Meet the ‘Nepo Pets’ who earn more than you

You must have heard of nepo babies by now.

Ever since 2022, celebrity news has been fixated on ongoing Hollywood dynasties and the nepotism at the heart of a system which sees people thriving in similar careers as their parents thanks to pre-established connections.

This has led many to cry foul, as the term “nepo baby” has been used pejoratively to indicate easy fame that is perceived as unearned.

A new study may make you forget about the ‘foul’ part and just have you crying.

Experts at Slingo have deep dived into the account followings and potential earnings off sponsored posts of celebrity pets – or “Nepo Pets” – and their dedicated Instagram pages.  

The findings have revealed these VIPs (Very Important Pets) are raking it in, to the extent that some are earning more than an average British person’s monthly salary.

Whether it’s Kylie Jenner’s Italian greyhounds or Megan Thee Stallion’s French bulldog, these pets command much (monetized) attention online. 

The latter is a pampered pup called Foe, and his more than half a million followers makes him one of the highest-earning celebrity pets on social media, predicted to make around £5,436 (€6,490) per post. The former, doggos Norman and Bambi, rack up an estimated £3,200 (€3,824) per post. 

Then there’s Nina Dobrev’s dog Maverick, who wedges herself between the two, is predicted to make £3,908 (€4,670) per post.  

Seems mad, especially when, according to the latest data published last month by ONS Annual Survey for Hours and Earnings (shared by Forbes), the mean average UK weekly wage across all industry sectors is as follows: 

• 18-21 year-olds: £470
• 22-29 year-olds: £621
• 30-39 year-olds: £769
• 40-49 year-olds: £823
• 50-59 year-olds: £778

Sobering, isn’t it? 

Feeling inspired to buy a pet and make the delightful munchkin Insta-famous?  

Or is your head in your hands right now, as you grapple with existential ennui and the possibility of reincarnation?

If it’s the latter, the following rundown of the richest celebrity pets and their estimated earnings per post will not help. Apologies in advance. 

1. Megan Thee Stallion’s dog Foe – @frenchie4oe – £5,436 per post
2. Nina Dobrev’s dog Maverick – @mrs.maverick -£3,908 per post
3. Kylie Jenner’s dogs Norman & Bambi – @normieandbambijenner – £3,238 per post
4. George H.W. Bush’s dog Sully – @sullyhwbush – £2,253 per post
5. Billie Lourd’s dog Gary – @garyfisher – £1.489 per post
6. Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas’s dog Diana – @diariesofdiana – £1,426 per post 
7. Paris Hilton’s multiple pets – @hiltonpets – £1,032 per post
8. Miley Cyrus’ cat Shanti – @shantiombb – £843 per post
9. Justin Theroux’s dog Kuma – @kumatheroux – £783 per post
10. Lily Collins’ dog Redford – @redforddog – £765 per post

One silver lining for dog lovers: they seem to outweigh the cats online.

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Stay sane out there.

Additional sources • Slingo