Cute pets become celebrity 'petfluencers' on Instagram

One of many dogs from across Germany that descended on Cologne for the country’s first petfluencer awards in September last year. — Photos: dpa

Have a cute pet and a smartphone? You could potentially be sitting on a mountain of cash.

People around the world are turning their four-legged friends into social media stars – and cashing in on their online popularity with advertising partners and merchandise.