A roundup of foreign songs about pets
When it comes to songs about pets, if we’re talking Japanese music, a few tracks might come to mind right away.
But if we limit it to Western music, being able to name some off the top of your head probably means you’re pretty well-versed in it.
Even when words like “DOG” or “CAT” appear in the title or lyrics, they’re often used as some kind of metaphor.
In this article, I’ve researched Western songs about animals, with a focus on pets, and compiled them across different eras and genres.
You don’t see many articles with this kind of theme, and the content is quite interesting—so please take a look!
- A special feature on Western music themed around dogs! World classics and popular songs
- A tear-jerking, heartwarming song for beloved dogs and cats
- Dog song: A masterpiece about a beloved dog.
- [2026] Western music cat songs: A roundup of classic tracks about cats
- [Family Song] A gratitude song that lets you feel the importance of family.
- [2026] A roundup of classic and popular Western songs that depict the bond and love between parents and children
- Music that dogs like. BGM for dogs.
- Western songs themed around family — popular tracks and recommended songs
- Cat songs that overlap with various emotions. A richly diverse collection of cat tunes.
- [Tearjerker] Songs that make your heart tremble with tears & moving tracks with lyrics that touch the soul
- [2026] Western songs about horses: A roundup of famous tracks featuring horses
- [Sisters' Song] A moving classic that lets you rediscover the bond with your beloved sister
- A collection of emotionally resonant dark-themed Western songs—tracks with lyrics that deeply echo in the heart
A roundup of Western songs about pets (11–20)
The Puppy SongHarry Nilsson
The cheerful vocals in “The Puppy Song” are especially memorable.
It’s a track released in 1969 by Harry Nilsson, a singer-songwriter who was active in the United States in the late 1960s.
The rockabilly-influenced sound puts listeners at ease.
Another charm of this song lies in its lyrics: what’s described as a “puppy” in the first verse becomes a “friend” in the second, conveying a growing affection for the dog.
It’s a song that will definitely make you want to get a dog!
BluePeter, Paul & Mary
Peter, Paul and Mary is a folk group formed in New York in the 1960s.
Many people may think of them as a group with strong social and political messages, thanks to their covers of songs by Bob Dylan and their prominent roles in the anti-war and civil rights movements.
But the song “Blue” offers a glimpse of their playful side.
It’s a song about their dog named Blue, and the way they slip in jokes between verses to make the audience laugh and build excitement shows them as true entertainers.
You can enjoy an unexpected side of Peter, Paul and Mary!
I’m Gonna Buy Me a DogThe Monkees
The Monkees were an American rock band active in the 1960s.
Their signature song “Daydream Believer” is widely known in Japan through the cover by The Timers, the band fronted by Kiyoshiro Imawano, and many people have probably heard it in commercials and elsewhere.
Their song “I’m Gonna Buy Me a Dog” is a playful track that’s almost like putting into lyrics a casual chat between guy friends about being dumped and thinking, “I’m sad… maybe I’ll get a dog.” With a banter-like vocal back-and-forth between Davy Jones and Micky Dolenz and an irresistibly bright sound, it’ll leave you feeling cheerful whether you have a dog or not!
BenMichael Jackson
“Ben,” a song about the friendship between a boy and a mouse sung with a touch of childlike innocence.
The singer is a young Michael Jackson.
Even at that age, he showcased overwhelming vocal skill and expressive power.
The song was produced as the theme for the film Ben.
Ben was made as a sequel to Willard, a 1972 thriller about a city overrun by swarms of rats.
It’s also said that Michael himself kept a mouse as a pet at the time, which likely contributed to the deeply emotional way he sang it.
It’s a track that resonates with anyone living life with an unusual pet.
ShannonHenry Gross
Shannon, which begins with a wistful guitar intro, is a song released in 1976 by singer-songwriter Henry Gross.
It portrays the feelings of a child grieving with their mother over the death of their beloved dog, Shannon.
It is said that the model for the song was an Irish Setter owned by Carl Wilson of The Beach Boys.
The song became a major hit in the United States, Canada, and elsewhere, but after this, Gross never again made a splash on the charts.
Even so, the song remains a beloved classic that continues to resonate with dog lovers today.
Dogs OutDMX
DMX is an American rapper, producer, and actor who has been active since 1991.
This track is included on his fifth album, Grand Champ, released in 2003.
The album was a hit in Canada and reached No.
1 on the charts in the United States.
A collection of Western songs about pets (21–30)
Cats and DogsGorilla Biscuits
Even punk rockers love animals.
Cats and Dogs, with its exhilarating band sound, is a song released in 1989 by Gorilla Biscuits, a New York hardcore punk band that was especially active from the late ’80s to the ’90s.
The track criticizes people who treat cute-looking pets like mere accessories.
It sings of a strong affection for animals, declaring that every living creature deserves to be valued equally.
It may come as a surprise to those who don’t listen to much punk, but many of their songs are filled with warm sentiments like peace and love.
Why not take this opportunity to step into the world of hardcore punk?