminutive forms like 'bichinho' affectionately when referring to their small pets. In the USA and NYC, small animal veterinary clinics are common, and the distinction between small animal practice and large animal (equine/livestock) practice is well-established in the veterinary profession.
NYC Slang
furball (affectionate, informal reference to small furry pets)
Related Idioms & Phrases
a barrel of laughs (describing entertaining small animals)
cute as a button (describing adorable small animals)
fit in the palm of your hand (describing very small animals)
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