4 Ways Pet Brands Can Stop Gen Z & Millennials Mid-Scroll

Millennials and Gen Z make up nearly 60% of U.S. pet owners, and they’re rewriting the rules of the pet industry. These younger generations view their pets as family and seek out brands that share the same values. They’re not just shopping; they’re scrolling, sharing, and building communities online. Social media is where they discover products, ask for advice, and connect with fellow pet lovers.

For pet brands, this is a massive opportunity, but standing out requires more than just a great product. You need a digital presence that’s authentic, mobile-savvy, and community-focused. That’s where a smart social strategy—and the right marketing partner—can make all the difference.

Build Trust With Purpose-Driven Content

Social media is where Gen Z and Millennials spend their time and build trust. Approximately 46% of Gen Z and 35% of Millennials prefer social media over traditional search engines when researching a brand or product. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook aren’t just for entertainment anymore. Now, they’re search engines, customer service hubs, and shopping destinations all rolled into one.

The Matrix Partners Social Media Program is designed specifically for pet brands ready to grow. We create custom content across Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTube, allowing you to forge emotional connections with today’s pet parents. From product features and educational posts to relatable, funny moments, we help initiate those personal relationships between a consumer and your brand.

Go Beyond Likes: Drive Results With Meta Ads

Organic content builds trust, but relevant and strategic ads convert. Our Social Media Program includes Meta Ads to help get your products in front of the right audience at the right time. We don’t just boost posts, we build targeted campaigns designed to drive traffic, build awareness, and increase sales.

We use platform-specific insights to target Millennial and Gen Z pet owners by interest, behavior, and lifestyle. Whether you’re launching a new treat line or expanding your retail presence, our social media team will help maximize your reach with results you can actually measure.

Leverage Influencers the Right Way

Nearly 57% of consumers trust an influencer’s post more than a branded ad, meaning it’s crucial to have a strategic influencer program in place. But these partnerships only work if it feels real to the creator’s audience, and that’s exactly what our Influencer Marketing Program delivers.

Our proprietary network of 6,000+ pet and lifestyle influencers are very versed in creating user-generated content (UGC) that feels genuine and engaging, allowing you to promote your brand and products in the most authentic way. Think: a dog mom showing off how much her new pup loves your toys, or a cat dad sharing how your food helped his senior kitty.

These aren’t one-off shoutouts. We build relationships with creators who align with your brand values and lifestyle, then use their content to drive awareness across your own social platforms. It’s influencer marketing built for the long haul, not just the “like” button.

 

Community Is the Secret Ingredient

Young pet parents want to feel like they’re part of something bigger. They don’t just want to shop, they want to belong. That’s why our social strategies always include a community-building approach: user-generated content, social media giveaways, pet holidays, behind-the-scenes footage, and customer spotlights. These elements help turn casual customers into brand advocates.

When Gen Z and Millennial pet owners feel seen, heard, and valued, they’re more likely to share your content, tag your products, and tell their friends. That’s the kind of momentum money can’t buy.

Ready to Reach the Next Generation of Pet Parents?

Our Social Media and Influencer Marketing Programs help pet brands like yours build trust, spark engagement, and drive results one post, reel, and story at a time.

Contact us at hello@matrix1.com or send us a quick DM on any of the social media channels linked below to learn more.

Happy scrolling!

Kelly

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Picture of Kelly Terek

Kelly Terek

As the Social Media Manager at Matrix Partners, Kelly brings an upbeat and creative approach to developing standout social media campaigns and analyzing performance results. Outside the office, she enjoys cheering on Notre Dame Football, chasing after her two boys, and spending time with her dog, Popcorn.

Picture of Kelly Terek

Kelly Terek

As the Social Media Manager at Matrix Partners, Kelly brings an upbeat and creative approach to developing standout social media campaigns and analyzing performance results. Outside the office, she enjoys cheering on Notre Dame Football, chasing after her two boys, and spending time with her dog, Popcorn.