Your dog is the smartest and your cat is the cuddliest. You probably know a story or two about the time Charlie ate the couch cushions or Daisy unpacked the UPS delivery.
Pets can be wonderful inspiration, and there are many outlets looking for your stories.
Study the magazine or website to get a feel for the tone and content. When writing an expository post, make sure you do extensive research and use proper citations. When you’re working on a personal story, write from the heart. Good high resolution photos are usually welcome.
21 Publications That Want Your Favorite Stories
Why not combine your love of animals with your writing talent? Here are 21 outlets to promote.
To help you find the right fit, we’ve compiled a list of publications that will consider your favorite articles, as well as tips on how to approach the publisher, how to get in touch, and, whenever possible, how much the outlet pays . Payment details often depend on the editor, the amount of work, and your experience.
Here are 21 options for amateur writers.
1. All creatures
This national magazine features heartwarming stories about the animals who share our lives. They publish real first-person accounts, interviews and inspirational articles. One way to break in is to send much-needed material to these columns: Is that real? Their mysterious ways, the creature’s comfort and should I worry? (Check out the magazine for examples.)
Payment: Varies depending on pitch, length of article, research required, etc.
How to pitch: pitch (email protected). Provide as much detail as possible in the subject line. (e.g. “Submission: Mysterious Horse Sighting Confirmed Mom Was Watching Over Us”).
2. Just pets
Simply Pets is a lifestyle magazine for the whole family, available digitally or in print and available at Barnes & Noble stores. The website describes the magazine as “one that represents you as a pet parent as well as your pet children, your values and your interests as a pet-loving person.”
Payment: No financial compensation, but the author’s bio and links will promote you to their audience.
How to pitch: Check out theirs Submission Guidelines and email (email protected) with “Great story to tell” in the subject line.
3. Chicken soup for the soul
The popularity of the brand and the large amount of stories in each book make Chicken Soup for the Soul an exciting market for authors. Each volume contains 101 true stories submitted by authors like you. Every year, animal lovers have the opportunity to contribute to a new dog book and a new cat book. All stories should be true and written in the first person.
Payment: $200, plus 10 free copies of the book your story appears in.
How to pitch: Only submissions will be accepted via the website form.
4. The bark
Well-researched, journalistic articles will most likely find a home in this magazine, attempting to publish “educated and entertaining” dog-related articles and stories. They also accept shorter web articles (less than 600 words).
Payment: The remuneration for print magazines varies depending on the complexity and length of the article and is negotiated individually. Articles published on the site offer authors a free one-year subscription to The Bark.
How to pitch: Submit magazine articles or questions to (email protected)Send website article to (email protected) with “YOUR LAST NAME and SUBMISSION OF WEB ORIGINALS” in the subject line.
5. The Dodo
This website publishes entertaining animal videos and stories that are easy to share. Authors have the opportunity to tell stories that fit their videos and slideshows. Think popular, trendy and awesome!
Payment: This information is not published on the website.
How to pitch: Send Your pitch here.
6. Dogster
Dogster is a popular magazine and website where dog lovers come together to get expert advice on everything from dog breeds to barking, training issues and dog cancer treatment.
Payment: Varies.
How to pitch: Submit Here you will only find inquiries (not fully written articles).
7. Catster
Cat lovers will find informative articles in this magazine and website on topics such as cat breeds, vocalizations, feeding, and health and well-being.
Payment: Varies
How to pitch: Submit Here you will only find inquiries (not fully written articles).
8. Animal welfare
The articles in this magazine focus on holistic healing and provide readers with information to help them make health care decisions for their dogs and cats. They are looking for articles on topics such as physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. To get started, consider writing short features like “Animal Passages,” “Warm & Fuzzy,” and “Tail End.” (Examples can be found in the magazine.)
Payment: Varies depending on pitch, length of article, research required, etc.
How to pitch: Submit the complete aArticles or story drafts To (email protected).
9. signpost
This inspiring magazine is always looking for great animal stories. signpost publishes true, first-person stories about people who achieved a goal, overcame an obstacle, or learned a helpful lesson through their faith. When you write about your pet, be sure to write about how that pet has helped you heal physically or emotionally.
Payment: Varies depending on pitch, length of article, research required, etc.
How to pitch: Submit Your request here.
10. Pets in the city magazine
You will find numerous ways to submit articles to this print and digital pet magazine. Are you looking for informative articles, profiles of local rescue organizations, Breed profile articles, training guides, seasonal tips, and exotic pet information guides.
Payment: This information is not published on the website.
How to pitch: Inquiry with a short summary of your article (email protected) with “Submission: Item/shop title xx number of words” in the subject line.
You can also submit these short articles:
- Rescue Stories: Submit your short story (300 words) about a pet you got from a shelter or rescue group. (Attach a high resolution JPEG image of your pet). (email protected) with “PIC Rescue story” in the subject line.
- Farewell Tribute: Send a short tribute (250 words) to your departed pet. (Include a high resolution JPEG of your pet) tO: (email protected): with “PIC Saying Goodbye” in the subject line.
11. love of a cat
Do you have an uplifting true story about you and your cat? Or an expert article on the topic of natural cat health and well-being? This page is looking for helpful posts including DIY eco cat toys, eco-friendly cat care options, and helpful or inspirational content about cat healing, behavior, and healthy, holistic nutrition. Articles of 500-1,300 words are the ideal range.
Payment: No financial compensation.
How to pitch: Use the contact form here – https://loveofacat.com/contact/
12. Your pet place
This website offers a wide range of perspectives on a variety of pets and pet topics. They’re looking for helpful articles, as well as posts from nonprofits and pet retailers about their work and products.
Payment: $20/item
How to pitch: Ask Managing Editor Jessica Smith at (email protected).
13. The Horse’s Chronicles
The Chronicle of the Horse is a national bi-weekly magazine focusing on dressage, show jumping, foxhunting, steeplechase and other equine sports news. They also publish articles on horse care and profiles of prominent horse people. Occasionally they accept humor, human interest and historical articles.
The Chronicle of the Horse Untacked, a sister publication, seeks articles on fashion, travel, product reviews and other elements of the equestrian lifestyle.
Payment: News articles (approximately 1,500 words) offer payment of $$165-220. Feature articles are offered payment of (approximately 1,500-2,500 words) $150-400.
How to pitch: Send stories to (email protected).
14. Horse Network
It is hard to imagine an aspect of horse life and horsemanship that is not covered on this website. Topics include equestrian sports, trends, training, health, cowboy culture, fashion, art, literature and more. You are currently looking for equine health articles, profiles, interviews and human interest stories.
Payment: $50 and up for an item. Additionally, you will receive additional compensation ($100) if your post becomes popular on social media.
How to pitch: Submit Your work here.
15. Reptile magazine
Reptiles is a bi-monthly magazine aimed at reptile and amphibian enthusiasts of all levels, from beginners to veterans. Looking for articles about keeping pet reptiles, breeding “herps” in captivity, field herping/travel, conservation and health.
Payment: An average of $300 for a text with photos of 2,000 to 2,500 words.
How to pitch: Send your request by email to (email protected).
16. Tropical fish hobbyist
If your hobby includes aquariums and fish farming, you may find Tropical Fish Hobbyist just the right medium for your writing. You are looking for articles about freshwater fish, saltwater fish, aquatic plants, aquarium basics, food and feeding. Items should be in between 10,000 and 20,000 characters with spaces.
Payment: This information is not published on the website.
How to pitch: Send manuscripts as email attachments (email protected).
17. Continental Kennel Club
The CKC audience includes dog breeders, dog owners, dog professionals, puppy buyers, partner clubs and event participants. Their website states: “If you are as passionate about dogs as we are, we would love to feature your work on our website.” They are looking for articles on responsible breeding, training, health, nutrition, grooming, lifestyle, travel, DIY Projects, recipes and opinion pieces.
Payment: No financial compensation.
How to pitch: Submit your work To (email protected).
18. I love pets
This website is “ffun, feathery, furry fun.” The site is full of shareable photos and videos, and you can also submit your real stories.
Payment: This information is not published on the website.
How to pitch: Submit your story to (email protected).
19. The wildest
The Wildest is a site for all things pet related. On their website you will find everything about life as a pet owner, practical tips and advice, and interesting stories.
Payment: Not specified
How to pitch: Send a message online with a short pitch of 1-2 paragraphs
20. PetSci
PetSci is a website that aims to eliminate any confusion when it comes to caring for a pet. They offer articles and advice on how to best care for your pet’s health.
Payment: Not specified
How to pitch: Follow the guidelines according to their website and publication of the article will be confirmed or rejected shortly after submission
21. Bird watching
As the name suggests, this website and printed magazine is dedicated to all things birding. With features such as interviews, bird watching advice and much more.
Payment: Not specified
How to pitch: The “Contact Us” page. Their website lists numerous emails for the editorial team. So suggest your idea directly to one of them
Have you featured any of these animal publications? Do you have any other favorites you would add to the list?
Photo via 4:00 p.m. production / Shutterstock