Tag Archives: animal actors

Film Jobs: Become a Movie Animal Trainer

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Even animal actors walk the red carpet premieres.
Even animal actors walk the red carpet at premieres. | Source

What are Animal Actors?

Animal actors are animals who act in movies, on television and on stage. Animal actors have been around since the inception of the entertainment business.

Jesters, storytellers, troubadours, and acrobats used animals for entertainment as far back as the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. Animals performed tricks at court, parties, taverns, and carnivals. Animal acts consisted of dancing bears, acrobatic dogs, and agile monkeys.

“There is that thing about not working with animals and children – I don’t think that’s true. Although you should never work with donkeys.”— Emma Thompson, Academy Award-Winning Actress

Paws for Effect

I helped one of my readers break into the movie business. She started as a production assistant and continued working on several movies. Then she began working as an animal trainer on her days off.

Became a Full-Time Job

She trains animals to be actors in movies. Working with animal actors is not easy because you are dealing with animals all day, and you have to like animals to do the job. I mean animals that are actors, too.

Although she didn’t disclose the earnings of animal actors, she did indicate that they earn a good income without the trainers receiving equity or residuals.

She worked at a place like Paws for Effect, a ranch for animals used in acting. They have offices in Los Angeles, Florida, and Vancouver. Film career folks in Florida and Vancouver can jump at the opportunity.

You can find your way into the film business working for them if you live in these cities. Apply at these offices to gain work experience and build a strong resume before relocating to Los Angeles and settling in Hollywood as an animal trainer for film.

“A black cat crossing your path signifies that the animal is going somewhere.”— Groucho Marx

Animal Actors Agency

These agencies even house reptiles, including snakes, frogs, lizards, and Gila monsters. If you want to see the type of animal actors, go to Paws for Effect and check out the creatures’ headshots.

They represent all species of cats, including felines. I wonder if they got lucky and were discovered like Lana Turner—Hollywood’s famous Top Hat. I can’t forget the movie Cats & Dogs. One of those cats in the movie got discovered while mewing in an alley. A representative from Paws for Effect spotted the beautiful cat in an alley near a local soda fountain. And well, you know the rest of the story.

Acting with an animal takes patience and respect for the animal trainers.
Acting with an animal takes patience and respect for the animal trainers. | Source

All Types of Animals

Paws for Effect represents a wide range of animals, including lions, tigers, and bears. Oh, my!

Let’s not forget livestock for movies made for episodic shows like Outlander, The Crown, Downton Abby, and Victoria.

The Paws for Effect credits are pretty impressive. Read their credits from well-known movies or television shows and catch their names.

Some notable movies are Ocean’s 11, The Princess Diaries, and Charlie’s Angels. On Television are former and current series like The West Wing, Judging Amy, and C.S.I.

“I love working with horses. People say you shouldn’t work with animals and children; that’s wrong. You must only work with children because you only work eight hours a day and I love working with animals. Animals have an honesty that human beings reach to find in their lives at the best of times.”— Colin Farrell, Actor

Animal Actor Agencies Hiring

Paws for Effect is not the only animal actor agency. There are others you can reach out to and get a job.

  • Animal Actors International Animal Talent Agency
  • Hollywood Paws
  • All Animals Actors International
  • Top Dog Talent Agency
  • Animal Talent Time
  • Le Paws
  • Urban Paws UK
  • Arizona Animal Actors
Animals can upstage an actor, but that's part of working in the industry.
Animals can upstage an actor, but that’s part of working in the industry. | Source

Retired Animal Actors

There are issues with animals that can earn a bad reputation. They don’t work well with the director. The breed is no longer in demand. They are too old to work and can no longer work. My friend, who works at Paws for Effect, says these out-of-work but appreciated animals are free to a home that is willing to care for them.

They are all without fleas, neutered, healthy, and make great pets. You must promise to provide them with a home. The animal is yours, and you have a celebrity living in your home.

“All animals are equal but some animals are more equal than others.”— George Orwell

Survey: Would you like to work with animal actors?

Some animal lovers were asked if they’d like to work with animal actors, and 80% of them said, “Yes. I love animals.” Twenty percent said, “If that is the only way I can break into the business, yes.”

Working With Animals on the Film Set

Andrew Simpson worked on John Wick: Chapters 3 and 4. His interview offers some insight into what it’s like to work with a dog in action, particularly in high-adrenaline films like the John Wick franchise.

Helping Animals

I reached out to Paws for Effect and told them I was writing this article. I was wondering if anyone has any ideas on how a fledgling film worker could apply for a job working with animals.

They didn’t reply after several weeks, so I suspect that they were busy milking the cows and sorting the eggs. But this doesn’t mean you can’t give it a try. If you go to their website, you can email them or call their toll-free number to network or pitch yourself. Good luck, and if you get a job, please let me know how it all turns out, so I can help animals get their big break in the movie business.

“The cat will mew, and dog will have his day.”— William Shakespeare