A galactic guide to engaging with the petfluencers of the DACH region!
Picture is from Pexels by Gustavo Fring
By Chiara Breedijk
Influencers are increasingly starting to reign supreme on social media, and in doing so, pet influencers have started capturing the hearts and screens of millions worldwide. At Laika, amidst our furry companions strolling around the office, many of us also share our lives with other beloved pets. While the joy they bring is undeniable, the challenges of pet ownership are real, and guidance from fellow pet enthusiasts—petfluencers—are invaluable. This also creates opportunities for companies to capitalize on this. But what exactly are petfluencers? Who are the beloved ones captivating audiences in the DACH region, and how can businesses effectively engage with them? Let's explore this captivating world.
First things first, a bit more information about petfluencers
Petfluencers are pet owners who showcase their furry friends, predominantly cats and dogs, but occasionally other animals, on social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Through captivating photos, entertaining videos, and endearing personalities, these pets have amassed devoted followings who eagerly anticipate their every post. Beyond their adorable appearances and relatable antics, what truly resonates is their ability to evoke emotions and forge genuine connections with their audience.
Engaging with petfluencers presents companies with an opportunity to tap into new audiences, boost brand visibility, and foster meaningful engagement. Collaborating with these four-legged KOLs (Key Opinion Leaders) provides a genuine and distinctive avenue to connect with consumers. By aligning their offerings with beloved pets, brands can leverage the deep emotional bonds pet influencers have cultivated with their followers.
You have the right petfluencers, now what?
When you go on your cosmic quest to find petfluencers whose vibes, audience traits, and content orbit align with your brand, it is time to take further steps. In addition to the influencers themselves, the pets must also test and approve the products for a truly authentic collaboration. This means that the products must be accepted not only by the influencers but also by their animals, adding an extra layer of consideration for successful partnerships.
Once the initial step is taken, building genuine relationships is crucial. Take the time to understand their preferences, interests, and audience demographics before negotiation and further steps become important. Building authentic relationships lays the groundwork for successful collaborations and ensures that both parties get what they want. Collaboration is always key for us; work closely together to create content that showcases your brand in a creative and authentic manner, all with high quality. Whether it's showcasing your products in cute photos of their pets or integrating them into entertaining videos, focus on storytelling and authenticity to capture the audience's attention.
Our favourite petfluencers within the DACH region
Doggo-focused pet influencers
Zoe always dreamed of starting something of her own. When her first dog, Nika, joined her in 2020, things quickly fell into place. She launched her brand, Hej Nika, initially as a hobby, but it soon blossomed into a thriving business. Now, alongside her two dogs, Nika and Zoë, she creates unique, handcrafted dog collars, leashes, and more, doing exactly what she loves every day. Zoe also shares her "dog life" on social media, posting funny, relatable, and useful videos. Based on our experience, working with these pet influencers has been a delightful and rewarding adventure. As we've fetched a successful collaboration with our client BARFER’S and the dynamic duo, Nika & Zoe!
Nadine stands out among pet influencers, eschewing the typical focus solely on her adorable four-legged companion. Instead, her Instagram account delves into a realm of healthy recipes, self-care, and balance. As she often expresses, her mantra is to "make happiness a priority". While her faithful companion, Cam, is an integral part of her life, Nadine's emphasis remains on holistic well-being rather than solely on her pet.
This approach makes Nadine an appealing choice for companies aiming to connect with a lifestyle-conscious, health-oriented audience. By subtly integrating her canine buddy into her posts, rather than making him the star, Nadine crafts a narrative that resonates with a broader crowd. And hey, she's no stranger to collaborations, seamlessly weaving her furry friend into promotional campaigns with a wink and a wag.
Introducing Skye, the 9-year-old Miniature Australian Shepherd whose cuteness launches our doggy-loving hearts into orbit. Three years ago, Laura decided to share Skye's adorable moments with the world by launching their Instagram account. Fast-forward to today, and they've amassed over 70 thousand followers eagerly participating in their daily adventures.
At 25, Laura not only navigates life as Skye's devoted owner but also provides a glimpse into her journey living with ADHD (attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder). Through Skye's lens, Laura showcases the positive impact her furry companion brings to her life, adding depth and authenticity to their content. Focused on daily life, travel, and lifestyle, Laura seamlessly integrates Skye into various aspects of her online presence, creating a captivating narrative for her followers. Her honest assessments and positive experiences beam trust and credibility to her dedicated community, ensuring they're over the moon with every recommendation.
Meet Jules, the paws-itively inspiring service dog who offers a unique window into the world of living with a disability. Trained to be a beacon of support, Jules guides Antonie through the galactic journey of daily life, navigating obstacles with the grace of a shooting star and reducing their reliance on human assistance. Jules not only enhances Antonie’s sense of security and self-confidence, but also empowers them to tackle tasks they once thought impossible. Through their Instagram account, you'll gain a firsthand glimpse into the intricacies of life with a service dog – from training sessions to the ups and downs of daily life. It's a raw and authentic portrayal of the realities of living with a service dog, offering invaluable insights for companies seeking to connect with a niche audience focused on healthcare and assistance.
This Instagram account, featuring the dynamic trio Mojo, Rana, and Mateo, offers invaluable advice on traveling with dogs, navigating life with three pups, and the extraordinary experience of caring for a disabled dog, especially one with a protein deficiency. Rafael and Vanessa, the masterminds behind the Instagram page, also share insights on dog training, nutrition, and heartwarming tales from their daily adventures. For any company looking to engage with pet owners and animal enthusiasts, partnering with pet influencers like Mojo, Rana, and Mateo could prove highly beneficial, especially given their unique focus on topics like canine travel and caring for special needs pets.
Cat-centric pet influencers
Introducing a different set of musketeers, but this time, they come with whiskers! Meet Cooper, Ted, and Bagel, the feline trio who steal the spotlight on petfluencer Lisa's Instagram page. These British Shorthair brothers captivate followers with their daily antics and adorable charm.
Lisa's content is primarily lifestyle-focused, revolving around the delightful presence of her beloved cats. With no specific recurring theme other than showcasing these beautiful felines, the potential for collaboration with this account is interesting for any (cat) related business. Expect nothing less than stunning content in return, as Lisa dedicates her time and attention to curating a visually captivating experience. Past collaborations have ranged from discussions on feline diabetes to promoting healthy cat cuisine, reflecting the account's commitment to both cats' well-being and aesthetic appeal.
Some may find it daunting, but for others, the prospect of stepping into Sina's shoes is thrilling. Sina, a prominent figure in the DACH region, is the proud owner of no fewer than six cats. With an impressive one million followers on TikTok and 380 thousand on Instagram, she holds sway over a sizable audience. She delights in sharing product recommendations and offerings with her community. Her feline companions have a penchant for scratching furniture, seeking out cozy nooks, and indulging in gourmet meals. If your product falls within this realm, partnering with Sina is a golden opportunity. Quality is paramount in her care regimen, as evidenced by her discerning selection process for recommendations, ensuring they align with her cats' preferences.
Variety of animal-focused influencers
Victoriamueller 🦆 🐰 🐴
An inspiring pet influencer with a remarkable story. Victoria turned her dream into reality by creating a sanctuary on a sprawling 6,000-square-meter farm. This safe haven provides a refuge for smaller animals and serves as a shelter for wild ones, filling a void in her community where such facilities are scarce. When encountering injured animals, locals are often left to handle the situation themselves or seek help from hunters. Through her Instagram platform, Victoria sheds light on her mission: promoting sustainable animal welfare in South Brandenburg. If your business is seeking to partner with a passionate animal advocate who gives back to the community, Victoria's sanctuary is the perfect destination.
Harriet Charlotte, a captivating pet influencer whose Instagram is a haven for horse enthusiasts. With not just one, but five majestic horses, she shares glimpses into her equestrian lifestyle, from enchanting photo shoots to dedicated training sessions. Her feed is a magnet for both horse-loving girls and boys alike. Are you orbiting the equestrian and competition scene? Well, consider this your celestial cue: Harriet Charlotte.
Cats, ducks, horses, and of course, our beloved dogs, all made their appearance, drawing attention not only to themselves but also to their devoted owners. We trust that you now have a deeper insight into the realm of pet influencers in the DACH region, along with the prominent animals shaping this industry. Should you seek personalized guidance, whether it's selecting the ideal influencer for your business or navigating this domain, feel free to reach out to us via email at chiara.breedijk@laika.berlin.