Yes, Millard Fillmore had pets during his time in the White House. One of the most notable was a mixed-breed dog named ‘Socks’.
While Fillmore was President from 1850 to 1853, he and his family owned several animals, which was not uncommon for families during that time. Pets were often seen as companions and provided comfort in the sometimes lonely environment of the presidency. Fillmore, a personal lover of animals, regarded his pets as part of the family.
Having pets also helped to humanize the presidency, giving the Fillmore family a more relatable and approachable image to the public. Overall, their presence reflected a typical American lifestyle in the 19th century, where animals played significant roles in family’s lives.