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How to Become a Pet Influencer on Instagram in 2025: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Carly Thomas
- Jun 13
- 5 min read
Updated: Jul 6
So you’re thinking about turning your pet into an Instagram influencer? First of all, love that for you. It’s not just about cute photos (although those definitely help). It’s about building a brand around you and your pet’s unique personalities, creating content that makes people smile, and maybe even landing some paid brand deals along the way. Here’s exactly how to get started and grow.
Step 1: Define Your Pet's Brand
Know Your Pet’s Unique Personality
What makes your pet... them? Are they a diva? Do they do little tippy tappies before you throw a ball? A total gremlin? Lean into their quirks, as those are what people fall in love with!
Pick a Niche or Theme
We’re way past the “just post cute pics” era. Choose a vibe for your page so new followers know what to expect. A few ideas:
Adventure pets
Goofy voiceovers
Pet fashion inspo
Educational tips (training, health, enrichment)
Choose a Handle That Reflects Your Brand
Keep it simple, clear, and ideally something people can remember and spell. Don't go overboard with underscores or periods either. Example: Definitely.Douglas How many of you can spell definitely on the first go? I certainly can't (and had to use autocorrect to spell that...twice LOL)
Step 2: Set Up a Professional Instagram Profile
Switch to a Creator Account
That way, you get access to insights, analytics, and more control over your content strategy.
Write a Fun + Clear Bio
Your bio is prime real estate for SEO keywords. Use emojis, and make it obvious what your account is about. Don't forget to add your location too! State/Province or even Country can help brands find you if they are looking for influencers in that area. Add a CTA too (like a link to your blog or Amazon faves).
Use a Great Profile Photo
Go for a close-up shot of your pet’s face (and you too, if you want to be a part of the page!)
Link to a Hub
Use Linktree, Stan, your website, or whatever makes it easy for people to explore more, shop your faves, or contact you.
Here's my own bio for my Instagram account HerCozyCrew:
Step 3: Create High-Quality, Consistent Content
Good Lighting = Everything
Natural light works wonders, but if you're ready to level up, consider:
A simple camera setup (even your phone + tripod is perfect)
Mix Up Your Formats
Instagram loves variety, and so does your audience. Try:
Reels (super important right now)
Carousels with tips or memes (also being favoured on IG atm)
Stories with polls or questions
Photos with story-style or engaging questions.
Be Consistent(ish)
No need to post daily, but try for 3–5 times a week, and pop into stories regularly. Consistency > perfection.
Step 4: Use Hashtags and Captions That Work
Pick Hashtags That Fit Your Content
Go for a mix of popular and niche tags. A few examples:
Make Your Captions Relatable
People connect with stories and personality. Talk like you would to a friend, and try ending with a question to boost comments.
Step 5: Build a Community, Not Just a Following
Reply to Comments + DMs
This matters more than most people realize. Engaging with your followers helps your content perform better and builds real connections.
Leave Comments on Other People's Posts
Find similar accounts and drop thoughtful comments; it’s a great way to grow & to make friends within the community!
Step 6: See What’s Working and Do More of It
Check Instagram Insights
See which posts are getting the most reach, saves, and shares. That’s what your audience wants more of.
Pay Attention to Patterns
If your Reels are popping off but your static posts flop, adjust your content plan accordingly.
Step 7: Start Monetizing (When You're Ready)
Brand Sponsorships
Once your account is active and engaged, you can pitch brands or join platforms like Aspire or Collabstr to find collabs. Not sure what influencer platforms to join? My good friend Courtney created "The Ultimate Guide to 82 Top Influencer Platforms: Reviews and Insights for Creators" which I purchased myself a few months ago. It's amazing, and something to definitely consider if you're not sure where to start! (Or if you're already a creator, you deffs wanna double check this list, there were platforms I had never even heard of that I joined!)
Affiliate Links
Link your favourite products with affiliate programs like Amazon. Some brands have their own affiliate programs you can join as well. I'd double-check if I were you!
Monetization Through Social Media Platforms
Many social platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and Snapchat offer their own built-in monetization tools (like Creator Funds, bonuses, and ad sharing). These programs can be an awesome income stream if you qualify.
However, it's important to note that as a Canadian creator, access to these programs is limited or unavailable on most platforms right now. It's frustrating, but hopefully things will open up more soon!
Conclusion
Becoming a pet influencer isn’t about being perfect; it’s about showing up, sharing your pet’s personality, and building something fun (and maybe profitable) along the way. The truth is, every big creator started somewhere. So post that first pic or Reel, tell your pet’s story, and enjoy the ride!
Want more guidance? I’m working on something special for new pet creators.
👉 Join the waitlist and be the first to know when it drops!
Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Pet Influencer
What platforms are best for pet influencers?
Each platform has its own benefits, but trending short-form video tools like Instagram Reels, TikTok videos, and Facebook Shorts / Snapchat Spotlight can rapidly boost your visibility. As a Canadian creator, you may not yet qualify for native monetization features like Creator Funds or bonuses, but building a strong presence sets you up for other revenue streams like sponsorships and affiliate marketing.
How many followers do you need to become a pet influencer?
You don’t need thousands of followers to get started. Many pet influencers land brand deals and build a community with just 1,000–5,000 engaged followers. Brands often care more about your engagement rate, content quality, and niche than your follower count. Focus on creating consistent, high-quality posts, and the followers will come.
Can you make money as a pet influencer in Canada?
Yes! While Canadians currently have limited access to some platform monetization tools like TikTok Creator Fund or Instagram bonuses, there are still plenty of ways to earn. Pet influencers in Canada often monetize through brand sponsorships, affiliate marketing, content licensing, and selling digital products.
What’s the first step to becoming a pet influencer?
The first step is defining your pet’s personality and niche. Ask yourself: what makes your pet unique, and what kind of content do you want to create? Once you have a clear direction, create a professional Instagram account, post consistently, and start engaging with other creators in your space.
What should I include in my pet influencer media kit?
Your media kit is a snapshot of your value to brands. Make sure to include:
A short biography of your pet influencer brand
Your follower count and audience demographics (via Instagram Insights)
Engagement rate (likes, comments, story replies)
Examples of previous collaborations or content
Clear contact info and pricing options
A clean, well-structured media kit makes pitching brands much easier, and that’s half the battle in securing sponsorships!
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