Net Worth Ranker
What Is Cesar Millan’s Net Worth?
Cesar Millan, a prominent Mexican-American dog trainer, author, and television personality, has cultivated a substantial career in the pet industry. As of 2025, Cesar Millan’s Net Worth is estimated to be $20 million. This financial standing is largely attributed to his successful TV series, “Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan,” along with his diverse ventures including books, merchandise, and live shows.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
César Felipe Millán Favela was born on August 27, 1969, in rural Culiacán, Sinaloa, Mexico. His early years were spent on a farm where his grandfather worked as a tenant farmer. Millan’s affinity for animals, particularly dogs, earned him the nickname “el Perrero,” or “the dog boy.” At the age of 21, he immigrated to the United States and found himself in California. His first job in the U.S. was at a dog grooming store, marking the beginning of his career in the pet industry. Millan also worked as a limousine driver, during which he met actress Jada Pinkett Smith. Building on his skills, Millan opened the Pacific Point Canine Academy. Smith became one of his earliest clients and supported his dream of opening a dog training center by helping him get an English tutor. A few years later, Millan established the Dog Psychology Center in Los Angeles, California, specializing in large-breed dogs. In 2009, the Dog Psychology Center relocated to Santa Clarita, California. Besides his training clinic in California, Millan also opened a location in Davie, Florida, near Fort Lauderdale, at the Country Inn Pet Resort.
Television Career and Media Ventures
Millan’s television career began in 2002 after a profile in the Los Angeles Times caught the attention of producers at MPH Entertainment, Inc. This led to the development of “Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan,” a reality television series that followed Millan’s work in dog rehabilitation. The series debuted on the National Geographic Channel in September 2004 and later moved to Nat Geo WILD. “Dog Whisperer” quickly became National Geographic’s No. 1 show during its first season and aired for nine seasons until September 2012. The show was broadcast in over 80 countries worldwide. It received Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Reality Program in 2006 and 2007 and won the People’s Choice Award for Favorite Animal Show in 2012. Other series and specials featuring Millan include “Cesar Millan’s Leader of the Pack,” “Cesar 911” (known as “Cesar to the Rescue” in non-American markets), and “Cesar Millan’s Dog Nation.” Millan launched his own magazine, “Cesar’s Way,” in the United States and Canada in 2009, serving as the Editorial Director. The magazine covered topics related to the relationship between dogs and humans and provided advice from Millan. The magazine’s last issue was published in 2014. Millan also embarked on an international tour, “Cesar Millan Live!” featuring dog training lectures and stage performances. He demonstrated his training techniques with local shelter dogs during these events. In 2008, Millan partnered with PETCO to launch his own “Dog Whisperer” line of merchandise, which included organic dog food and treats, as well as accessories, toys, and grooming products. In 2018, he partnered with Petcube to develop a “Cesar Millan Edition” pet camera and with PAWS to develop a GPS-enabled wireless collar. These ventures have contributed to Cesar Millan’s Net Worth.
Published Works and Authorial Success
Millan has co-authored numerous books with Melissa Jo Peltier, including “Cesar’s Way: The Natural, Everyday Guide to Understanding and Correcting Common Dog Problems” (2007), “Be the Pack Leader: Use Cesar’s Way to Transform Your Dog… and Your Life” (2007), “A Member of the Family: Cesar Millan’s Guide to a Lifetime of Fulfillment with Your Dog” (2008), “How to Raise the Perfect Dog: Through Puppyhood and Beyond” (2009), “Cesar’s Rules: Your Way to Train a Well-Behaved Dog” (2010), and “Cesar Millan’s Lesson’s from the Pack: Stories of Dogs Who Changed My Life” (2017). His first three books were New York Times best sellers and have cumulatively sold over two million copies in the United States alone. The sales from these books have significantly contributed to Cesar Millan’s Net Worth.
Personal Life and Philanthropic Endeavors
Millan was married to Ilusión Wilson from 1994 until their divorce in 2010. They have two sons together. Millan attempted suicide in May 2010 following his wife’s request for divorce and the death of his dog, Daddy. In August 2010, Millan began a relationship with actress and former stylist Jahira Dar, and they became engaged in April 2016. Millan became a United States Citizen in 2000. Together with his ex-wife Illusión, Millan founded the Cesar Millan Foundation (now known as the Cesar Millan PACK Project). The Foundation supports animal shelters and organizations engaged in rescuing animals and helps fund spay/neuter programs. It also previously worked with Yale University to create a curriculum for children based on Millan’s work. His dedication to animal welfare through his foundation underscores his commitment to improving the lives of dogs and contributing to the community.
Real Estate Investments
In 2017, Cesar Millan purchased a home in LA’s Encino suburb for $2.8 million. Prior to this, he sold a property in Studio City, California, for $1.8 million. In January 2022, Millan listed the Encino home for sale at $4 million. Additionally, Millan owns a 45-acre property in Santa Clarita, California, which serves as the home base for his Cesar Millan’s Dog Psychology Center. These real estate investments also positively contributed to Cesar Millan’s Net Worth. The Santa Clarita property, in particular, is not just a personal residence but also a significant business asset, housing his dog psychology center.
