20 Most Iconic TV Pets Of All Time

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We often consider pets to be family, and that includes the animals we adore on television. From faithful companions to the main characters themselves, TV’s animal friends have enriched some of the most memorable shows ever made.

Sitcoms often use pets to make dads seem warmer and more relatable, and some of the most beloved TV pets have really strong personalities – especially those that can even talk! From cartoons to live animals and everything in between, here’s a list of the 20 most iconic pets ever to appear on television.

Dino

The Flintstones (1960-1966)

As a huge animation fan, I’ve always loved Dino from The Flintstones. He’s one of the first animated pets we really connected with on TV, and he brought so much energy and heart to the show. It’s funny, because The Flintstones was all about poking fun at everyday life, but having Dino act like a normal dog actually made that prehistoric world feel surprisingly real and relatable. He really grounded the show!

His goofy greetings, playful barks, and constantly wagging tail were naturally funny, even without words, making him instantly likable to everyone. Dino the dinosaur helped show that animated pets could be fully developed characters with their own personalities, not just simple additions to a scene.

He quickly became a popular character in everything from toys and theme parks to countless television reruns. Dino remains the perfect example of a funny, devoted cartoon pet who manages to be hilarious even without saying a single line.

Spot

The Munsters (1964-1966)

Spot was the Munsters’ pet dragon, and a key part of the show’s humor. He lived under the stairs and, though not always fully seen, his presence was always felt – whether through smoke, roars, glowing eyes, or his large tail causing mischief. Spot perfectly embodied the show’s blend of spooky themes and everyday American family life.

Spot was a smart, inexpensive way to add humor to The Munsters without changing the show’s basic style. He also highlighted the running joke that the Munster family believed they were completely ordinary. Spot proved that even creatures only glimpsed briefly could become memorable, and this technique became popular in children’s television and comedy horror for many years to come.

Arnold Ziffel

Green Acres (1965-1971)

Arnold Ziffel, the pig from Green Acres, stands out as one of television’s most memorable animal characters. He wasn’t simply a pet; the show treated him as a real member of the Hooterville community. Green Acres played this idea for laughs, showing Arnold participating in everyday activities like going to school, watching television, painting, and even having his own interests and viewpoints.

His famously dry delivery consistently made him the most memorable part of any scene, and was central to the show’s quirky comedy. This helped Green Acres stand out from other, more typical rural sitcoms of the time. Arnold became a prime example of the strange and wonderful television of the 1960s, proving how much impact a dedicated comedic performance could have.

He helped create the trend of pets in media being funny characters, not just brand symbols. Even now, years later, people still point to his work as an example of how delightfully strange classic television could be.

Cheddar

Brooklyn Nine-Nine

Captain Holt’s corgi, Cheddar, quickly became a hilarious and memorable part of Brooklyn Nine-Nine. He added a touch of warmth and helped show a more human side to the usually serious Captain Holt.

Cheddar the corgi wasn’t just a cute addition to Brooklyn Nine-Nine; he actually played a role in the show’s stories, especially during the annual Halloween Heists. He’s a great example of a modern sitcom pet – both adorable and useful to the plot – proving that animal characters can make shows funnier and help viewers connect with the characters.

Backup

Veronica Mars (2004-2007)

Veronica’s pit bull, Backup, was more than just a pet – he helped create the show’s dark and mysterious atmosphere while also providing a feeling of comfort and security. Rescued from a life of fighting by Keith Mars, Backup represented the show’s frequent exploration of overcoming trauma, resilience, and the possibility of a fresh start.

Keith’s quiet strength as a private investigator and devoted father brought a sense of normalcy to the Mars family, even with the surrounding corruption. His dog, Backup, also quietly broke down common misconceptions about pit bulls, showing him to be a kind, smart, and deeply loyal companion instead of an aggressive animal.

As a critic, I’ve always admired how subtly powerful a pet can be in a TV show, and ‘Backup’ is a perfect example. It demonstrates how a seemingly minor animal character can actually enrich the story’s mood, its central ideas, and the connections between the people on screen—all without ever overshadowing the main action. It’s a quiet brilliance, really.

Kitty Kat

The Addams Family (1964-1966)

Kitty Kat, the Addams family’s pet lion, might not seem important, but she really adds to the show’s unique, darkly funny atmosphere. She’s different from most TV pets – she reflects the family’s strange and spooky personality, being both playful and a little creepy, and affectionate in a slightly unsettling way.

The new character strengthens what makes The Addams Family unique – their refusal to be normal. Even their pets share the family’s strange and spooky personality. Though she never speaks, this cat’s lively expressions and important role in the show make her unforgettable, showing that even an animal can become a beloved part of TV history.

Ferguson

New Girl (2011-2018)

Ferguson, Winston’s small and seemingly unhappy cat on New Girl, became incredibly important to the show. She wasn’t just a funny addition to storylines; she actually helped Winston develop from a lost and unusual character into someone endearing and uniquely himself. Ferguson’s stoic expressions and attitude matched Winston’s own quirks, making them a hilarious pair and showing how much Winston grew as a person.

Ferguson is a remarkable example of a pet who truly influences a TV character’s journey, demonstrating that even minor companions can play a significant role in a story. Viewers quickly fell in love with her, and she became a beloved symbol of New Girl‘s overall appeal, despite the fact that actor Lamorne Morris was actually allergic to her.

Gary

SpongeBob SquarePants (1999-)

Gary, SpongeBob’s pet snail, is surprisingly one of the most memorable animals in cartoon history. He meows instead of making snail noises, which immediately shows how silly and unpredictable the underwater world of Bikini Bottom is – a place where you might find a whale as a crab’s daughter or a robot as a plankton’s wife.

Gary the snail is famous among SpongeBob SquarePants viewers for his unique meows, bright pink shell, and funny, over-the-top reactions. He perfectly captures the show’s blend of humor and heartwarming moments, and he’s become an increasingly important part of the series over time.

Stella

Modern Family (2009-2020)

Stella, the French Bulldog on Modern Family, helped us see a different side of Jay Pritchett. While usually tough and reserved, Jay showed a surprisingly gentle and caring side when interacting with Stella – a side he didn’t often reveal to his own children. It sometimes seemed like he even loved Stella as much as, or more than, his wife, Gloria.

Many viewers believe Stella is a sweet tribute to Buck, Ed O’Neill’s famous dog from Married… with Children, connecting O’Neill’s career across different TV shows and generations. Besides being Jay’s companion, Stella adds to the family’s fun, creating funny moments and becoming a character that audiences adore.

Santa’s Little Helper

The Simpsons (1989-Present)

Santa’s Little Helper is the beloved greyhound who’s been part of the Simpson family since the beginning of The Simpsons. Originally abandoned after his racing days were over, he quickly became a symbol of unwavering love, loyalty, and the fun, slightly crazy atmosphere of the Simpson home.

Even though he doesn’t speak, Santa’s Little Helper adds both funny moments and heartfelt emotion to the show, whether he’s getting into trouble or offering support. Over the past 30 years, he’s become a beloved and recognizable part of the series, appearing in countless episodes – including what many consider the greatest Christmas TV episode ever made.

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2026-01-28 20:12