In your searches here and in World Chat I sometimes see this question: How do I rename pets? This is because your cute ball of fur or feathers comes with a default name. Cosmetics Pets in LOTRO are many and varied. As you can acquire them as early as Level 5 from the Bingo Boffin Storyline and from various LOTRO Festivals and Events (among other places), I thought I’d give you a “how to rename pets” quick guide. The answer depends on what you mean by “pet”.
Cosmetic Pets
/cpet rename NewPetName
Make sure there are no spaces or weird characters and that the name is generally acceptable. After all, other players can see your pet’s name! If you get an error message, then try another name.
Unlike other types of pet/companion, you cannot select/click a cosmetic pet. This is why you have to use a chat command.
Cosmetic Companions
The difference between a purely cosmetic pet and all the other types of pet/companion is that these are selectable.
What Non-Combat Pets Are There?
Per the Wiki, the animals available are: Hare, Sparrow, Turtle, Dog, Cat, Fox, Frog, Snake, Squirrel.
How to Rename Pets that are Cosmetic Companions
Instead of using a chat command, simply:
- Select your cosmetic companion.
- Right-click on their name (they don’t have a portrait as they’re non-combat).
- Select “rename” and enter the new name in the box provided.

Chat Command
You can rename a non-cosmetic pet using a chat command if you prefer:
/pet rename NewPetName
Combat Companions
The only difference is that Combat Pets have a character portrait.
From the Fellowship List
With your combat pet out, you can right click the “portrait” in the fellowship pane to also change their name:
People are Pets Too!
I find it quite funny that certain other sidekicks are also called “pets”. This applies to:
- Captain Heralds and Archers
- Skirmish Soldiers

They are your “pets”, poor things!
New WIP Project: Pets Library
I have started a new Festival and Event Pets Library now. So feel free have a look and decide what your next one is going to be!
TL;DR Personalise Your Critter and Rename Your Pets
So there you go, how you rename pets depends on the type they are. But both are quick and easy. LOTRO is the only one of the MMOs I’ve played that lets you rename cosmetic-only pets. So make your critters your own and have fun in Middle-Earth!
