Dog Influencer Doug the Pug Receives ‘Truly Unique’ Honorary Degree in Unexpected Field

The beloved pup with over 15 million social media followers received his degree at the University of New Haven’s 2025 Graduation

Doug the Pug, an influencer, founder, and movie star, has a new addition to his multi-hyphenate success.

On May 17, just a few days before his 13th birthday, the famous pug with over 15 million social media followers received an honorary degree from the University of New Haven in Connecticut.

“I was shocked and very excited! It never gets old to be part of something new with Doug. We are grateful for every moment and every fun new adventure,” the canine’s owner, Leslie Mosier, tells us of her pup’s recent achievement.

Doug donned a pug-sized cap and gown to attend the University of New Haven’s graduation to receive his honorary degree in “Furensic Science.”

“Doug was awarded an honorary degree in ‘Furensic Science’ as a playful nod to one of the university’s most renowned programs, Forensic Science, which was founded by the legendary Dr. Henry C. Lee, who gave the commencement address,” Mosier explains.

According to the dog mom, Doug’s relationship with the school started thanks to her. Mosier works with the university on social media strategy, and recently decided to bring her superstar pug to the school’s campus for a visit.

During the visit, Mosier says Doug “instantly fell in love” with the school, where he met students and Spot, the Boston Dynamics robot.

“Students were thrilled and began asking for more Doug. The university, always in tune with its student body, saw this as the perfect chance to create a fun and memorable moment,” Mosier says about how Doug’s relationship with the University of New Haven deepened.

Looking for a “truly unique” way to bring Doug back to the campus, the school decided to have Doug attend graduation and receive his honorary degree.

Mosier says that Doug was greeted with support and cheers on graduation day.

“He was excited to see all of his friends and get the attention. He absolutely adores getting recognized and a ton of butt scratches,” she adds.

The day was also special to Mosier, who works to spread happiness with Doug.

“There was something magical in the air at the commencement ceremony – a deep, beautiful sense of hope. Hope for the future, hope born from the pride of first-generation graduates and the hard-earned moments that brought everyone to that stage. I hope Doug can serve as a reminder that anything is possible and no dream is too big, even if it sounds a little silly or far-fetched at first,” Mosier says.

Doug plans to frame his degree and hang it in his office so he can appreciate the achievement each day. For the rest of the summer, Doug plans to enjoy lazy days in his Nashville backyard with his little sister Dory.