In today’s society, the growing trend of social media sensations has quickly become normal and common beyond our wildest imaginations. Especially when it comes to animals. No doubt you’ve seen the videos, the GIFs, the memes, and so on of these very famous animals. And when you think about it, these animals are earning more money than most of us make in a month, sometimes even in a year. Just click through for all the proof you’ll need.
Jill The Squirrel – Estimated Earnings Per Post $2,000
Eek, this squirrel is adorable! You see, in 2012 Jill lost her nest during Hurricane Isaac but was taken in by a loving family who created an Instagram account documenting all her fun adventures. Seems to be profitable as Jill racks in about $2,000 per sponsored post.
Boo – Earns $1 Million Annually
Meet Boo, the spokesperson for Virgin America airlines. Yes, we’re serious! Boo’s owner works for Facebook and he created Boo his own Facebook page, which has over 5 million followers. It was this attention that attracted the airline and such, has spurred Boo’s fame.
American Pharoah – Net Worth $4.53 Million
When it comes to horse racing, American Pharoah is royalty. He has won many races over the years, with $1.24 million as his highest prize so far. In his entire career, he’s earned around $4.53 million. Crazy.
Bart The Bear – Net Worth $6 Million
Bart is well known for his role in the film The Edge but this giant, lovable grizzly bear is more than just a pet. He is also a bread-winner who earned a staggering $1 million for his role in the movie. Bart has also starred in other television shows and films, earning over $6 million to date.
Bodhi – Earns $15,000 A Month
Bodhi, the little cutie was actually named after Patrick Swayze’s character in Point Break. This celebrity doggie’s humans dressed him up in human clothes and his Instagram following skyrocketed. Currently Bodhi is the Menswear Dog, who also has modeled for GQ, Esquire, Nylon, and Time.
Chris P. Bacon – Estimated Earnings $8,000
The irony is not lost on anyone when it comes to naming a ~pig~ Chris P. Bacon. This little cutie is a disabled pig who amassed millions of viewers on YouTube when a video of his epic struggle was uploaded, showing him learning how to use a tiny wheelchair.
Colonel Meow – Earns $5,000 Annually
This Himalayan-Persian mix, Colonel Meow, was the reigning title holder of the Guinness World Record for being the cat with the longest fur. To be exact, nine inches or about 23 cm. In 2012, the cat’s Facebook and Instagram went viral as followers referred to the cat as an “adorable fearsome dictator” and “the angriest cat in the world”. Sadly Colonel Meow passed away in 2014 with heart problems.
Crystal The Monkey – Earned $12,000 Per Episode
If Crystal looks familiar, it’s probably because you’ve seen her on various films and television shows, such as George of the Jungle, Dr. Dolittle, The Hangover Part II and Night at the Museum to name a few. Crystal has starred in many Hollywood films over the years and is still going strong. In 2012, she earned $12,000 per episode of Animal Practice.
Daisy Underbite – Estimated Earnings Per Post $1,000
Adorable Daisy Underbite was insanely close to being euthanized, but was rescued just in the nick of time! Daisy suffers from a congenital disease causing her shoulder and back hips to be dislocated. She also has prosthetic legs to take the pressure off her troubled spine – everything about her story is so inspiring. Meanwhile, with 220K Instagram followers, she earns $1,000 per sponsored post and she has her won T-shirt line.
Grumpy Cat – Net Worth $100 Million
Ahh, yes. The ever famous Grumpy Cat. Thank you Tabatha Bundesen for being the owner of such a remarkable cat, you know, the one with the incredibly grumpy face. This particular feline rose to prominence after a photograph of her was posted on Reddit by Bryan Bundesen, the brother of Tabatha, back in 2012. It didn’t take long for the photo to go viral and be adapted to various parodies. Currently, Grumpy Cat has earned Tabatha some $100 million from various verticals such as modeling, book deals, film deals, appearances, and ads.
Hamilton The Hipster Cat – Earns $1,900 – $15,900 Annually
Hamilton’s Facebook and Instagram followers refer to him as the “hipster cat”. Most even claim that Hamilton is the hippest cat out there. Once owner Jay Stowe saw that his account reached 550,000 followers, he did something unusual, he gave the account away to Adopt-a-Pet. As Hamilton is a rescue, it seemed only fitting, Jay also gives almost all of his earnings to charity.
Henri, Le Chat Noir – Earns $1,000 A Week
Henri, the adorable cat’s video went viral back in 2012. The video marked Henri 2, Paw de Deux was referred to as the “best internet cat video ever made” by the film critic, Roger Ebert. His owner apparently earns about $1,000 a week from an online store.
Jiff The Pomeranian – Estimated Earnings Per Post $17,500
The ever adorable Jiff is the world’s fastest dog who can walk on his front AND back legs, oh yeah, he can also skateboard, wears human clothes, and eats human food. He’s basically the coolest non-human ever. With over 4 million Instagram followers, this celebrity earns some $17,500 per post. Did we mention he’s starred in a Katy Perry video? Or that in Los Angeles, there’s a day named after him, Jiff Day.
Juniper The Fox – Estimated Earnings Per Post $5,000
Seems like anything is possible these days, including having a fox as a pet and that same fox having her very own clothing line. ~Boom, mind blown.~ With over a million Instagram followers, Juniper is involved in sponsored posts worth about $5,000 each.
Keiko – Net Worth: 36 Million
Keiko rose to fame as the killer whale in the film Free Willy. This insanely notable role earned over $36 million! Yeah, our jaws are on the floor too. Sadly, in 2003, Keiko passed away after being released back in the ocean.
Keyboard Cat – Earned $21,100 $175,800 Annually
In 2007, the Keyboard Cat video made headlines all over social media. Despite the fact that the video was from 1984, it immediately became a trending topic with over 71 million views. So far, Keyboard Cat has starred in various talk shows, award shows, film and television roles.
Lil Bub – Earns $30,000 A Year
Lil Bub is a celebrity of course, known for her rather unique look. Bub’s tongue always hangs out because she has a short lower jaw and toothlessness; but Bub also suffers from other aliments. Owner Mike Bridavsky sells merchandise such as plush Lil’ Bub toys, coffee mugs, and tote bags; however he donates much of the profits to animal rescue groups.
Manny The French Bulldog Philanthropist – Estimated Earnings Over $100,000
Meet pretty much everyone’s favorite Bulldog, Manny The Frenchie. Now apart from being totally cute, Manny is heavily involved with charitable activities. He (okay, fine, his owners) creates Instagram posts promoting different items like clothes, accessories, mugs, etc. in order to help those less fortunate. The whole thing started quite spontaneously when his owners, Huang and Chavez, were posting photos of Manny, attracting a massive fan base. So far, Manny’s own Instagram account has helped raise over $100,000 for charity.
Moose – Net Worth $3.2 Million
You probably recognize Moose, the Jack Russell terrier who portrayed Eddie in the television show, Frasier. But did you know that Moose was paid $10,000 per episode?! Earning a total of $3.2 million before he passed away in 2006.
Pal – Earned $4,000 ($51,000) A Week
It probably seems weird to call Lassie by his real name, Pal. This Hollywood star earned some $4,000 a week back then which is around $51,000 in today’s society. Sadly, in 1958, at the age of 18, Pal passed away.
Peanut, The World’s Ugliest Dog – Won $1,500
No one ever said being ugly was a horrible thing, especially in the case of the rescue mutt, Peanut. You see, Peanut was seriously burned while he was still a puppy, and spent over nine months at an animal hospital before his new owner, Holly Chandler adopted him. In 2014, Peanut was crowned winner of the World’s Ugliest Dog competition, earning the prize money of $1,500.
Pudsey – Net Worth $1.57 Million
Pudsey and owner, Ashleigh Butler, had everyone talking as they were contestants on Britain’s Got Talent and Pudsey actually went on to became the first ever dog trick act to win the competition. Ever since, Pudsey has starred in film, television, and theatre work and Ashleigh even authored his “official” autobiography. The duo are also involved with charity campaigns.
Rhea The Naked Birdie – Estimated Earnings Per Post $895
Ugh, Rhea the Naked Birdie is a total cutie, who has turned her “disadvantages” into advantages. She suffers from Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease virus, which doesn’t allow her to grow feathers. With 313K Instagram followers, Rhea raises awareness about the disease and earns $895 per sponsored post, she also has her own collectibles store.
Street Cat Bob – Estimated Earnings $600,000
Bob the cat and owner James Bowen rescued each other and there’s no denying that. The story is a bit tragic though, you see in 2007, Bowen found the stray cat in his building, wounded, and he decided to take him in for a while. Meanwhile, Bowen himself was battling a serious heroin addiction, and Bob was there to keep him company. Then of course the world of social media fell madly in love with the duo whose videos and photos were nothing short of entertaining. Shortly after, Bowen wrote the bestseller A Street Cat Named Bob and with the spinoffs after Bob and Bowen have earned over $600,000.
Tara The Hero Cat – Earns $55,600 – $463,700 Annually
Tara the Hero Cat became an instant viral sensation after a video of her WonderWoman heroics surfaced online. A video showed Tara rescuing her caretaker’s child from being attacked by the neighbor’s dog. Annually, Tara earns between $55,600 to $463,700, just that sink in! She has earned a few accolades as well, most notably the Blue Tiger Award; which is only awarded to Military service dogs.
Terry The Dog – Earned $125 ($2,200) Per Week
You probably recognize Terry from her most famous role as Toto in The Wizard of Oz! This female Cairn Terrier starred in 16 different movies actually and sadly passed away in 1945 at age 11.
Toast Meets World – Estimated Earnings Per Post $1,850
This is Toast, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, whose trademark floppy tongue has amassed over 370,000 Instagram followers. The adorable toothless pup was rescued back in 2011 from a puppy mill. Currently, Toast is earning some $1,850 per sponsored post. Toast also campaigns quite often for charitable causes and raises awareness for issues such as AIDS.
Venus – Estimated Earnings Per Post $6,000
Venus is a truly special cat who has taken her differences and turned it into something special, and also financially rewarding. Before you ask, nope none of her posts are photoshopped, she really does have two “faces”, known as chimerism. One half is black with a green eye while the other is orange with a blue eye. With over 1.3 million Instagram followers, Venus earns some $6,000 per post.