Singular they - subjects and matching pronouns

[SarahS]

Hi

I've called my thread this because I'm afraid I don't know the correct terminology for the problem. This was touched upon on another recent thread.

I've been writing an article about pets and a have a few sentences that are similar to this idea:

Make sure your pet is kept inside because they will be safer.

The problem is that the subject and pronoun don't match in number but what is a better alternative? It doesn't sound right and neither does he or she. Are there any better solutions?

Thanks
Sarah

[Antonia]

"It" is appropriate. Or you could pluralize the noun: "Make sure your pets are kept inside because they will be safer."

[SarahS]

I think turning it into a plural might be better. It is too impersonal for me.

Thanks for the help.
Sarah

[Debbi]

AP style requires "it" whnever you talk about pets unless the pet is named. So (paraphrased)...

"Keep your pet inside so it will be safe."

"Keep Scruffy inside so he will be safe."

Since I treat my dogs like people, I have problems with AP style. I'd probably just make it plural like others have suggested.

"Keep your pets inside so they are safe."