Paws and Claws of Fame: The Luckiest States and Provinces for Pet Influencer Stardom
Published 26.08.2025
Move over, humans, there’s a new breed of influencer in town, and they're fluffier, furrier, and likely way cuter than anyone else in your feed. With pet influencers rapidly taking over social media platforms, we embarked on a mission to uncover exactly where your furry friend has the best chance of hitting internet fame and potentially fetching substantial income. After analyzing the 500 most-followed dog and cat Instagram accounts across Instagram in the US and Canada, we've mapped out which states and provinces are prime territories for pets poised for stardom.
Key Takeaways:
Washington, D.C. leads North America with one pet influencer per 84,750 residents; that's 76 times more pet-fluencer density than Pennsylvania
In Canada, Ontario is at the head of the pack with 32 total pet influencers, while Saskatchewan has just one lonely cat creator in the top 500
With 157 of the top 500 pet influencers, California leads in sheer, but ranks second per capita
Dogs are the most popular pet influencer accounts, with 275 of the top 500 influencers, compared to 225 for cats
Leaders of the Pack
When it comes to overall influencer density (per capita), the District of Columbia takes the crown. With 8 high-profile pet influencers among just 678,000 residents, that's one influencer for every 84,750 residents, a staggering ratio unmatched anywhere else in North America.
To put that in perspective, a D.C. dog has better odds of Instagram fame than a Pennsylvania pup has of catching a squirrel. The Keystone State's five pet influencers represent nearly 13 million people; that's one furry celeb per 2.56 million residents. At this rate, your Philly pup has a better chance of running up the Rocky steps on its hind legs than landing a Purina sponsorship.
California and New York, perhaps unsurprisingly, follow close behind D.C., surely driven by their massive populations. California alone hosts 157 of these furry celebrities, including the legendary Jiffpom (@jiffpom), a Pomeranian with a staggering 8.9 million followers who holds two Guinness World Records for his speed on two paws. With a per capita ratio of approximately 1 influencer per 251,154 residents, California sits second overall. New York closely trails, with 70 of Instagram’s most popular pets.
Where the Top 500 Pet Influencers in North America Reside (Per Capita)
Ontario rules the roost as Canada's clear leader, hosting 32 high-profile pet influencers, which translates to approximately one influencer for every 499,906 residents. British Columbia also makes an impressive showing, placing eighth overall in North America with 9 top-tier Insta-pets including the majestic Smoothie the Cat (@smoothiethecat), whose 2.2 million followers can't resist those emerald eyes and flowing fur. Quebec, with 15 of the top pet influencers like the fashionable Tika the Iggy (@tikatheiggy) who has amassed 1.5 million followers with her haute couture wardrobe, offers ample opportunities for dogs to become Instagram dandies.
Alberta might only have 4 of the top IG pet influencers (2 cats, 2 dogs), but don't let the numbers fool you. These prairie pets are tougher than a two-dollar steak, creating content through Calgary Stampedes and Edmonton deep freezes. Take Suki Cat (@sukiicat) with 1.7 million followers, and Gary The Cat (@greatgramsofgary) with nearly 600,000 followers, both Alberta felines who've turned the Canadian Rockies into their personal photo studios, proving that adventure content sells even when it's -40°C outside.
Dogs vs. Cats: The Eternal Battle Wages On
In the battle for social media dominance, dogs might be man's best friend, but the feline contingent punches well above its weight class in engagement and geographic dominance.
The scoreboard shows the dogs ahead in raw numbers, but barely. Among North America’s 500 most followed dog and cat influencers, 275 (55%) are dogs, while 225 (45%) are cats. Proving once and for all that in some places, cats rule, and dogs drool.
The Purr-fect Places for Cat Stardom
While dogs may have the numbers, cats are quietly conquering key territories with surgical precision. California's feline elite dominates with 71 cat influencers, nearly a third of all top cat accounts, though the state's massive population dilutes their per capita impact. The real cat kingdom? Look to the smaller states where single feline influencers reign supreme.
Quebec's feline scene deserves special mention, with cats like Elie the hallway cat (@eliethehallwaycat) delighting 377,000 followers with simple indoor antics that prove you don't need mountains or beaches, just a narrow corridor and perfect timing.
Every Dog Has Its Day
California's 86 canine influencers form the largest pack in North America, while Ontario's 26 pups represent Canada's strongest showing. But the real surprise? North Dakota, where one enterprising dog has cornered the market for all 780,000 residents. That's one prairie pup living its best life, probably herding followers as efficiently as cattle.
South Carolina might not top the per capita charts, but it's home to AGuyandAGolden (@aguyandagoldenn), where Teddy’s adventures with their his have garnered over 5 million followers. proof that sometimes all you need is a golden retriever and good vibes to build an empire.
The Bottom Line
So, what does this all mean for your furry friend's shot at stardom? Location matters, but not in the way you might think. Sure, D.C. pets have the numbers on their side, and California offers the biggest audience, but Gary The Cat didn't let Alberta's frozen tundra stop him from gaining 600,000 mountain-loving followers. Whether you're in a penthouse or a prairie town, the secret sauce remains the same: personality, consistency, and probably a really good camera angle. After all, Elie built an empire from a hallway. Your pet's path to fame might just be one post away
Methodology
We compiled data from Instagram for the 500 most-followed dog and cat influencer accounts, categorizing them by U.S. states and Canadian provinces. Population data was used to calculate the per capita ratio of influencers to residents.
Fair Use
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