The Most Popular Pet Influencers of 2024

The pet industry has experienced substantial growth in recent years, thanks, in part, to the rise of social media and pet influencer marketing. Whether or not you own a pet, there's widespread interest in wholesome, funny, and just plain cute animal and pet-related content. A 2022 survey by ManyPets revealed that two out of five people prefer to fill their social feeds with pets instead of people, and one in four pet owners are actively trying to establish a social brand for their furry friends. 

With millions of followers and billions of views, our beloved pets have become powerful influencers capable of shaping consumer behavior. Brands looking to expand their reach and capitalize on current trends should consider pet influencer marketing as part of their next advertising campaign. A 2024 Morgan Stanley report suggests annual household pet expenditures will reach $1,445 per pet by 2026 and $1,733 by 2030. By partnering with pet influencers, brands can optimize their marketing budgets, increase their exposure, and authentically connect with an engaged and loyal audience. 

Dogs, in particular, have been making waves across social media platforms, becoming standout stars. Various dog influencers have gained significant popularity despite smaller followings—particularly among Gen Z and Millennials. According to Lefty’s analysis of the top influencers during the 2023/2024 NFL season, two dog influencer accounts, @aircorg and @potato.bulldog, were among the top ten creators mentioning American football teams. The following highlights the top pet influencers on Instagram and TikTok, showcasing their impressive followings, appealing content, and potential for brand partnerships.

The Top 10 Pet Influencers on Instagram in 2024

1.@nala_cat: 4.5 Million Followers

Nala, a charming 10-year-old Siamese-tabby mix, was adopted from a shelter outside Los Angeles. Over the years, her Instagram account has surged in popularity, earning her the title of “the most followed cat on Instagram” in 2019 from Guinness World Records. Audiences adore Nala for her cozy snuggles, irresistible dress-up photos, and especially for her short, stubby legs. Nala is a pet influencer veteran of influencer marketing on Instagram, having participated in numerous brand collaborations with well-known companies, including Bissell, Friskies, and Petsmart. The growing success of this account underscores the value of brand partnerships and effective influencer marketing performance.

2.@tuckerbudzyn: 3.8 Million Followers

@tuckerbudzyn presents a delightful family of two golden retrievers: Tucker and his son, Todd. Dog influencers Tucker and Todd share entertaining reels with their 3.8 million followers, showcasing dressing up, performing skits, and connecting with dog owners everywhere. Despite their impressive follower count, the duo remains relatively untapped regarding brand partnerships. According to Lefty data, only 1.67% of their content over the past year has been sponsored posts, making Tucker and Todd ideal partners for brands looking to find influencers with a large and highly engaged audience.

3.@itsdougthepug: 3.6 Million Followers

Doug the Pug is an Instagram sensation famously known as “the OG celebrity dog.” He has gained widespread recognition for his adorable interactions with stars like Billie Eilish and Justin Bieber. Doug’s content primarily shows him in charming outfits and funny reels that resonate particularly well with his young audience. According to Lefty data, nearly half of Doug’s fans are Gen Zers aged 18-24, with American users comprising 45% of his followers. Like many other prominent dog influencers, Doug has developed a brand focused on holistic dog care, leveraging the virality of his account for the health and well-being of different pets.

4.@juniperfoxx: 3.3 Million Followers

Since being rescued and adopted in 2015, Juniper the Fox has gained a loyal following on Instagram, where her owners, who also manage an animal sanctuary, share her adventures. The account includes a variety of rescue animals, including several other foxes, a skunk, an opossum, and a raccoon, creating a satisfying mix of content that resonates with audiences. With an impressive average engagement rate of 3.4%, this account outperforms many others of its size on Instagram. Furthermore, brand collaborations have yet to be explored, presenting a unique opportunity to collaborate with the sanctuary.

5.@swagrman: 3.1 Million Followers

Much like Doug the Pug, Swaggy Wolfdog has gained fame for his appearances alongside renowned celebrities, often donning his signature outfit: a hoodie, sunglasses, and gold chain. While he is most active on TikTok, this dog influencer has also garnered significant attention on Instagram, with his most notable post featuring a memorable moment with Taylor Swift at this year's Coachella. Swaggy Wolfdog has not established any brand partnerships, making him an attractive prospect for potential collaborations.

6.@marutaro: 2.4 Million Followers

@marutaro features Maru, a captivating Shiba Inu celebrated for his expressive face and charming personality. His profile showcases a delightful mix of daily adventures and interactions through playful photos, engaging videos, and heartwarming moments highlighting his endearing qualities. With 2.4 million followers, Maru has garnered substantial popularity due to his distinctive appearance and delightful antics, making his account a must-see for dog lovers and fans.

Most of Maru's brand collaborations are with well-known companies' Japanese branches like Booking.com, Häagen-Dazs, and Honda, with Valentino being one of the only collaborations with a purely Western brand. Notably, 13% of Maru's substantial following consists of Americans, making him an ideal partner for brands seeking to engage with this audience and enhance their visibility.

7.@iamlilbub: 2.4 Million Followers

Lil BUB is an internet-famous cat known for her unique appearance and irresistible charm. Her distinctive look, resulting from genetic anomalies like dwarfism and osteopetrosis, gave her a perpetual kitten-like appearance and a protruding tongue. Despite her challenges, Lil BUB became a symbol of positivity and inspiration. Her account features heartwarming photos and videos that spotlight her fun-loving personality and bring joy to her followers. Beyond her engaging content, Lil BUB advocated for animal welfare, raising awareness about pet adoption and supporting special needs animals. Although she sadly passed away in 2019, her account continues attracting a large following, with regular posts that enchanted fans with her spirit and uplifting message.

8.@white_coffee_cat: 2.2 Million Followers

White Coffee Cat is a delightful and photogenic feline celebrated for his cuteness and winning personality. The account contains various posts, including lovable photos and playful videos. It often showcases the cat’s daily life, interactions, and unique expressions, drawing in a large following of cat enthusiasts and animal lovers worldwide. Notably, 80% of White Coffee Cat's followers are aged 18-34, with significant demographics from the U.S. and Indonesia. Moreover, engaging captions and consistent updates enhance the account's appeal, making it ideal for anyone seeking cute and entertaining feline content.

9.@venustwofacecat: 2.2 Million Followers

Venus is a fascinating feline celebrated for her striking, two-toned face—black on one side and orange on the other. Her account attracts audiences with photos and videos highlighting her unique appearance, typical cat antics, and interactions with her family. With nearly 70% Gen Z and Millennial followers, Venus draws in animal lovers who admire her rare beauty and natural allure. The account has collaborated with several brands, including Wayfair, Stain Master, and Litter Genie.

10.@tunameltsmyheart: 1.9 Million Followers

@tunameltsmyheart features Tuna, a rescued Chihuahua and Dachshund mix known for his sweet little overbite and wrinkly neck. With a blend of candid shots, themed photoshoots, and videos of his various adventures, Tuna’s quirky personality has attracted a large and devoted following. Fans appreciate their daily dose of cuteness and the positive promotion of pet adoption and animal welfare. Tuna’s distinctive appearance and lovable antics have made him an internet sensation and meme, positioning him as a champion for rescue dogs everywhere.

The Top 10 Pet Influencers on TikTok in 2024

1.@thatlittlepuff: 33.1 Million Followers

That Little Puff is a popular TikTok account starring an adorable and clever cat named Puff, who often performs hilarious and impressive feats, from whipping up fun recipes to solving puzzles. Renowned for its engaging and entertaining content, the account shows off Puff's remarkable training and intelligence through tricks, DIY projects, and creative scenarios that appeal to a broad audience and average 1.89 million views per video. With a growing fanbase, Puff continues to enchant TikTok users worldwide, solidifying his status as one of the most beloved pet influencers on the platform.

2.@mochapom: 14.4 Million Followers

@mochapom showcases a lovable Pomeranian named Mocha. The account has a substantial audience captivated by the mix of high-quality videos highlighting Mocha's daily adventures, playful antics, and charming personality. Mocha is often seen in cute outfits, performing tricks, and interacting with their surroundings in endearing ways. The account's engaging and joyful posts make it a favorite among dog lovers and animal enthusiasts. With no significant brand partnerships to date, collaborating with Mocha presents an excellent opportunity for brands aiming to make a meaningful impact on TikTok.

3.@dontstopmeowing: 14.1 Million Followers

Chase, Skye, and Millie are the amusing trio of cats captured by the TikTok account @dontstopmeowing, owned by the couple Kareem and Fifi. The account spotlights the cats’ humorous antics and distinctive personalities through lively interactions, clever skits, and adorable moments that beautifully illustrate the bond between the pets and their owners. With millions of followers, @dontstopmeowing has become a cherished source of entertainment for cat lovers on TikTok, boasting high engagement rates and offering potential brand collaborations for pet-focused campaigns.

4.@mreviatar: 13.6 Million Followers

This popular TikTok account centers around Eviatar Ozeri and his Chihuahua, Niki, who is known for her disarming smiles and playful growls. The content often shows Eviatar encouraging Niki to smile and growl or perform her impressive tornado trick. The account has gained immense popularity, averaging 4.3 million views per post. Niki particularly resonates with Gen Z audiences, who comprise nearly 60% of the account's total following. @mreviatar’s high engagement rate demonstrates the potential for brands looking for new avenues of collaboration.

5.@azchpn: 10 Million Followers

@azchpn predominantly features the Japanese toy poodle Panna alongside her Chihuahua siblings, Azuki and Chocola, who play around, explore new pet products, and savor cozy moments on the bed or couch. This content resonates deeply with Gen Z, representing 57% of the follower base. Furthermore, Panna and her siblings have gained substantial popularity among Brazilian and Indonesian audiences, who account for the largest share of its viewership by nationality. The account’s high engagement rates and diverse follower demographics make it a prime candidate for potential brand partnerships.

6.@nico_thepomeranian: 9.5 Million Followers

@nico_thepomeranian is a beloved TikTok account that highlights the adorable antics of Nico, an irresistibly fluffy Pomeranian with impeccable comedic timing. The account offers a variety of content, including Nico’s daily adventures, DIY projects, and imaginative scenarios that engage a broad audience. With a focus on high-energy and uplifting videos, @nico_thepomeranian perfectly captures Nico’s delightful personality and endearing behavior, resonating with a large following of dog lovers and pet enthusiasts alike.

7.@whataboutbunny: 8.6 Million Followers

Bunny is a viral TikTok sensation celebrated for her remarkable ability to communicate using a specialized button board with her owners. This innovative tool contains various words and enables Bunny to convey her needs and desires by pushing specific buttons on the board. Her creative use of this device has garnered significant attention on the platform, with Gen Z and American viewers particularly drawn to Bunny's intelligence and bond with her owners. 58% of her followers are between 18 and 24, and 62% hail from the United States. Bunny's innovative account is unique in the pet influencer space as it exemplifies the potential for meaningful communication between animals and people.

8.@aguyandagolden: 8.3 Million Followers

@aguyandagolden is a dynamic duo: a man and his golden retriever. Celebrated for its touching and humorous skits, the account captures the playful antics and strong bond between the owner and his dog. This content resonates with dog lovers and Gen Z, making it a favorite among viewers who enjoy comedic, lighthearted, and engaging pet-related videos. Over the past year, the account has experienced an impressive 34% increase in its TikTok following, bolstered by an average of 1.45 million views per post. 

9.@elliegoldenlife: 7 Million Followers

The TikTok account @elliegoldenlife focuses on an adventurous trio: two golden retrievers, Ellie and Emma, and their owner. Known for its heartwarming and hilarious content, the account presents videos showcasing entertaining skits, the strong bond between Emma and Ellie, and cute interactions between the owner and his dogsThe account has collaborated with pet food brands like Unkibble, generating significant impressions and demonstrating its value for pet-affiliated brands. @elliegoldenlife’s high engagement rates and successful brand collaborations reflect this niche's potential for influencer marketing.

10.@chinpals: 6.9 Million Followers

Chinpals joined TikTok in 2020 as one of the first "influencers," quickly amassing a substantial following. The account aims to spread joy worldwide with amusing and uplifting content featuring the Chinchilla family: Henry, Chip, Knox, Finn, and Linus. Unlike most popular pet accounts that tend to focus on cats or dogs, Chinpals stands out with its unique emphasis on chinchillas and the distinctive content it produces. The Chinpals account has previously highlighted various NFL teams and sports leagues like the NHL, making it an ideal partner for sports teams, leagues, and apparel brands. The account’s innovative content and solid follower base present a unique opportunity for finding influencers to drive influencer marketing performance.

Conclusion:

Companies that meaningfully leverage brand partnerships with pet influencers can increase their exposure, boost their engagement rates, and create deeper connections with their target audiences. Strategic brand collaborations with content creators, such as dog influencers, allow businesses to harness the power of pet influencer marketing, optimize their advertising budgets, and make data-driven decisions to improve campaign performance. Influencer marketing platforms like Lefty can help brands find influencers, develop productive relationships with content creators, and measure influencer marketing performance.