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 liklihood 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 (live or via video) to an Animal Actor Certified Evaluator (AACE). A list of AACEs can be found on domorewithyourdog.com. You may submit video via a free Facebook AACE Spark Team.

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 specifc 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.

Every big production will have an animal welfare advocate on set (such as American Humane Association). These agencies are responsible for movie claims such as “No Animals Were Harmed in the Making of This Film.” These agencies check that animals are exercised, climate-controlled, and treated with strictly positive interactions on set. In the overwhelming majority of cases the cast and crew are delighted to be working alongside an animal and are very kind to them.

Within reason, any animal should be certified before being hired on set. The level criteria is general enough that it can be adapted for most animals. The certified evaluator is trained to evaluate each animal as is relevant to their potential job.

Animal Actor Certified Evaluators (AACEs) can help you train your animal. Some AACEs offer free Facebook Spark Team groups to assist you.

SAG-AFTRA is the actors union, which means that there are qualifications required to work on a SAG-AFTRA set. SAG-AFTRA allows AAAI certified animal actors on set.