A History of Presidential Pets Who Lived in the Lap of Luxury at the White House

Say hello to the pets in a paw-sition of power. 

As the country awaits the results of the 2024 U.S. presidential election between republican nominee, former president Donald Trump (running mate is JD Vance), and democratic nominee, current vice president Kamala Harris (running alongside Tim Walz), we're taking a look at the purr-fect plus ones who have found their way inside the White House. 

Since George Washington became the first president of the United States in 1789, pets have played a huge role in the lives of the presidents, especially when the White House was officially completed in 1800. In fact, the first president to officially bring a pet to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue was John Adams, who owned two dogs and the first presidential cat.

In more recent years, presidential animals have become almost as famous as their owners, with President Lyndon B. Johnson's pup Yuki making headlines as the first rescue dog to land in the White House. (He was found abandoned in a Texas gas station by the president's daughter Luci.)

Plus, shortly before the 2008 election, Barack Obama and Michelle Obama got Portuguese Water Dog Bo—sometimes referred to as the First Dog—who was chosen by the family because Malia Obama's allergies required a hypoallergenic breed. He was soon joined by fellow Portuguese Water Dog Sunny in 2013.

Meanwhile, Joe Biden and Jill Biden also brought several pups into the White House: their dog Champ (who they got just after Biden was elected Vice President in 2008), as well as dogs Major and Commander. Champ passed away in 2021 and both Major and Commander had to be rehomed after several incidents at the White House.

But it's not all dogs living it up in Washington D.C. as plenty of First Families— including the Biden, Bushes, Clintons, Carters and Fords—were proud cat owners.

Bill Clinton was often seen with the family's adopted black and white kitty Socks. A book about the feline was even written in 1993 called Socks Goes to Washington: The Diary of America's First Cat.

In fact, in the history of the presidency, only James K. Polk, Andrew Johnson and Trump did not have pets during their time in office, with Trump being the first pet-less leader in more than 120 years. And as Harris is also not a pet owner, there might be some time before we see a new pet in D.C. (Although Walz and his family do have their Labrador pup Scout.)

Now, throw us a bone and read on to see all the pets who lived larger than life at the White House…

The 46th President was gifted German Shepherd Commander for his birthday in 2021 by his brother and sister-in-law James and Sara Biden. 

In 2023, Commander was moved out of the White House after several biting incidents.

The Bidens adopted Willow into the White House in January 2022. Willow was named after First Lady Dr. Jill Biden's hometown of Willow Grove, Penn.

President Joe Biden's wife Jill Biden appears with their German Shepherds in a 2020 election campaign photo.

Unfortunately, Champ sadly passed away in June 2021 at the age of 13 while Major was rehomed to a quieter environment with family friends.

The President appears with his rescue dog at the Delaware Humane Association headquarters in 2018. Major was the first shelter dog in the White House.

The President appears with First Lady Michelle Obama, daughters Sasha Obama and Malia Obama and their Portuguese Water Dogs in the Rose Garden of the White House in 2015.

The President pets his family's Portuguese Water Dog, their first White House pet, at the White House in 2012.

The President carries his dog near his ranch in Crawford, Texas in 2003.

The President plays with his family's cat at the Governor's Mansion in Austin, Texas before they moved to the White House.

The President carries his family's cat on the grounds on the White House in 1993.

The First Cat overlooks the Oval Office from his perch at the presidential desk. 

The President appears with his family's dog outside the White House in 1999.

The President and First Lady Barbara Bush ride with their dog on a golf cart at their home at Walker's Point in Kennebunkport, Maine, in 2004. Millie lived with them at the White House. He served as U.S. leader between 1989 and 1993.

The President sits with his granddaughter, Marshall, and one of his dogs in this undated picture.

The President presents wife Nancy Reagan with an early Christmas present: A King Charles Cavalier Spaniel.

The President and First Lady Nancy Reagan pose with one of their dogs and kittens at Rancho del Cielo, their vacation home near Santa Barbara, Calif., in the '80s.

The President plays with his family's dog on the South Lawn of the White House in 1978.

The President plays with one of his golden retrievers in 1976.

Yuki is believed to be the first rescue dog to live at the White House. Johnson's daughter Luci found him at a Texas gas station in 1966. Here he is photo-bombing the President as he signs a bill in 1967.

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