San Jose Sharks Showcase Pets as Trend Grows

Team's players highlight bond between athletes and their animal companions, promoting animal welfare

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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The San Jose Sharks are at the forefront of a growing trend in professional sports - the deepening connection between athletes and their pets. From Yorkies to Labs, the team's furry friends are gaining recognition, reflecting a broader cultural shift towards pet humanization and the role of animals in supporting mental wellbeing.

Why it matters

Sharing glimpses of life with pets offers a relatable, humanizing side to often-idolized athletes, fueled by social media and a growing societal acceptance of pet ownership. The Sharks' embrace of their players' pets also promotes local animal rescues, leveraging the athletes' platform to raise awareness and encourage support for animal welfare organizations.

The details

The Sharks players' anecdotes reveal thoughtful pet naming conventions and unique acquisition stories, mirroring a broader trend of pet parents attributing human-like qualities to their animals. This focus on pet personalities adds a layer of charm and relatability. The team's coverage actively promotes local animal rescues, including San Jose Animal Care Center, Silicon Valley Pet Project, and Pets in Need.

  • The San Jose Sharks have been highlighting their players' pets since 2022.

The players

Adam Gaudette

A San Jose Sharks player who shared the story of his two Maltese-Yorkies, Stella and Zeus, highlighting the comfort and joy they bring.

Alex Nedeljkovic

A San Jose Sharks player who spoke about the positive impact of his Black Labs, Zeke and Brady, on his life.

Dmitry Orlov

A San Jose Sharks player whose cat is named Joy, a name that perfectly reflects the cat's personality.

Sam Dickinson

A San Jose Sharks player whose father named his Goldendoodle, Arnold Palmer, after his favorite golf courses, demonstrating a family connection through a shared interest.

Marc-Édouard Vlasic

A San Jose Sharks player who was one of the first to highlight his pet on the team's social media in 2022.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

This trend of athletes sharing their lives with pets is likely to continue evolving, with increased sponsorships from pet brands, more charitable initiatives supporting animal welfare, and athletes openly discussing the role their pets play in managing stress and maintaining mental wellbeing. The San Jose Sharks' embrace of this trend showcases the growing connection between professional sports and the humanization of pets.