Put your pet in a film or commercial

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Over the years, we've received hundreds of inquiries from pet owners who want to know how to get their animal into show business. So, we've compiled a short list of the most frequently asked questions by pet owners and published it here for anyone who is thinking about putting his or her pet into the movies.

Every time I'm out with my dog, I get stopped on the street saying how beautiful she is and that she should be a movie dog...
Everyone loves a cute dog! However, when a production company hires an animal for a shoot, they are hiring the animal for its ability. Trained behaviors are more important than "cuteness"...the director doesn't want to see a cute dog run off of the set every time "action" is called!

I'm looking for an agent to represent my dog. How does an Animal Actors Agency work?
When a production company has an animal scripted, whether it's for a TV show, Film, Commercial or Still Shoot, they must contact a USDA Licensed Studio Animal Company in compliance with federal law (Animal Welfare Act - AWA). Once determined what action is required from the animal, we submit the animals that are best suited for the job.

What happens once my pet is chosen for a job?
When a production company chooses your pet, we will contact you to discuss the needs of the production. If necessary, our qualified trainers who have the experience required to work on film sets will work with your pet prior to the shoot so that we will be prepared. On the day of the shoot, our trainer will meet you or will pick up your pet from your home and go to the set. When the working day is done, our trainer will bring your new star back home to be pampered by her stage parents!

How much money will my pet make?
Payment to you will be made promptly upon payment to Hollywood Animals. The animal rental fees for dogs, cats and birds vary depending on various aspects: a) how many days the animal is working; b) is the animal highlighted or is it background atmosphere; c) the type of required ; d) how trained your pet is. To give you an example, dog rentals can be anywhere from $50.00 to $300.00 dollars per day.

Who is Hollywood Animals?
We are one of the largest studio animal companies is Hollywood, providing quality, trained exotic and domestic animal talent to the entertainment industry for over 30 years. For more information on us please visit our web site at http://www.hollywoodanimals.com.

I'm looking to supplement my income and thought that putting my dog on TV would be the way to go...
The #1 most important reason to get your dog involved in studio work should be that it's FUN FOR YOU PET! If you are just in it for a buck, you are in it for the wrong reason. Don't expect to get rich off of your dog doing a few shoots here and there. If your dog or cat is uncomfortable around distractions and becomes distressed around strangers and you are unable to put in the time and patience in overcoming these obstacles, then studio work is not for you.

What if my pet does not know any tricks or behaviors?
All pets MUST have reliable basic obedience (sit, down, stay, nice leash manners). Sometimes all it takes is a "certain look"; this is why you should send us your best photographs. We also have a studio trainer available for private training and group classes available for registered members. The more trained behaviors that your pet has, the more jobs we can submit him/her to. Please read the registration form for submission requirements.

Please be honest in stating what behaviors your pet does reliably. By reliably, we mean that your pet performs the behavior every time you ask. "Offered" behaviors such as "My dog dances around on her hind legs when I come home" do not count. Be wary of any company that tells you it will cost thousands of dollars to train your pet for studio work. Any dog has the potential to learn studio behaviors, all it takes is a lot of time, consistency, patience and compassion.

How do I register?
Simply fill out our Animal Actor Submission Form (PDF Format) or (TEXT Format) and mail it in with at least two photos of your pet (no Polaroid) and a one-time $25.00 administration fee. Each potential star listed must have a separate information sheet and photograph. You can't get a job if we can't reach you, so it is very important that you keep us informed about any changes in your address, telephone numbers and email addresses. We do most of our correspondence through email, so please make sure your email address is correct.

What kind of photographs should I submit?
Obviously the better your picture is the better your chances are of getting a film or modeling job, so it is important that the photographs you send are clear and in focus with a neutral background. One photograph should be a full body picture, with your pet filling the full frame and one should be a head shot. A photograph of your pet doing an interesting behavior or action that you think will help promote your pet, please include it with the portrait photos (Tips). Production companies do not really want to see pictures of you and your pet on the couch...they want to see photos of what your pet is capable of! If your dog has an unusual trained behavior such as Yawn, Howl or Sneeze on cue, please feel free to send us a little video clip. Please note that the photographs will not be returned.

What Makes a Good Studio Animal?
Basic Obedience - Your pet should have reliable basic obedience. Typical obedience commands include heel/loose-leash walking, sit, down, wait, recall (coming when called) and stay. Proofing all obedience behaviors around distractions and at a distance is key for studio animals.
Environmental Conditioning - Exposing your pet to challenging and interesting environments with stimulating sights, sounds, smells and textures.
Socialization - Exposing your pet to new environments that include interaction with pedestrians, crowds, small children, other dogs, other animals, motor vehicles and machinery. On a set, your pet will be working with trainers and actors and must be able to work with people other than his or her guardian!
AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) or Therapy Dog Guidelines - The requirements for a certified Canine Good Citizen are excellent guidelines for the makings of a good studio dog. Learn all of the exercises required for certification including accepting a friendly stranger, handling by a stranger, walking in crowds, sit and down in place, coming when called, obedience under distraction and supervision by a stranger.

What happens after I register?
Upon receipt of your registration, we will add your pet's information to our database and upload their photo on our website. We will then mail you a registration packet which includes a pet id number that will identify your pet in our database, animal information sheet, a training pamphlet, and a training clicker. We will let you know how you can better prepare your pet for films, television and modeling jobs. We also have private studio training sessions available if you want to increase your chances and widen your job opportunities. You will also receive a 10% discount on selected Items (tee shirts and elephant paintings) at our online store.

Do you offer private or group training for dogs?

Currently, we now offering our members a special STUDIO DOG TRAINING SEMINAR. The seminar will concentrate on teaching YOU and YOUR DOG training behaviors that are commonly used for films, commercials and television, which will then increase your dog's potential as an animal actor. This is offered exclusively to registered animal actors.

Are the animals mistreated or forced to perform?
No! Absolutely not, our animal are affectionately trained with positive reinforcement. They are all raised in our home with lots of TLC. To oversee the set In order for any film or show to receive the end disclaimer that "No animal was harmed or mistreated..." from American Humane, they must have an American Humane representative on the set to ensure the animals are well cared for which is all documented in their signed report. For more information on the guidelines of working animals on sets please go to AHA link (http://www.ahafilm.org/guidelines.html).

Do animal trainers need permits or licenses?
Yes, animal trainers need to have a USDA Exhibitors permit, Department of Fish & Game permit, County Animal Regulation permit, City of Los Angeles Animal permit and be a member of Union 399 which has a long waiting list.

Why do I need an agent....Why can't a production company just contact me directly?
Per the Animal Welfare Act, Federal law stipulates that any animal exhibited (live events, film, television, print) must have a USDA Exhibitor's Permit, therefore, production companies must hire a licensed Studio Animal Company which has all necessary permits for any production that involves animals.

Everyone says my dog should be in the movies. Can I email you a photo so that you can tell me if my dog has what it takes before I register?
We can not accept email submissions. Photos tell us nothing about the dog's trained behaviors, background, temperament, etc. We get hundreds of emails like this a week, therefore we have had to institute a formal registration process. Your pet will not be added to our database without a completed registration form.

What are some of the jobs your agency has gotten for the animals registered?
Please visit our credits page for a partial list of credits.

Pet Adoption:
Looking for a pet - try our pet finder link and save homeless pets from shelters or rescue groups.