Welcome to the World of Animal Acting!

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An animal actor can be a model in a print shoot, an actor in a movie or commercial, or a performer in a live show.

Movie productions and other film and photography sets are expensive endeavors. Time is money on these sets and a production company will not risk wasting time by hiring an animal that is ill-prepared for the job. Hiring an animal that has been vetted by a certified evaluator enables the production company to reduce risk and increase the likelihood of a quality performance. Regulatory agencies (such as American Humane Association, USDA, Movie Animals Protected, and The Animal Protection Agency) require that animals on set be socialized and “trained and prepared in advance to perform the required action.”

 AAAI is the global certifying body for Animal Actors. An animal’s level card credentials them to work on various types of sets by vouching for their stability and relevant training. Earn a certification card for the animal by submitting the skills on each level’s checklist to one of our Animal Actor Certified Evaluators (AACE).  

 With their Level 1 certification the animal will receive a display certificate and metal “black card.” For each additional level the animal will receive the corresponding metal card, but no additional certificate. 

 Every job is different but typically an animal will be required on location for a full day, even if his role takes only a short time. The animal is usually transported and handled by a professional set trainer hired by the animal acting agency. If the animal’s owner is a capable set trainer, they may possibly be hired for this job (paid approximately USD$50/hr.) 

Animal acting agencies train and supply animals for acting jobs. Agencies typically kennel a few dozen of their own animals, and rely upon private party animals for additional species, breeds, and skills which their kennel cannot supply. A production company’s casting director will contact the animal acting agency with specific requests; either by look or by talent. Next will sometimes be a “go see” where animal actors display for the casting director. The animal may be paid about USD$50 for this audition.

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When an animal is hired, it is paid a daily wage (approximately USD$50 to USD$350). Unlike human actors, animals do not receive residuals. They are considered freelancers and are paid only a one-time fee. If there are specific behaviors that the animal needs to learn, it may be paid half-wage for each training day.