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How to Find the Right Pet Influencer for Your Brand in 2025: A Step-by-Step Guide for Meaningful Partnerships
- Carly Thomas
- Jul 29
- 10 min read
Why Pet Influencers Are a Smart Investment in 2025
Looking to partner with a pet influencer in 2025 but not sure where to start? You’re not alone. With thousands of adorable accounts flooding TikTok and Instagram, it can be tough to know who’s actually a good fit for your brand, and who just looks cute on camera. As a full-time content creator and pet influencer myself, I’ve worked with dozens of brands to create content that performs, connects, and converts. In this guide, I’m breaking down exactly how to find the right pet influencer for your brand, someone who gets your goals, understands storytelling, and builds real trust with their followers.
👉 Book a free discovery call and let's chat about how I can help.
Pet Content Is Dominating Social Media
You've probably seen your fair share of golden retrievers online, but you still instantly recognize Tucker Budzyn the moment he pops up on your feed. That’s the power of pet content.
Pets make us happy. They make us laugh. And in a world that feels increasingly chaotic, a dose of cuteness or a funny dog video can be exactly what someone needs to get through their day. That’s why pet content consistently earns higher engagement rates than other types of content across platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
Who doesn’t love pets? They appeal to everyone from biker gang members to nuns. And if you think I’m kidding, just ask my cat influencer friend Princess HoneyBelle. Her audience includes everyone!
When brands partner with pet influencers, they’re not just tapping into cuteness; they’re tapping into a content category that’s already thriving in the algorithm.
Influencer Trust Outperforms Traditional Ads
In 2025, influencer marketing still beats traditional ads, but pet influencers take it to another level. People see pets as pure, lovable, and authentic, which creates a deep emotional bond between the audience and the content.
I even wrote a full blog post about a new study that proves this exact point:👉 New Study Reveals Why Pet Influencers Build Trust
Here’s the short version:
Pet influencers are seen as genuine and relatable
Their content is less “salesy” and more natural
Viewers are more likely to remember (and act on) pet-related recommendations
In a world where consumers are tuning out polished ads, trust is your biggest asset, and pet influencers know how to build it.
Niche Creators Drive Targeted Results
Gone are the days when you needed millions of followers to make an impact. In 2025, it's all about the niche, and pet influencers bring it!
From creators who travel with their pets, to those who share pet-friendly home decor, to daily life accounts that feel like digital diaries (like the "Waking Up With Bean" series from Beautynthebean.), pet creators know how to reach exactly the right audience. These aren’t just viewers, they’re potential customers who already care about pets and the lifestyle that comes with them!
When you work with niche pet influencers, you're not casting a wide net; you’re fishing in the perfect pond.
Define Your Brand’s Goals Before You Start Looking
Before you start scrolling through Instagram or TikTok looking for the “perfect” pet influencer, take a step back and ask yourself: What does success actually look like for this campaign? Without clear goals, it’s easy to get distracted by follower counts and cute content instead of focusing on impact.
What Kind of Campaign Are You Running?
Different campaigns require different types of creators. Are you launching a new product, running a holiday promotion, or looking to build evergreen brand content you can use year-round?
Think about your timeline and whether you want a one-time post or a long-term partnership. (Pro tip: long-term usually builds more trust and better results.)
And most importantly: How are you measuring success? Are you hoping for clicks? Sales? Content you can repurpose in paid ads? Influencer marketing works best when you go in with a clear goal in mind.
What Platforms Matter Most to Your Audience?
Just because someone’s big on TikTok doesn’t mean they’re the right fit for your brand. Ask yourself: Where is your ideal customer spending time online?
Want short-form, relatable video content? TikTok and Reels are your best bet.
Looking for curated, high-quality photos and carousels? Instagram is still a top choice.
Hoping for long-form educational content or product demos? YouTube wins.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here—but your audience’s habits should guide where (and who) you collaborate with.
What to Look for in the Right Pet Influencer
Finding a pet influencer in 2025 isn’t hard: there are thousands of adorable pets online. But finding the right pet influencer? That takes a little more strategy.
You want someone who’s more than just cute. You want someone who’s aligned with your brand values, creates engaging content, and knows how to build trust with their audience.
Here’s what to look for when you’re scrolling through those adorable profiles:
Engagement Rate > Follower Count
It’s tempting to chase big numbers, but when it comes to influencer marketing, engagement matters way more than followers.
A pet influencer with 20K loyal followers who regularly likes, comments, and shares their posts can often outperform someone with 200K silent scrollers. Look at how people interact with their content. Are they getting thoughtful comments? DMs? Shares? Saves?
That’s the kind of engagement that leads to action and ROI.
Content Quality and Brand Fit
This is where aesthetics matter. Does the influencer’s content vibe with your brand’s look and feel? Are their photos high-quality and well-lit? Do their videos tell a story instead of just showing off a product?
The best pet influencers know how to create content that’s fun, shareable, and visually appealing: all while naturally integrating your product into their storytelling. It should never feel like a forced ad.
If their content already looks like something you’d proudly repost on your brand’s feed… that’s a good sign. You can see examples of my past brand partnerships here for inspiration.
Authenticity and Audience Trust
People follow pet influencers because they feel real. They’re not models or actors—they’re everyday pet parents sharing the ups, downs, and funny moments of life with their animals.
You want to work with someone whose followers trust their opinion.
Someone who’s consistent, honest, and isn’t just posting ad after ad. Look for captions that feel personal. Look for stories that feel unscripted. That’s where the magic is.
When an audience trusts the influencer, they trust your product, too.
Professionalism and Communication
Let’s be honest: a great partnership depends on more than just cute content. You want someone who’s easy to work with.
That means:
Responds to messages in a timely manner
Asks smart questions
Delivers content on time
Is open to feedback and revisions
Can provide analytics or usage rights clearly
Influencers who treat their work like a business make the best collaborators. (Hint: if they have a portfolio, testimonials, or past brand work available, that’s a green flag!)
🚩 Red Flags to Avoid When Choosing a Pet Influencer
Let’s be real, just because an influencer has a cute pet doesn’t mean they’re ready to represent your brand. In 2025, brands are being more selective (and they should be). So while it’s easy to get excited by a fluffy face or viral video, it’s also important to keep an eye out for a few red flags.
Here’s what to watch for before signing that contract or shipping out product.
Inconsistent Posting or an Unclear Niche
If a creator disappears for months, randomly switches between niches, or only posts when it’s sponsored… that’s a red flag.
Consistency builds trust. You want to work with someone whose audience knows what to expect, whether that’s daily pet updates, product reviews, or funny videos. If their content is all over the place or they’ve only posted twice in the last six months, it could mean:
Their audience is disengaged
They’re not treating content creation like a business
Your campaign might get lost in the mix
Bonus tip: creators who show up regularly are more likely to deliver your content on time, too.
Fake Followers or Low Engagement
Follower count doesn’t mean much if no one’s engaging with their posts.
If an influencer has 50,000 followers but only gets 100 likes and zero comments… that’s a sign they may have purchased followers or are part of engagement pods. Bots don’t buy products, and neither do unengaged audiences.
Here’s how to spot the difference:
Look for consistent likes and comments
Read the comments...are they thoughtful or just emojis?
Check if their follower growth looks natural over time
No Portfolio, No Past Brand Work, No Testimonials
Even if someone is new to the influencer world, they should still be able to show you what kind of content they create.
Whether it’s a media kit, an online portfolio, or a highlight reel of past work, a professional pet influencer will have something to show you. If they can’t share any examples of sponsored content, usage rights, or testimonials, it’s worth asking why.
Working with a pet influencer should feel like working with a creative partner. If there’s no past proof of professionalism, it might be worth exploring other options.
💬 Testimonial Highlight
“Working with Carly and her crew has been an incredible experience! The way she integrates her own pets, Olive and Widget, into her content feels so authentic and relatable.
Her posts are thoughtful, creative, and genuinely showcase how Door Buddy can help pet owners find peace and balance in their homes.”
— Shanelle, Door Buddy
📍 Where to Find Pet Influencers in 2025
So you know what to look for, but where do you actually find the right pet influencers for your brand?
The good news: they’re out there. The even better news? You don’t have to rely on random hashtags or hope the algorithm sends you the perfect creator. Whether you’re looking for micro-influencers or bigger names, here are the best places to start your search in 2025.
Micro Influencer | Macro Influencer |
Higher engagement | Larger reach |
Deeper audience trust | Broader awareness |
Budget-friendly | Higher cost, bigger splash |
Use Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube Search Tools
Let’s start with the basics. Social platforms have improved their search tools, and when used intentionally, they can be a goldmine.
Try searching niche hashtags like #dogmomsofinstagram, #petreels, #canadianpetinfluencer, or #catsoftiktok
Use geo-tags if you’re looking for creators in a specific region (like Ontario or Vancouver)
Explore the "Suggested" or "Similar" accounts tab to see who the algorithm recommends
TikTok’s Creator Marketplace can even show you influencers by engagement rate, niche, and audience demographics
You’d be surprised how many amazing pet creators are one search term away.
Work With Influencer Marketing Platforms
If you want to streamline things even more, influencer marketing platforms are worth looking into.
Some great ones for finding pet influencers include:
These platforms let you filter by niche, location, follower count, engagement rate, and more. Many also offer built-in analytics and communication tools.
Just keep in mind: some platforms come with subscription costs or platform fees, so be sure to weigh the investment.
How to Reach Out and Start a Conversation
Okay, so you’ve found a pet influencer who checks all your boxes. Now what?
Time to reach out, but don’t overthink it. The best messages are short, genuine, and clear. You don’t need to send a formal proposal right away. You just need to start a conversation.
What to Include in Your First Message
When you DM or email a pet influencer, think of it like introducing yourself at a networking event: friendly, casual, and intentional. Here’s what to include:
Start with a compliment. Let them know what you love about their content. Maybe it’s their dog’s expressive eyebrows, their funny cat voiceovers, or their clean photography style. Be specific because it shows you’re not just copying and pasting.
Explain why you’re reaching out. Briefly introduce your brand and what you’re working on. Are you launching a new product? Promoting a seasonal campaign? Looking to build your content library?
Make it clear that this is a paid opportunity. Influencers get asked to do free work all the time, so if you’re offering compensation (which you should be), say it upfront.
Ask if they’re interested in hearing more. Keep your first message short and simple. Once they reply, you can share deliverables, timelines, and expectations.
Example message:
“Hi [Name]! I love how you blend humor and real life into your content—especially your videos with [Pet’s Name]! I’m with [Brand Name], and we’re currently planning a [product/campaign] for [season/goal]. I’d love to explore a potential collaboration with you if you’re open to chatting. This is a paid opportunity, and I think your style would be such a great fit. Let me know if you’d be interested!”
Why It Pays to Build Relationships, Not Just Transactions
The best influencer marketing isn’t about a single post: it’s about building relationships.
When you collaborate with a pet influencer over time, their audience starts to see your product as something they truly use and love. That consistency builds trust, and trust leads to action.
Creators also do their best work when they feel valued as a partner, not just hired for a task. If you treat them like a creative collaborator, they’ll often go above and beyond to make the campaign successful.
That’s why long-term partnerships tend to deliver more engagement, better content, and stronger ROI.
Looking for a pet influencer who’s the right fit for your brand: Someone who’s professional, creative, and easy to work with?
🎯 I offer free 15-minute discovery calls where we can chat about your campaign goals and see if I’m the perfect creator to bring your vision to life!
Whether you’re looking for engaging short-form videos, beautiful product photography, or relatable content that connects with pet parents, I’ve got you covered.
FAQ: Working With Pet Influencers in 2025
1. How do I find the right pet influencer for my brand in 2025?
Start by defining your campaign goals: Do you want awareness, content, or both? Then, look for influencers whose audience aligns with your ideal customer, whose content matches your brand style, and who show strong engagement, not just high follower counts. Bonus: check for professionalism, testimonials, and a solid portfolio.
2. What makes a pet influencer “the right fit” for a brand partnership?
The right pet influencer understands how to tell stories, connect with their audience, and seamlessly integrate your product into their content. Look for creators who are consistent, authentic, and easy to collaborate with, not just trendy!
3. How do I contact a pet influencer for a collaboration?
You can reach out via email or direct message (DM) with a short, personal note explaining who you are, what you’re working on, and why you think they’re a good fit. Be clear that this is a paid opportunity, and ask if they’d be open to chatting more. Want to chat with me? 👉 Book a free discovery call here.
4. What red flags should I watch for when choosing a pet influencer?
Avoid creators with inconsistent posting, low engagement, unclear niches, or no portfolio. Watch out for fake followers, comment pods, or creators who only post sponsored content. If you don’t see genuine audience interaction, it’s a red flag.
5. Should I work with micro or macro pet influencers?
Both can be valuable! Micro-influencers (under 100K) often have stronger community trust and higher engagement. Macro-influencers (100K+) may offer broader visibility. The key is alignment with your brand and campaign goals. If you’re unsure which is right for you, I’m happy to help during a free call.
If you're ready to take your brand to the next level, I'm here to help.
👉 Click here to book a free discovery call, and let's chat about how we can build something meaningful together!
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