What is a familiar/is my pet a familiar?

There are two definitions of familiar: the traditional definition, and the more recent interpretation.

1. 1. The traditional and first definition of a familiar is a guiding spirit that comes to a witch in the visual form of an animal to help guide, protect, and work with the individual during their magickal workings. This being very rarely would take physical form, and if they did, only through possession of animals close to their ethereal image and only for a short time. It was primarily a spirit who would take damage for you from a curse, ailment, or other ill intended energy to your person.
   2. The newer interpretation is that a familiar is any animal or pet that the individual has a deep connection with. This animal may or may not be present during your meditations or other spiritual work or have an interest in your tools and workings.

If you believe in the original interpretation, then no, your pet is most likely not your familiar. If you believe in the more recent interpretation, then your pet may fall in that category.

Personal Note: As an enlightened individual with higher energies, you will be recognized by animals all around you where they may or may not have been before. You may find yourself being able to communicate more with animals, connect with them more, and even have them assist in workings, etc. It is my personal feelings that this is a side effect of the path, amazing and wonderful, but not an indication that the animal is your personal familiar.