PAWESOME RED CARPET APPEARANCES
We’ve seen a lot of change in the spotlight in the last decade. Some of the most prominent millennial celebrities got to where they are by recording themselves and uploading it to YouTube. It is common now to see a large amount of social media influencers on red carpets and starring in movies. Just as we thought we’d seen it all...pets started making their way onto red carpets.
In this blog Hollywood Branded will take a look at the growing trend of celebrity pets and how paartnerships with them can enhance brand marketing plans.
Pets Can Create Brand Awareness
Pets are a common interest between all different kinds of people. Having a dog is the norm. And dog owners automatically have something to talk about with fellow dog owners. 62 percent of Americans own pets. If your brand were to use a social influencer pet in a marketing campaign you gain the attention of consumers who have dogs - especially all of those dog-obsessed owners. They may otherwise have not engaged or taken notice. And even if they have no use for your product they may remember your brand and share with a friend!
We are dog friendly at Hollywood Branded and often times we choose places to eat for lunch with patios so our dogs can come, shop in stores that are pet friendly, and even choose airlines that allow pets. We spend a lot of money on them. The dog friendly hospitality companies are winning big by letting pet owners have the option to bring their child, we mean dog, with them. After all, a pet IS a family member.
The Hospitality Industry may be on top of things, but there are other industries who are catching up to the pet owner obsessed trend. Makeup, fashion, and food companies are all using pets to their advantage.
Covergirl used Jifpom with Katy Perry in a commercial.
Heinz used wiener dogs in a 2016 Super Bowl Commercial.
It only makes sense that Heinz used weenie dogs as hot dogs for a heart-string tugging commercial during the 2016 Super Bowl.
American Eagle Outfitters played an April Fool’s joke and introduced a line of apparel for dogs called ‘American Beagle Outfitters.’ 
After the joke was unveiled as a hoax, the disappointing response of dog owners was overwhelming. When the company launched the real line they donated $1 from every sale to the ASPCA. American Eagle Outfitters ended up donating $100,000.
Dog Agents....Are A Thing?
Need a dog influencer? Look no further. Loni Edwards started The Dog Agency, the first management agency focusing exclusively on dog influencers. Their Influencers have worked with brands such as: Google, Dyson, Budweiser, Jimmy Choo, Target, The Ritz Carlton, PetSmart and Mattel. The Dog Agency strategically connect the dots and streamlines the collaboration process between dog clients, brands and media. All that can't believe and didn't know these agencies existed put a paw in the air....
Some of Hollywood Branded's Favorite Pet Influencers
Alright, Alright. Alright. (Even Lincoln uses dogs in their Matthew McCaugheny ads). There are so many up and coming dog influencers but we definitely have our favorites. Below is a list of a couple of the cutest influencers on the market!
Tuna - (1.7M Instagram Followers)
A 5 year-old Chiweenie with an exaggerated overbite, recessed jawline and a magnificent wrinkly neck. He was rescued by Courtney Dasher in December of 2010 at a Farmers Market in LA when he was a four-month old puppy. A year into their friendship, Courtney created an Instagram account dedicated to Tuna’s photos. At the end of 2012, Tuna’s notoriety grew on Instagram when Instagram featured a picture of him on their personal page, unbeknownst to her. Tuna has been featured on Nylon.com and many other news outlets.
Jiff Pom (2.4M Instagram Followers)
He's been in a Katy Perry video and Target ads, He can walk on his hind legs, pose for selfies, and even sign his own autograph! Jiff is actually represented by one of the biggest agencies in Hollywood, United Talent Agency. Jiff has also appeared on multiple red carpets and at movie premieres such as Disney's The Lion Guard.
And lastly, Hollywood Branded's own, Pounder! Pounder became a YouTube sensation when her mother filmed a "Teach Your Dog To Kiss" video! Fourteen Thousand YouTube Views and a couple bags of Beggin' Strips later and this adorable girl is not only influencing dog owners but other dogs from all over the internet!
Pet Influencers On Red Carpets And Beyond
We thought we saw it all when YouTubers started hitting the red carpets...and then dogs.... WHAT WILL BE NEXT? Let us know what you think!
Are you interested in learning more on how your brand can work with social media influencers? Download our infographic that provides case studies, rates and strategies for success when creating a social media influencer program.
