If you make content about your dog, cat, reptile, or any other creature you share your home with — brands want to pay you for it. This list covers the best pet brands hiring UGC creators in 2026, where to actually find those deals, and which paths are worth your time. Whether you've got 500 followers or 500k, pet UGC is one of the most active niches right now. We're talking dog food brands, pet subscription boxes, grooming products, pet tech, and more. Some options here are marketplaces, some are brand programs, some are creator platforms. All of them are legit ways to land paid pet content deals.
Pitchlo is a UGC creator marketplace where brands post paid content jobs and creators apply directly. It's not a directory of cold contacts or a DM script generator — it's actual pet brand deals you can browse and pitch on. Think of it like a job board, but specifically for UGC content creators.
This is the best starting point if you're serious about pet UGC because the brands on Pitchlo are actively looking to hire. You're not guessing whether they work with creators. They're already there, posting briefs, setting budgets, and reviewing applications. Pet categories on the platform include dog nutrition brands, cat care products, pet grooming tools, and pet subscription boxes. The briefs tell you exactly what content they need — so you're not pitching blind.
The honest catch? You're competing with other creators. That's true anywhere, but Pitchlo does require you to put together a real pitch. If you haven't done pet UGC before, your first few applications might not land. That's normal. Keep your portfolio focused on your pet content, even if it's just organic posts for now.
Pet brands are hiring UGC creators right now — no big following required. Here's how to pitch pet brands, what deals pay, and where to find real opportunities in 2026.
BarkBox is one of the most recognizable dog subscription box brands in the US, and they run regular UGC campaigns through creators of all sizes. They're especially active with micro-creators who have engaged dog-owner audiences. The content they want is real: dogs reacting to their monthly box, playing with toys, modeling bandanas. It's genuinely fun to make.
BarkBox works well for creators who show their dog's personality in content. If your feed is already full of your dog being chaotic, adorable, or ridiculous — that's exactly what BarkBox wants. They've historically worked with creators outside the traditional influencer model, meaning you don't need a massive following. What you need is a real dog and content that feels authentic.
The catch is that BarkBox's direct creator program can be inconsistent to access. They sometimes run through third-party platforms, sometimes through direct outreach, and the process isn't always transparent. Your best bet is to keep an eye on pet UGC marketplaces like Pitchlo where BarkBox-style deals show up regularly, rather than waiting for a brand to respond to a cold DM.
3. Chewy — The Giant That's Always Hiring Pet Content Creators
Chewy is one of the largest pet retail brands in the US, and they consistently produce UGC-style content for their product pages, social ads, and email campaigns. According to Statista, Chewy has over 20 million active customers — which means they need a constant stream of relatable, real-pet content to connect with that audience.
Chewy is great for creators who want steady, product-focused work. They sell thousands of pet products — food, toys, health supplements, beds, grooming tools — and they need video and photo content for basically all of it. If you're comfortable doing product reviews and unboxings with your pet front and center, Chewy-style work is very scalable.
The limitation here is that Chewy typically runs creator partnerships through agencies or large platform programs, which can make the individual application process feel like a black hole. Applying through a UGC-focused marketplace puts you in front of decision-makers faster than filling out a brand form and waiting three months.
4. Rover — Pet Service Brand with Ongoing Content Needs
Rover is a pet sitting and dog walking platform that regularly uses UGC-style content in their marketing. They want real footage of dogs being walked, pets being cared for, and pet owners sharing their experiences. It's not glamorous content — it's the kind that converts because it looks like it was filmed by a regular person on their phone.
Rover is a solid fit if you're already a dog walker, pet sitter, or just someone whose life revolves around animals. The content feels natural because it is. You're not staging anything. You're just filming what's already happening in your day. That authenticity is exactly what brands like Rover are paying for.
The honest catch is that Rover content deals tend to be lower-budget than product brands. They're paying for real and relatable, not high-production. That's fine if you're building your portfolio or want easy-to-make content — but don't expect top rates here until you've got case studies showing your content performs.
5. PetSmart / Petco — Retail Giants Running UGC Campaigns
Both PetSmart and Petco have invested heavily in UGC content over the past few years, especially for social ads and in-store product campaigns. According to Later's research on UGC trends, retail brands are increasingly replacing polished ad creative with authentic creator content because it performs better. PetSmart and Petco are following that exact playbook.
These are great brands for creators who can do polished-but-real pet content. Think product demos, pet feeding routines, grooming sessions, or honest reviews of toys. They have wide product ranges, which means lots of potential content angles. If you nail one campaign, there's a real chance of repeat work.
The limitation is scale. Big retail brands have big internal processes. Getting noticed, getting approved, and getting paid can take longer than working with a DTC pet brand or subscription company. If you want faster deal flow, start with smaller pet brands through a marketplace and use those case studies to eventually land the bigger retail names.
6. Wild Earth — Plant-Based Pet Food Brand Going All-In on Creators
Wild Earth is a plant-based dog food brand that's been aggressively growing their creator marketing program. They're a good example of a newer DTC pet brand that genuinely relies on UGC creators — not just for social proof, but as a core part of how they acquire customers. Their audience is health-conscious dog owners who care about ingredients, sustainability, and their dog's longevity.
If your content already talks about dog nutrition, ingredient quality, or sustainable pet ownership, Wild Earth is a natural brand fit. They're looking for creators who can speak authentically to the "why" behind plant-based dog food — not just show a dog eating kibble. It's a niche within a niche, but it's a passionate audience.
The catch is that Wild Earth's creator program isn't always easy to find or access directly. They work with a small number of creators at a time, so slots can be competitive. Watching for pet brand deals on platforms like Pitchlo — where DTC brands like Wild Earth post their open briefs — gives you a much cleaner path than cold outreach.
7. Furbo — Pet Tech Brand Built for Video Content
Furbo makes pet cameras that let owners check on their pets while they're away. Their whole product is visual and emotional — which makes it a perfect brand for UGC creators. They regularly run campaigns featuring creators capturing their pets on the Furbo camera, reacting to their dog's behavior while away, or showing the two-way communication feature in action.
Pet tech is one of the fastest-growing product categories in the animal space right now. HubSpot's marketing trend reports consistently show that video content featuring real use cases outperforms lifestyle-only content for tech products. Furbo knows this and leans into creator content hard.
The limitation here is that Furbo deals tend to be specific — they want the camera in the content, they have clear requirements about what they want shown, and the brief can be more restrictive than your average pet brand. That's not a dealbreaker, but it means you need to read the brief carefully and pitch accordingly.
8. Honest Paws — CBD and Wellness Brand for Pets
Honest Paws is a pet wellness brand focused on CBD products for dogs and cats. They're in a high-growth, high-competition space, which means they rely heavily on authentic creator voices to build trust with skeptical buyers. If you've used CBD products for your own pet's anxiety, joint issues, or general wellness, this one's a natural fit.
Pet wellness brands like Honest Paws are looking for creators who can speak with real authority — not just hold up a product. If you have a story about your senior dog, an anxious rescue, or a pet with specific health challenges, that narrative is genuinely valuable to these brands. It converts.
The honest catch: pet CBD and wellness claims are regulated, and brands in this space are careful about what creators say. You'll likely have specific talking point guidelines to follow. It's not limiting creatively, but you do need to stay within the brand's legal guardrails. That's standard for this category — just go in knowing it.
How to Choose Where to Look for Pet Brand Deals
Here's a quick way to think about it:
You're just starting out with pet UGC? Go to a marketplace like Pitchlo first. You need real briefs to practice against, not cold outreach to unanswered inboxes.
You already have a few paid deals under your belt? Start targeting specific brands — Chewy, BarkBox, Wild Earth — and use marketplaces to supplement with steady deal flow.
You want volume and variety? Stick to platforms where pet brands are actively posting. You'll find DTC brands, subscription boxes, pet tech, and retail all in one place.
You have a specific content style (e.g., you do only dog nutrition content, only cat lifestyle, only pet training)? Niche down on your Pitchlo profile and pitch the brands that match. Specialists get better rates than generalists.
One thing that's true across all of these options: brands want to see real pet content. Not polished. Not scripted. Real. Your biggest asset as a pet creator isn't your follower count — it's the fact that you have an actual animal and you actually care about them. That comes through on camera, and brands are paying for exactly that.
The best pet brands hiring UGC creators in 2026 aren't hiding. They're actively posting briefs, running campaigns, and looking for creators who can make content that feels real. You don't need a massive platform or a professional camera setup. You need a pet, a phone, and a place where those brands are actually listing their deals.
Some of the brands on this list you can approach directly. Some you'll find more easily through a marketplace. Either way, the pet UGC space is genuinely active right now, and there's room for creators at every stage. Start where it makes the most sense for where you are — and keep applying. The creators getting consistent pet brand partnerships aren't luckier than you. They're just applying more.
Pet brand deals for UGC creators are one of the most accessible opportunities in the creator economy. Here's what real deals look like, what brands want, and how to apply.
