Meet the ‘Nepo Pets’ who earn more than you

Move aside Nepo Babies – here are the celebrity pets that earn more than the average Brit, according to a recent study.

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.

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