Presidential Pets

Presidential Pets

Alligators, elephants, zebras and everything in between have called the White House home. Exotic pets, useful livestock, and domesticated furry friends have help special places in the hearts of the presidents and their families.

Often, pets are quiet confidants and good listeners; President Lincoln once commented on his cat:
“Dixie is smarter than my whole cabinet! And furthermore she doesn’t talk back!”

Several presidential families had large pet families. The Kennedys had more than 15 pets. President Hoover had nine dogs and his son, Allan Henry Hoover, kept a pair of alligators, sometimes seen crawling the White House grounds. The Coolidge family had more than 25 pets and President Theodore Roosevelt’s family had maybe as many as 40!

Did you know there is only one U.S. President who has not owned a pet? Find out who and learn more about past presidential pets by visiting us today!