How to Become a Pet UGC Creator

You've seen pet owners turn their pets into a superstar, partnering with brands and earning a more than decent income.

Imagine turning your love for your furry friend into a thriving career.

In 2025, the pet industry is booming, with U.S. expenditures reaching a staggering $152 billion in 2024 and projected to grow further.

The best part? The demand for authentic, pet-focused content is exploding.

Brands are desperately seeking real pets and their owners to create User-Generated Content (UGC) that feels genuine, relatable, and trustworthy.

Whether you’re snapping photos of your dog playing with a new toy or filming your cat lounging on a cozy bed, becoming a pet UGC creator offers a low-cost, flexible way to monetize your passion.

This guide provides a step-by-step roadmap to help you succeed, packed with actionable tips and the latest trends.

Who is a Pet UGC Creator?

Pet UGC is all about sharing authentic moments with your pets.

A pet UGC creator produces content such as photos, videos, reviews, or testimonials, featuring their pets.

Unlike traditional influencers who rely on large followings, UGC creators focus on high-quality content that brands can use on their social media, websites, or ads.

Your value as a Pet UGC Creator's is your content creation skill.

Brands pay you to create a library of photos and videos (assets) that the brand can then use on their own social media channels, website, or in paid ads.

Here’s why this career path is worth exploring:

All you need is a smartphone and a pet. No expensive equipment or large social media following required.
The pet industry is considered recession-proof, with pet owners prioritizing their pets’ well-being.
Work from home and set your own schedule.
Earn anywhere from $50 to $500 per piece of content, with top creators like Chelsea Hope earning over $130,000 in their first year.

A woman is holding a cat in her arms

Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Pet UGC Creator

Step 1: Define Your Pet's Brand Persona and Niche

Don't just be "a cute dog account." Go deeper. What is your pet's story? Their personality? This is what makes you memorable.

The Adventurer: A dog who loves hiking, swimming, and exploring new trails. Perfect for outdoor gear, durable toys, and car accessories.
The Pampered Pooch: A cat who loves luxurious beds, gourmet treats, and spa-like grooming sessions. A perfect fit for premium, high-end brands.
The Comedian: The quirky, funny pet who is always getting into silly situations. Ideal for fun, engaging brands with a sense of humor.
The City Slicker: A stylish pet navigating urban life, visiting pet-friendly cafes in places like Lagos or Abuja. Great for fashion accessories, portable water bowls, and local pet businesses.

Choosing a niche helps you attract the right kind of followers and the right kind of brands.

It also helps you narrow down your target audience.

Are you appealing to dog owners, cat lovers, or a broader pet community?

Understanding your audience helps tailor your content to resonate with their interests.

For example, content for eco-conscious pet owners might highlight sustainable products, while content for active dog owners could focus on outdoor gear.

Step 3: Create a Dedicated, Professional Profile

Create a dedicated social media account for your pet. This keeps your content focused and makes it easy for brands to see your value.

Optimize your bio**.** Your bio should be a mini-pitch.

Example: 🐾 BILY the NY Pup | Spreading joy and exploring the city one treat at a time | Pet UGC & Content Creator | 📧 bily.biz@email.com

A contact info is important**.** Have a professional email address clearly visible. Serious business happens in email, not DMs.

Step 4: Master Pet-Friendly Content Creation

Safety first! Your credibility (and a brand's willingness to work with you) depends on this.

Safety is non-negotiable. Never force your pet to do something they are uncomfortable with for content.

Use positive reinforcement (treats, praise, toys). Keep shoots short and fun.

Your pet's well-being is always the top priority. A stressed animal does not create good content and is a major red flag for reputable brands.

Your current gear is good enough**.** Your smartphone is a content powerhouse.

Focus on fundamentals to make your photos and videos stand out:

Photography Tips:

Use Natural Light: Avoid flash to prevent a “deer-in-the-headlights” look and use soft, natural light for vibrant images.

Get to Their Level: Shoot from your pet’s eye level for a more engaging perspective.

Capture Personality: Photograph your pet in their favorite spots or doing activities they love, like chasing a ball or napping.

Use Treats or Toys: Hold a treat near the camera to direct their gaze.

Simple Backgrounds: Keep backgrounds uncluttered to make your pet the star (Petfluencer Secrets).

Stable Shots: Use a tripod or rest your phone on a stable surface. Shaky footage looks unprofessional.

Videography Tips:

Keep It Short: Short-form videos (15-30 seconds) perform best on platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels, which are dominating in 2025 (Vidzy).
Mix Shots: Use close-ups for emotional impact and wide shots to show context.
Add Subtle Transitions: Use smooth pans or zooms in apps like CapCut, but avoid overusing filters to maintain authenticity.

Editing:

Use free tools like CapCut or InShot for video editing and Lightroom or Snapseed for photos to enhance quality without losing the raw, authentic feel.

Step 5: Create the types of content brands buy

Here’s how to create the specific types of content brands are paying for.

Mastering the "Product Demo":
- Show the product clearly and from multiple angles.
- Capture your pet interacting with it naturally. For a new food, show the excited tail wags and the clean bowl. For a toy, capture the playful pounce and happy chewing.
Capturing the "Problem/Solution" Story:
- This is a powerful marketing angle. Show a before shot (e.g., your dog looking bored by the door) and an after shot (e.g., them happily occupied with a new puzzle toy).
Creating High-Value "Lifestyle" Shots:
- Show the product integrated seamlessly into your life. This is incredibly valuable for brands.
- Example: A beautiful, crisp photo of you and your dog on a walk with your dog wearing a stylish new harness. The product is the hero, but the context tells a story.

A portfolio is your calling card to attract brands. Here’s how to create one:

Include photos, videos, and testimonials featuring different pets or products (Billo).
Design a professional portfolio using Canva’s free templates, which require minimal design skills (The UGC Club).
Emphasize your unique approach, such as capturing heartwarming pet-owner moments or humorous pet antics.
Add a brief bio with your location and pet details (e.g., “Based in New York with my playful Golden Retriever, Max”).
Host your portfolio online or as a PDF for easy sharing.

Step 7: Finding and Pitching Pet Brands

You've built the foundation and honed your craft. Now, let's get you paid.

Where do you find clients?

Local Goldmine: Start with local pet businesses in your city! Search Instagram for local groomers, pet supply stores, and Nigerian-made treat brands using hashtags like #DogsOf[location], #[Location]Pets. These businesses need quality content.

Global DTC Brands: Look for direct-to-consumer pet brands on Instagram and TikTok that have a strong online presence.

Your Own Cabinets: What products do you already use and love? That's your primary pitch list.

Professional Platforms: This is the fast track. Some of the best UGC platforms like Pitchbrand Influee, Collabstr, and Pawjourr connect vetted, professional creators directly with brands that have a budget and are actively searching for content.

Direct Pitching: Research brand websites for contact info and send personalized emails with your portfolio.

Here's a detailed guide on how to find brand emails for ugc

Networking: Join communities like Reddit’s r/UGCcreators to find opportunities and connect with other creators.

How to Pitch Effectively

A strong pitch can land you your first brand deal. Here’s how:

Personalize: Tailor your pitch to the brand’s values and products. For example, highlight how your content can showcase Ferapet’s organic supplements (Creator Hero).
Show Value: Explain how your content can boost engagement (e.g., UGC increases Instagram engagement by 1.43% per RivalIQ).
Include Portfolio: Attach or link to your portfolio to demonstrate your skills.
Be Professional: Use a clear, concise email with a subject line like “Pet UGC Creator Collaboration Proposal.”

The Pitch Template for Pet UGC Creators:

Subject: UGC Video/Photo Content for [Brand Name] from [@YourPetsHandle]

Hi [Brand Contact Name],

My name is [Your Name], and I'm the creator behind [@YourPetsHandle], where my [Pet's Breed/Mix], [Pet's Name], and I create content focused on [Your Niche, e.g., 'active, urban pet lifestyle'].

I'm a huge admirer of [Brand Name]'s commitment to [Brand Value, e.g., 'using all-natural ingredients']. We are genuine fans of your [Specific Product Name].

I specialize in creating high-energy, authentic UGC videos and photos for brands to use on their own social channels. I believe [Pet's Name]'s [Personality Trait, e.g., 'playful and expressive personality'] would be perfect for showcasing your new line of [Product Category].

You can view my portfolio of pet-focused work here: [Link to Portfolio]

Would you be open to me sending over my UGC rate card?

Best,

[Your Name]

Bonus: Insider Secrets

Whatever you do, as a Pet UGC creator you must monetize and earn money through various streams:

Paid Collaborations: Brands pay for specific content, with average rates of $50-$500 per piece, though top creators can earn thousands (Whop).
Affiliate Marketing: Earn commissions by promoting products with affiliate links.
Sponsored Posts: Get paid to post on your own social media channels.
Content Licensing: License your content for brands to use in ads or on their websites.
Reviews and Unboxings: Create detailed reviews or unboxing videos for payment.

Building a presence can enhance your credibility and attract more brands:

Social Media: Post regularly on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube to showcase your content and build a following.
Engage with the Community: Comment, like, and share content from other pet creators and brands to build relationships.
Collaborate: Partner with other creators for cross-promotion, increasing your reach.

To stay competitive, align your content with these trends:

Short-Form Videos: Focus on 15-30 second videos for TikTok and Instagram Reels, which drive high engagement.
Pet Wellness: Highlight products like probiotics or supplements, with the pet supplement market projected to hit $1.05 billion by 2027.
Sustainability: Showcase eco-friendly products, as pet owners increasingly prioritize sustainability.
Pet Tech: Create content featuring smart devices like GPS trackers or automated feeders.
Authenticity: Maintain a raw, relatable style, as 90% of consumers value authenticity in brand content.

What Pet Brands Really Want

A Happy, Healthy, Well-Cared-For Pet: This is the #1 priority. Your pet's welfare must be visibly excellent.
Authenticity & Relatability: They want content that looks like a real, loving pet owner created it, just with better quality.
Clear, Bright, High-Quality Visuals: The product must be clearly visible, well-lit, and look appealing.
A Professional and Reliable Human: They are hiring you. They need you to be communicative, meet deadlines, and understand the brief.

A cat stares at a phone with a cat picture.

Finally... Your Pet's Star Power is Your Business Opportunity

Becoming a pet UGC creator is an exciting opportunity to combine your love for pets with a creative career.

If you define your pet's unique brand, prioritize their safety and happiness, master the art of capturing authentic moments, and approach brands with professionalism, you can build a thriving, rewarding business.

Your pet is already a star in your eyes; now you have the playbook to share their light with the world and get paid for it.

Start small, stay authentic, and let your passion for pets shine through every piece of content you create.

Ready to connect your superstar pet with brands that are actively searching for authentic, high-quality content?

Join Pitchbrand to discover opportunities and partner with companies ready to invest in your creative talent.