👀 What is "Dogfishing" - dating's newest scandal

Here’s everything you need to know about “Dogfishing”, the latest dating trap.

Dogfishing is the latest dating trend that’s raising eyebrows—and red flags.

It refers to the act of using dogs, often not your own, to attract romantic interest on dating apps. While it may seem harmless or even cute, experts say it can be misleading and manipulative.

In the ever-evolving world of online dating, people are constantly looking for ways to stand out. Enter dogfishing, a term coined to describe the practice of featuring dogs—especially borrowed ones—in dating profile photos to appear more appealing. Much like its deceptive cousin catfishing, dogfishing involves presenting a false image to lure potential matches. But instead of fake identities, it’s the illusion of pet ownership that’s used to charm and disarm.

Dogs have long been associated with warmth, loyalty, and emotional availability—traits that many daters find attractive. A profile picture with a cute pup can signal kindness, responsibility, and a nurturing personality. But when the dog isn’t actually yours, the message becomes misleading. According to Psychology Today, dogfishers may borrow dogs from friends, family, or even rent them from pet services just to snap a few photos.

The trend has gained traction particularly among Gen Z and millennials, who are known for their love of pets and social media savvy. Dating experts warn that dogfishing can create false expectations and lead to disappointment when the truth comes out. Some people genuinely want a partner who shares their love for animals, and discovering that the dog was just a prop can feel like a betrayal.

There are even variations of dogfishing. Some profiles feature dogs with captions like “Looking for a dog mom for Rufus,” implying a shared future with the pet. Others use dogs to soften their image or distract from less flattering traits. What was once a green flag—posing with a dog—has now become a potential sign of performative behavior.

Merriam-Webster notes that dogfishing is part of a broader trend of using animals to manipulate perception in dating. While catfishing involves creating an entirely fake persona, dogfishing is subtler but still deceptive. It plays on emotional cues and societal associations with pet ownership to gain trust and affection.

There are gender dynamics at play. Men are more likely to use dogfishing as a strategy to appeal to women. The assumption is that women are more likely to swipe right on someone who appears to love dogs. But this tactic can backfire, especially when the truth is revealed during a date or conversation.

So how can you spot a dogfisher? Experts suggest looking for signs like vague captions, multiple dog photos with different breeds, or an unwillingness to talk about the dog in detail. If someone seems evasive when asked about their pet, it might be a clue that the pup isn’t actually theirs.

Ultimately, dogfishing reflects a deeper issue in online dating: the pressure to curate an idealized version of oneself. While pets can be a genuine part of someone’s life, using them as bait crosses a line. Authenticity is still the most attractive trait, and building a relationship on honesty is far more rewarding than one built on borrowed paws.

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Today’s Last Laugh:

Who needs a kitchen table anyways…

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