Americas next top coddle: Does your pet have what it takes to be a star?

There are countless pooches and kitties who give great face on camera, but how many can brag that they have an agent?Of the top pet talent agencies in New York City, “there are probably three major players,” said Cat Long, owner of All Creatures Great & Small, one of which is hers.“We’re also the longest running,” Long said, as it was founded in the 1950s by her mother, Ruth.“She was one of the original staff zoologists for the Captain Kangaroo show,” she said.“I grew up in a home that fostered animals from the Bronx Zoo — baby deer, possums, raccoons, squirrels, lion cubs, monkeys and owls.”Long’s personal home pets currently include dogs, cats, guinea pigs, a hog-nosed snake, a rabbit, a bearded dragon, a mourning dove and fish.Whereas print and television were dominant media formats 20 years ago, today, the Internet has changed how consumers view advertising, she said.“At least 75% of our business is web and social-media based work now,” she said.Long’s agency’s credits include music videos for Chappell Roan, Beyonce, Taylor Swift, Madonna and Lady Gaga and countless corporate clients like Target, Coca Cola and Adidas.With one full-time employee and a roster of independent contractors comprised of reptile, marine and bird experts, insect and horse specialists, and vet techs, “We have professionals who’ve been in the field for decades and are amazing and knowledgeable of how to take care of things safely and humanely,” said Long.

“You don’t send an animal that isn’t acclimated to do this type of work.We understand the species and personality of each animal.”While dogs and domestic cats are most sought after, Long has hundreds of animals in her database.

“We have a wonderful established network,” said Long.“Almost daily, I receive multiple calls from people telling me they have the cutest dog or cat in the whole world — everyone thinks they should be in pictures,” said Long.

“That’s great, because if ...