Even though many of the Dancing With the Stars contestants are accustomed to performing on TV, some of their closest friends—their pets—are waiting for them.
Jenna Johnson and Val Chmerkovskiy, who married in April 2019, have two toy poodles together.
Johnson posted a cute Instagram photo of her husband and the dogs relaxing in bed in February 2022, captioning it, “My three forever Valentines 🖤.”
Anastasia, the couple’s previous dog, passed away in August 2018.
At the time, Chmerkovskiy told Us Weekly, “[Anastasia] changed my perspective on a lot of things and brought me so much happiness.” “This was new to me because I didn’t grow up with dogs and I never knew what it was like to love an animal.” It’s definitely [been] a week-and-a-half for me because, once more, the permanency of death is incredibly frightening and horrifying, and it came out of nowhere. … The most humble part about this whole situation is that time keeps things moving and heals everything. There is nothing I can do at this time, and it is extremely sad.
To get to know DWTS’s pets, scroll below:
Alan Bersten
In October 2024, Alan Bersten adopted a puppy and gave it the name Jeff.
He exclaimed, “I’m officially a daddy,” on Instagram. “This boy is the sweetest thing ever!”
Bersten confirmed via X three months later that he would be taking the puppy on the 2025 DWTS tour.
Cheryl Burke
In February 2022, Burke posted a picture of herself with her Frenchie on Instagram with the remark, “Ysa and her many personalities 🐾.”
Val Chmerkovskiy and Jenna Johnson
Jenna Johnson and Val Chmerkovskiy In November 2021, the former cast member of So You Think You Can Dance posted a cute selfie with her husband and their puppies.
Lindsay Arnold
Moose’s proud dog mom is Lindsay Arnold Arnold, who has a kid named Sage with her husband Sam Cusick.
Sasha Farber and Emma Slater
Ruby and Grinch, the rescued canines owned by the estranged couple, each have their own Instagram accounts. After four years of marriage, the couple announced their separation in August 2022, according to Us.
Derek Hough
Hayley Erbert, the DWTS judge’s girlfriend, has a dog named Luna and a cat named Palo.
