[6][better source needed] She has an older brother named Steven Jr.[7][8] Pettis was first noticed when her mother entered into an annual cover search held by FortWorthChild, a local parenting magazine.

[9] Early in her career Pettis appeared on Barney & Friends[5] as Bridget, in 2005 and 2006, in which she sang, danced and acted.

Pettis won her first major role in 2006 when she was cast as Peyton Kelly, the long-lost daughter of Dwayne Johnson's quarterback character, in the 2007 Disney film The Game Plan.

[10][11][12] In 2007 Pettis was cast as Bailey Bryant, the sister of Corbin Bleu's character, in the 2008 film Free Style.

Pettis starred in Cory in the House as Sophie,[17] the president's daughter, and appeared in one episode of Hannah Montana playing the same role.