SEATTLE — Brandon Macz has been running the social media for Seattle Humane since February 2020 and, in the last four years, has helped explode the animal shelter’s online presence.
He creates videos that have gone viral, garnering hundreds of thousands of views. Some feature animals in silly costumes and others feature tender moments between him and the animals.
“I try and keep it fun and pleasant. Sometimes, I go 'Sarah McLachlan' if I really need to, especially during the holidays... I guess Mariah Carey would be more appropriate, but I’m waiting until December,” he said, laughing.
The shelter’s Instagram page has 52,000 followers, which Brandon took over when he started. He created the shelter’s TikTok page, which has grown to more than 57,000 followers and 3.3 million likes.
He said he’d often be in the videos because interaction with people is what potential adopters want to see. With this, he’s become a recognizable face in the Seattle area.
“We kinda grew an audience and I'm always kind of very surprised by the people when they recognize me on the streets; it’s always a little weird. I've only had two or three selfies so that’s okay,” he joked about his recent fame.
Walking around the shelter, it’s clear that he has a connection with the animals. He entered the different stalls for cats and dogs alike, and after hesitating for a moment, every single animal ended up melting into his pets and scratches.
“Yeah whatever job you have here, this is a perk for everyone, getting to play with cats and get a serotonin boost every day,” he said while sitting on the ground, petting a cat.