20 Songs About Pets

Songs about pets hold a special place in music, capturing the deep emotional bonds between humans and their animal companions. From classic rock to country, artists have penned tributes to their furry, feathered, or even finned friends, reflecting on the joy, comfort, and sometimes heartbreak they bring into our lives.

1. “Martha, My Dear” by The Beatles

“Martha, My Dear” by The Beatles is not just a whimsical tune; it’s a heartfelt ode inspired by Paul McCartney’s own dog, Martha. This pets song dives into the unique relationship between McCartney and his beloved sheepdog, showcasing the deep connection that can exist between humans and their pets.

2. “I Love My Dog” by Cat Stevens

“I Love My Dog” by Cat Stevens stands as a beautiful testament to the unconditional love between a pet owner and their furry companion. This song eloquently captures Cat Stevens’ affection for his dog, reflecting on the loyalty and joy that pets bring into our lives, simply encapsulated in the word love.

3. “Old Shep” by Elvis Presley

In “Old Shep” by Elvis Presley, audiences are taken on an emotional journey that explores the bond between a boy and his aging dog, Shep. This classic track stands out for its poignant storytelling, as Elvis Presley masterfully conveys the depth of companionship and loss between the two, marking a resonant moment in music about pets.

4. “The Puppy Song” by Harry Nilsson

“The Puppy Song” by Harry Nilsson captures the light-hearted, whimsical longing for the companionship that a dog can offer. Through its uplifting melody and lyrics, Nilsson expresses his dreams of having a loyal puppy by his side, underscoring the simple joys and comfort that pets add to our lives.

5. “Hound Dog” by Big Mama Thornton

Before “Hound Dog” became synonymous with rock-and-roll, Big Mama Thornton delivered a powerful, soulful rendition of the song, infused with the raw energy of the blues. Her version uses the canine metaphor in a way that’s not just about a pet, but as a spirited expression of empowerment and resilience, setting the foundation for what would become a musical standard.

6. “Me and You and a Dog Named Boo” by Lobo

“Me and You and a Dog Named Boo” by Lobo is an evocative anthem celebrating the carefree spirit of adventure and companionship. This song tells the heartwarming story of traveling the country with nothing but a good friend and a loyal dog, capturing the essence of freedom and the joy of shared experiences on the open road.

7. “Shannon” by Henry Gross

“Shannon” by Henry Gross is a touching tribute to the lost Irish Setter of Beach Boy Carl Wilson, weaving a tender narrative of loss and remembrance. This song stands out for its emotive storytelling and delicate melody, offering a heartfelt ode to a beloved pet, and to all who have experienced the pain of saying goodbye to a furry family member.

8. “Who Let the Dogs Out” by Baha Men

“Who Let the Dogs Out” by Baha Men became an instant pop culture phenomenon, thanks to its infectious chorus and energetic beat. Often hailed as the ultimate party song, this track not only got people dancing but also humorously involved dogs in a chant that would become known worldwide, showcasing the fun and playful side of music about pets.

9. “Old King” by Neil Young

Neil Young’s “Old King” serves as a musical memoir, capturing the fond memories and adventures shared with his pet dog, King. Through heartfelt lyrics, Neil Young reflects on the companionship and loyalty of his beloved pet, offering listeners a window into the personal bond that can form between a human and their dog.

10. “Man of the Hour” by Norah Jones

“Man of the Hour” by Norah Jones pays a beautiful homage to the special bond between her and her dog, celebrating the unconditional love and companionship that pets provide. In this song, Norah Jones highlights the unique place her dog holds in her life, showcasing the irreplaceable role pets play as faithful friends and confidants.

11. “Gonna Buy Me a Dog” by The Monkees

“Gonna Buy Me a Dog” by The Monkees offers a comedic take on the idea of getting a dog to address loneliness, blending humor with the theme of companionship. This song captures the lighthearted side of deciding to add a furry friend to one’s life, highlighting the joy and playful interactions that come with pet ownership.

12. “Like My Dog” by Billy Currington

“Like My Dog” by Billy Currington humorously compares the simplicity and unconditional loyalty of a dog to the often complicated nature of human relationships. This song cleverly highlights the uncomplicated happiness pets bring into our lives, showcasing the straightforward love and companionship that make dogs such cherished companions.

13. “Dog Days Are Over” by Florence and the Machine

“Dog Days Are Over” by Florence and the Machine uses the metaphorical term ‘dog days’ to signify a period of struggle, with the song itself being an anthem of hope and release. It’s a powerful track that bursts with energy, encouraging listeners to embrace change and the joy of moving past hard times, capturing the transformative power of overcoming adversity.

14. “Bron-Y-Aur Stomp” by Led Zeppelin

“Bron-Y-Aur Stomp” by Led Zeppelin offers a lively acoustic tribute inspired by Robert Plant’s dog, Strider. This song stands as a celebration of the joy and companionship pets bring, with Led Zeppelin infusing Bron-Y-Aur Stomp with a sense of warmth and affection that resonates with anyone who has ever had a pet play a significant role in their life.

15. “Seamus” by Pink Floyd

“Seamus” by Pink Floyd is a unique blues track that stands out due to the inclusion of a dog’s howling, blended seamlessly with the music. The song tells the story of Seamus, a dog whose vocal contributions add an unforgettable and distinctive layer to Pink Floyd’s experiment with sound, showcasing the band’s creative versatility and willingness to venture into uncharted musical territory.

16. “Little Boys Grow Up and Dogs Get Old” by Luke Bryan

“Little Boys Grow Up and Dogs Get Old” by Luke Bryan offers a touching reflection on the passage of time and the enduring bond between humans and their pets. Through its poignant lyrics, the song delves into the inevitable life cycle, capturing the sweet and sometimes bittersweet moments of growth, aging, and the companionship that marks the journey from youth to maturity.

17. “Everything Reminds Me of My Dog” by Jane Siberry

“Everything Reminds Me of My Dog” by Jane Siberry is a song filled with humor and playful lyrics, illustrating the singer’s deep attachment to her pet. Siberry’s whimsical observations about how everyday occurrences and objects bring her dog to mind, capture the essence of how pets can become integral to our lives, affecting our perspective and leaving a lasting imprint on our hearts.

18. “Atomic Dog” by George Clinton

“Atomic Dog” by George Clinton stands as a seminal piece in the realm of funk, characterized by its funky beat and enduring popularity as a party anthem. This song, with its catchy hooks and quirky lyrics, has become a staple in music collections, embodying the fun and playful spirit often associated with our canine companions.

19. “My Dog and Me” by John Hiatt

“My Dog and Me” by John Hiatt celebrates the themes of companionship and adventure, highlighting the freedom that comes with having a loyal pet by your side. Through its heartfelt lyrics, the song captures the joy of shared experiences and the unbreakable bond that forms between a person and their dog, reminding listeners of the simple pleasures in life.

20. “Cracker Jack” by Dolly Parton

“Cracker Jack” by Dolly Parton is a heartfelt ballad that delves into Dolly Parton’s memories of her childhood dog, wrapping listeners in waves of nostalgia. This song beautifully recounts the special bond she shared with Cracker Jack, painting a vivid picture of the companionship, love, and life lessons learned from her beloved pet, capturing the essence of the innocence and joy of youth.