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How to Become a Pet Influencer in 2025 (From Someone Who Actually Does It)
- Carly Thomas
- Aug 27
- 8 min read
If you told me a few years ago that posting photos and videos of my dog Widget would turn into a full-time career, I probably would have laughed. But here we are, and I’ve built a community of over 150,000 people who follow along with our day-to-day life and antics.
Becoming a pet influencer in 2025 isn’t just about free treats or cute photos. It’s about telling your story and connecting with people who see their own pets in yours, and learning how to turn your passion into a brand. I know, because I’ve done it myself, and now I help others do the same, too!
"Becoming a pet influencer isn’t about free stuff, it's about storytelling and connection."
In this post, I’ll break down the exact steps that got me here: from finding your pet’s personality niche to creating content that makes people stop scrolling, to growing a real community (not just chasing numbers). And if you’re serious about starting your own journey, I’ll even share how you can work with me one-on-one to get there faster.
👉 If you’re curious about what it’s really like behind the scenes as a pet influencer, I shared my full experience here.
What Does It Mean to Be a Pet Influencer in 2025?
When most people hear pet influencer, they think of free toys and endless treats showing up at the door. And while yes, that part can be fun, there’s so much more to it in 2025.
Pet Influencer vs. Pet Creator
A pet influencer is someone who shares their pet’s life online and builds a community around it. A pet creator, on the other hand, focuses on creating high-quality, storytelling content that brands actually use for ads, websites, and social campaigns. These days, the line between the two is blurred, and many of us are both. I share Widget, Olive, and Sprout’s lives with my audience, but I also create professional-grade photos and videos that brands repurpose for their own marketing.
👉 For a deeper dive into what being a content creator really means in 2025, I wrote a full post breaking it down.
Why Brands Love Working With Pet Creators in 2025
Brands know people trust pet creators more than traditional ads. When someone sees me brushing Widget’s teeth or playing with Olive, it doesn’t feel like an ad; it feels relatable. And that relatability is gold for brands. In 2025, pet creators aren’t just influencers; we’re storytellers, marketers, and photographers all rolled into one.
Step 1 – Define Your Pet’s Personality & Niche
The first step to becoming a pet influencer is figuring out your pet’s personality. Is your dog the goofy class clown? Is your cat the sassy diva? Or maybe your hamster is secretly the star of an action movie. Whatever it is, lean into it. Your pet’s personality is what makes people stop scrolling and think, “That’s exactly like my pet!”
What’s your pet’s niche?
Funny
Educational / Training
Lifestyle
I don't have one yet!
Why Your Pet’s Personality Matters More Than Perfection
You don’t need fancy equipment or a polished feed to start; what matters most is showing who your pet really is. For me, it was capturing the sibling rivalry between Widget and Olive, or finding trending audios that I could twist into something relatable for other pet parents. That’s what made people connect with me in the beginning.
Start With a Niche, Then Expand
When you’re just starting out, picking a niche helps people know what to expect from your page. Maybe it’s funny skits, cozy lifestyle photos, or training tips. Once people fall in love with your pet (and with you), you can branch out. That’s exactly what I did. I began with pet content, then branched into home and lifestyle after buying my first house. Suddenly, I was not only working with pet brands but also furniture and home renovation brands.
Always Be Yourself
The biggest mistake new creators make is trying to copy someone else. Trends are great, but authenticity will always win. Show up as yourself, lean into your pet’s quirks, and let your audience get to know the real connection you share with your pet. That’s what makes people stick around.
Step 2 – Create Content That Stands Out
Once you know your pet’s niche, it’s time to make content that grabs attention. The good news? You don’t need a fancy camera or expensive gear — some of my best-performing videos were filmed on my phone with Widget snoring in the background.
Photography & Video Basics Anyone Can Learn
Good lighting is everything. If you can, film near a window or outside in natural light.
Keep it steady. A shaky video can ruin a great moment. Prop your phone against something if you don’t have a tripod.
Focus on the moment. People love seeing pets being themselves — messy, funny, or sweet. Don’t overthink it.
Mix Funny, Relatable, and Aesthetic
Your content doesn’t always have to be picture-perfect. Some of my funniest posts are when Olive gives me attitude or Widget photobombs a video. Those real, relatable moments often perform better than staged ones.
That said, mix in a few aesthetic shots too. A cozy photo of Sprout curled up by the window or a short clip of Widget running through the park can balance your feed and give it a polished touch.
Trends Are Tools, Not Rules
Jumping on a trending audio or format is a great way to get discovered, but don’t rely on them alone. Add your own spin to make it unique. When people watch, they should instantly think, “That’s Widget and Olive!” not just, “Oh, another trend.”
Step 3 – Grow Your Community (Not Just Your Follower Count)
It’s easy to get caught up in chasing numbers, but a big follower count doesn’t mean much if your audience isn’t engaged. The real magic happens when you build a community.
Captions That Spark Conversation
Don’t just post a cute photo and leave it at that; give people a reason to comment! Ask a question in your caption, share a funny story, or invite them to relate. A simple, “Does your cat also scream at you when you open the fridge?” can bring in dozens of replies from people who feel seen.
Take Time to Reply to Comments and DMs
This is where so many new creators drop the ball. Replying to people makes them feel valued, and it can turn casual viewers into loyal followers. When I only had a few hundred followers, I remember looking up to a creator who had around 5,000. I commented on their posts all the time, but they never replied once. Eventually, it felt like a one-sided relationship, and I unfollowed. Funny enough, years later, they followed me after my own account grew.
The lesson? Always take the time to connect with people, even if they don’t have a big account. You never know who’s behind the keyboard; it could be your next brand contact, future collaborator, or someone who just really needs the smile your content gives them.
The Power of Consistency
Consistency doesn’t mean posting every day; it means showing up regularly enough that your followers know they can count on you. Whether that’s a few times a week or just on weekends, pick a pace that works for you and stick with it.
Step 4 – Work With Brands the Right Way
Working with brands is one of the most exciting parts of being a pet influencer, but it doesn’t happen overnight. The good news? There are simple ways to get on a brand’s radar even when you’re just starting out.
Interact With Your Favorite Brands
Before I ever landed a collaboration, I was constantly interacting with my favorite brands. I’d reply to their Instagram stories, leave genuine comments on their posts, and tag them whenever Widget or Olive were using their products. Over time, they started recognizing my name. Later on, that consistency paid off when those same brands reached out to work with me.
When to Start Pitching
You don’t need thousands of followers to pitch; what matters is engagement and the quality of your content. If you’re getting comments, having conversations in your DMs, and your content aligns with a brand’s vibe, you can absolutely reach out. Start small with a simple email or DM introducing yourself and explaining why your pet would be a great fit.
Collaborations Come in Many Forms
Not every collab will be a paid one at the start, and that’s okay. Focus on building relationships and showing brands the value you can provide. Over time, as your community grows and your content improves, you’ll be in a stronger position to ask for rates, negotiate contracts, and land those bigger paid deals.
Step 5 – My Biggest Tip as a Full-Time Pet Influencer
If I could give you just one piece of advice, it would be this: have fun.
So many people start their pet’s Instagram or TikTok thinking they’ll become the next big influencer overnight and start making tens of thousands of dollars. The reality? That mindset will only leave you discouraged. Building a community takes time. Getting followers takes time. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is a strong, engaged following.
The creators who stand out are the ones who enjoy the process. You can tell who’s having fun making content and who’s just in it for the money. Spoiler: the fun ones always win.
So try new things. Experiment with trends. Make friends with other creators. Build a community. Don’t stress about numbers or the algorithm because those things come and go. If you’re having fun and people can feel that energy, the growth (and eventually the money) will follow.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’ve made it this far, that already tells me you’re serious about turning your pet’s page into something more. And trust me, you can absolutely do it!
I know how overwhelming it can feel at the start: figuring out what to post, how to grow, and how to actually work with brands. That’s exactly why I offer one-on-one strategy calls.
It’s a chance for me to look at your page, give you personalized advice, and help you map out a plan that actually works for you and your pet.
And if you’re a brand reading this, I even wrote a guide on how to find the right pet influencer for your next campaign.
If you’re ready to skip the trial-and-error stage and start growing with confidence, I’d love to chat with you!
FAQ: Becoming a Pet Influencer in 2025
Do you need a lot of followers to become a pet influencer?
Nope! Brands care about engagement and quality content more than just follower count. Even with a few hundred followers, if your community is engaged and your content is strong, you can start working with brands.
2. How do pet influencers actually make money?
There are a few ways: brand partnerships, affiliate links, ad revenue (like TikTok or YouTube), and creating content that brands buy directly to use for their own marketing. The biggest income usually comes from paid brand deals.
3. What’s the difference between a pet influencer and a pet creator?
A pet influencer shares their pet’s life online and builds a following. A pet creator also makes high-quality, storytelling content that brands use on their websites, ads, and social media. Many people are both!
4. How long does it take to grow as a pet influencer?
It varies. Some people go viral quickly, but most growth happens steadily over months (or years). The key is consistency, having fun, and building real relationships with your audience.
5. Do I need professional equipment to get started?
Not at all. Your phone is more than enough when you’re starting out. Focus on good lighting, clear audio, and capturing your pet’s personality. Later, you can upgrade your gear if you want, but it’s not required to grow.
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