Have you ever looked at that pet product commercial and thought, “my dog could totally model for that”? Most of us pup parents share the (totally unbiased, of course) opinion that our pup is the cutest pup in the world. Even though it can seem a little far-fetched at first (no pun intended), landing a dog brand ambassador deal is possible! Employing your pup as a dog brand ambassador not only increases your income, but also wins you the opportunity to work with paw-some brands you believe in.
All about cruelty free products for dogs
The term cruelty free implies that a pet company does not test their products on animals during the production phase. This could also mean that a pet company did not test its ingredients on animals when manufacturing the final product. Many pet companies use the term cruelty free as a certification for their products–it shows credibility to the consumer even though legal certification is not mandatory. In addition, pet companies can use the cruelty free term to affirm that they have not carried out testing on animals themselves but have instead relied on prior research.
As pup parents, it’s important to remember that because the term “cruelty free” is not regulated by the government, so companies may have their own definitions. You can do your own research to make sure that the products you are buying really are cruelty free. For example, most companies that really do make cruelty free products will have details on their website about how they stay ethical and avoid cruelty. Choose brands that are fully transparent about their ingredients and sourcing. Transparency will help you make the best choices for your dog. Here’s an example of what transparency looks like.
How to find cruelty free brands to partner with
- Build an online presence for your dog
Most reputable brands like to see an existing portfolio before they choose to work with you and your pup. A great place to start is by creating a social media account for your dog. Be consistent in sharing cute, fun photos or videos of your dog. As you build a solid online presence, brands may start approaching you!
- Identify the brands to work with
Do you want your dog to be a brand ambassador for pet food, dog clothes, or puppy toys? Find a niche your dog will enjoy modeling for and come up with a list of cruelty-free brands in that line. Luckily, there are online resources available to help you come up with a list of cruelty free brands for pets. These websites also have mobile apps for checking brand ambassadors opportunities on the go.
- Reach out to these brands for partnership
It can be really exciting when a brand approaches you, but you don’t always have to wait for them! Reaching out to brands yourself can be a wonderful way to establish a partnership. Try sending emails to the brands you want to work with. Introduce your dog and why they would make a great dog brand ambassador–show off their cutest pics and their personality quirks! Share your existing portfolio, too, whether it is a social media profile or an online blog. Send follow-up emails for brands that promised to get back to you. Some brands even have ambassador applications directly on their websites. Puppington is one great example of a value-driven brand with an ambassador program.
- Try the product
For your pooch to be a great dog brand ambassador, it’s really important to only advertise products that you 100% believe in. That way you’re being authentic and having fun by showing off the products that you really love. Ask the pet companies to send you samples that you can review before promoting them. Check the quality of the product, how it works, and if there are any side effects to worry about. Also, check what previous customers are saying about the company’s shipping times, customer service, and the quality of the product. Before your pup becomes an ambassador to a brand, it’s a great idea to be sure that other customers are getting the same quality product.
- Create a brief
A creative brief outlines what roles your dog will be playing as a brand ambassador. It could be something like promoting a brand’s product on social media or having your pup star as the face of a new product a brand is pushing.
Make sure to discuss the creative brief and what roles your dog will play as a brand ambassador with the company you’d like to work with!
- Build a positive relationship with brands
The key to making a brand partnership last is building solid relationships with the brands you partner with. Even after your contract is over, continue giving shout-outs to brands you have worked with on your social media pages. Going that extra mile builds rapport with brands and can even increase your chances of being hired again. Plus, if other brands see that you are loyal to the companies you’ve represented in the past, they may be more likely to approach you!
Conclusion
Though it may seem overwhelming at first, all pup parents can find cruelty free brands for their pups to represent as a dog brand ambassador for. Here are the key points to remember: Establish a fun online portfolio for your dog and narrow it down to unique brands you can work with. Reach out to these brands and sample their products first to make sure you really love them. Come up with a creative brief and contract that will outline your dog’s role as an ambassador. Be sure to build and maintain solid relationships with brands to win future projects.
