Brandon McMillan’s journey from animal trainer to Emmy-winning television host has made him a familiar face in homes worldwide. His work on Lucky Dog has been instrumental in shaping his career and boosting his financial success.
As of 2024, Brandon McMillan net worth continues to grow thanks to his TV roles and his expertise in training dogs. At Ando Money, we’ll explore how Lucky Dog played a key role in his career growth and the diversified sources that contribute to his wealth.
Quick Facts
| FACT | DETAIL |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Brandon McMillan |
| Popular Name | Animal Brandon |
| Gender | Male |
| Birth Date | April 29, 1977 |
| Age | 47 years old |
| Parents | Father and uncle: animal trainers |
| Siblings | N/A |
| Birthplace | Trenton, New Jersey |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | N/A |
| Education | N/A |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Jessica Morris McMillan |
| Children | N/A |
| Dating | N/A |
| Net Worth | $5 million (estimated) |
| Source of Wealth | TV Host, Animal Trainer, Author |
| Height | 6 ft 3 in (191 cm) |
What is the Net Worth of Brandon McMillan in 2024?
Brandon McMillan‘s net worth in 2024 is estimated at $5 million. This figure highlights the financial success he’s achieved through years of dedication to animal training and television.
His net worth compares well to other celebrities in similar fields who have leveraged their media presence and expertise to build wealth.
Here’s a list of others in related fields:
- Ellen DeGeneres
- Don Cheadle
- Kate Hudson
- Animal Planet
- HarperCollins
- CBS
- Ronda Rousey
- Chris Hardwick
- Andy Cohen
- Wolfgang Puck
For those interested in exploring more details about celebrities in publishing, check out our guide to the wealthiest writers in the industry here.
Finance Overview
How He Built His Career in Animal Training and Television Hosting
Brandon McMillan’s career path was deeply influenced by his family. Born into a family of animal trainers, he grew up around exotic animals, learning the trade from a young age. At 18, McMillan moved to Los Angeles to work at his uncle’s animal training company, which provided animals for film and television.
His breakthrough in television came with Lucky Dog in 2013, where McMillan not only hosted but played a pivotal role in saving unadoptable dogs, training them, and helping them find new homes.
His expertise as an animal trainer and his ability to connect with dogs on camera made him a relatable and likable TV host.
In addition to Lucky Dog, McMillan also made appearances on Shark Week, where he hosted the Great White Serial Killer documentary series, further solidifying his career in television.
The Role of Lucky Dog in His Professional Success
The CBS show Lucky Dog is one of McMillan’s most significant career accomplishments. It offered him a platform to showcase his animal training skills to a broader audience, bringing him widespread recognition.
His work on the show earned him multiple Daytime Emmy Awards, which played a key role in elevating his career and income.
As the host and executive producer, McMillan was not only responsible for training the dogs but also guiding the show creatively.
This involvement allowed him to increase his salary as the show progressed, with his earnings per episode reportedly rising from $10,000–$20,000 in the early seasons to as much as $70,000 in later seasons.
Salary Breakdown from Lucky Dog and Television Projects
In the world of television, Lucky Dog was a financial success for McMillan. Early on, his salary ranged between $10,000 and $20,000 per episode, but by the later seasons, he earned between $50,000 and $70,000 per episode.
With approximately 20 episodes per season, this totaled between $1 million to $1.4 million per season.
Aside from Lucky Dog, McMillan’s work on Shark Week and other television projects further contributed to his overall wealth. His salary for these projects, although less frequent, still made a notable impact.
His Work as an Author and Entrepreneur
In 2016, McMillan published Lucky Dog Lessons: Train Your Dog in 7 Days, which became a popular resource for dog owners. This book added to his income stream, especially with the backing of a major publisher like HarperCollins.
Additionally, McMillan co-founded the Argus Service Dog Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to training service dogs for disabled veterans.
While the foundation’s primary goal is philanthropic, McMillan’s role in its establishment has enhanced his public image and added to his diversified career profile.
Celebrity Clients and the Impact on His Earnings
McMillan’s status as a renowned dog trainer has earned him some high-profile clients. Celebrities like Ellen DeGeneres, Don Cheadle, Andy Cohen, and Kate Hudson have all relied on his expertise for their pets.
These celebrity connections have elevated McMillan’s reputation and further contributed to his earnings through exclusive training sessions and special projects. His work with such clients often commands premium rates, adding significantly to his income.
Awards and Recognition for His Contributions
Throughout his career, McMillan has received multiple Daytime Emmy Awards for his work on Lucky Dog. These awards have not only recognized his skills as a host and animal trainer but also boosted his credibility in the entertainment and training industries.
Winning awards such as Outstanding Host in a Lifestyle Series in 2015 and 2018 has played a major role in increasing his market value and visibility.
FAQs About Brandon McMillan
How Did He Start His Career in Animal Training?
He began his career working for his uncle’s animal training company in Los Angeles, where he provided animals for film and television.
What TV Shows Has He Hosted?
He has hosted Lucky Dog on CBS and Great White Serial Killer for Shark Week on the Discovery Channel.
What Is His Book About?
His book, Lucky Dog Lessons: Train Your Dog in 7 Days, is a guide for dog owners to train their pets effectively.
Is He Married?
Yes, Brandon McMillan is married to Jessica Morris McMillan, a surgical technician.
What Charitable Work Is He Involved In?
He co-founded the Argus Service Dog Foundation, which trains service dogs for disabled veterans.
Conclusion
I hope you found this deep dive into Brandon McMillan’s financial journey informative. Feel free
