It’s easy to swoon over animals, but when they happen to be rich, famous, and all dolled up, it’s impossible not to get a little giddy. Animal talent has been around for decades, and scores of trained animals (from orcas to bears, cats to dogs) take their rightful places among the world’s favorite – and wealthiest – animals.

From talented animal actors to the overnight internet sensations, these famous pets have brought the world so much joy (and maybe a bit of envy).

For the Love of Lassie

In 1943, Pal became the first Rough Collie in a long line of those destined to play Lassie. Pal didn’t seem to mind playing a female dog, as his thick coat and larger stature landed him the role. After his retirement, ten generations of Pal’s descendants took to the stage as Lassie, endearing the breed to millions.

Good ‘Ole Boy

Rin Tin Tin is another leader of quite famous pets. Credited with saving Warner Bros. from bankruptcy, the beloved German Shepherd was rescued from the battlefields of WWI before landing roles in silent films. Rin Tin Tin was so popular he made about $6,000 every week, which equates to over $70,000 per week by today’s standards.

Moose or Eddie?

The feisty Jack Russell terrier in Frasier was portrayed by the lovable Moose. The lifelong companion of Frasier’s dad, Eddie sometimes stole the show. Not too shabby for a pup earning $10,000 per episode!

Toto or Terry?

The famous terrier in The Wizard of Oz was Dorothy’s best friend and a central link to her life in Kansas. Toto was played by Terry the terrier, and even though he suffered a foot injury during filming, he survived a long career in showbiz.

Meow!

Cat actors are perhaps less common than their canine counterparts, but when they do perform, they’re fantastic. For example:

• Orangey the orange tabby cat in Breakfast at Tiffany’s
• Mr. Jinx in the Meet the Parents franchise
• Jones the cat from the Alien movies
• The lovely (if somewhat villainous) felines that played Crookshanks and Mrs. Norris in the Harry Potter movies

Famous for Being Famous

Undoubtedly, the many talents of cats and dogs make them irresistible, but it’s no surprise that celebrities love and dote on their pets. After all, it’s been this way for millennia, as Egyptian pharaohs chose to be mummified alongside their pets to share the afterlife together.

Contemporary research shows that almost 80% of pet owners leave money to ensure their pets continue to receive great care. While Leona Helmsley left $12 million to her Maltese, the average pet inheritance is about $520,000.

Because of their stunning popularity, we would be remiss to leave out:

• Koji (Lady Gaga’s pup)
• Ed Sheeran’s cat named Graham (see his very own Twitter at Graham Shizza)
• Katy Perry’s lucky cats
• Marnie the Dog
• Lil Bub
• Boo the Dog
• Grumpy Cat
• Maru

We Love Famous Pets

Whether you take to famous pets with similar zeal or not, these animals ultimately enhance the understanding people have for pets. With more mainstream awareness of how to meet an animal’s needs, pet owners and guardians have a brighter future ahead with their favorite pets. Now, that’s something we can get behind!