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Animal Actor Certification Program
Whether you’re already a certified professional or just starting your journey, we have tailored pathways to guide you towards becoming an animal actor.
Certifying your animal as an actor provides a competitive edge in the entertainment industry. It ensures that your animal meets industry standards, increasing the chances of booking high-quality production jobs. Certification demonstrates your animals trainability and reliability on set, making your animal more attractive to producers and directors. Your certification is showcased on The Animal List certification elevates your professional standing and opens the door to more opportunities.
Animal Actor Certification process
1. Join The Animal List
Even if your pet is not certified, you can list your animal on The Animal List to get hired. To qualify for specific jobs, you must be certified.
2. Receive Certification
Be evaluated in-person by a certified wrangler or agency, based on the levels below.
3. Update Your Listing
Once approved, update your listing on The Animal List. Your certification badge will be live once reviewed by our team.
4. Get Booked
Showcase your services for free on The Animal List and unlock new opportunities.
Animal Actor Certification Levels
To get booked for specific production jobs, you must be a certified animal actor. We have four levels of certification you can reach.
Level 1:
Temperament Approved
All animal actors must pass our temperament evaluation, ensuring they meet high standards for health, temperament, and basic obedience.
Requirements:
• Pass temperament evaluation or provide documentation of a CGC, CGCA or an accredited therapy animal approval.
• Demonstrate high standards for health and basic obedience
Roles:
• Background Extras: Our temperament-approved animals are perfect for adding depth and realism to background scenes without stealing the spotlight.
• Basic Roles: They excel at performing basic actions like walking on a leash, sitting, and staying, making them ideal for scenes requiring natural, everyday interactions.
Level 2:
Certified Animal Actor
Certified animals possess essential skills for typical supporting roles, demonstrating proficiency in basic commands and behaviors needed in production jobs.
Requirements:
• Show capability in handling background, supporting or some lead roles
• Demonstrate proficiency in basic commands and behaviors
Roles:
• Supporting Roles: These animal actors are capable of handling more complexity, making them suitable for supporting characters with significant interaction with human actors.
• Specific Actions: They can perform a wider range of commands and behaviors, such as retrieving objects, following directional cues, or performing simple tricks.
Level 3:
Advanced Animal Actor
Capable of handling more complex supporting or lead roles, showing a higher level of skill and versatility.
Requirements:
• Excel in intricate scenes and advanced behaviors
• Demonstrate a high level of skill and finesse
Roles:
• Lead Roles: Advanced animal actors shine in roles that require significant interaction with human characters, intricate actions, and emotional depth.
• Specialized Skills: They can perform advanced behaviors such as reacting to verbal or visual cues, navigating complex environments, and conveying specific emotions.
Level 4:
Elite Animal Actor
Reserved for the most experienced performers with extensive on-set experience and a track record of excellence. Trusted for the most demanding roles.
Requirements:
• Possess extensive on-set experience and a proven track record of excellence including reviews from past work
• Trusted implicitly to deliver outstanding performances
Roles:
• Lead Role: Elite animal actors are trusted to carry the weight of the story, showcasing their exceptional talent, reliability, and versatility.
• Stunt Work: They can handle challenging stunts and action sequences with precision and safety, adding excitement and realism to the production.
• High-Profile Projects: Reserved for prestigious projects and high-budget productions, elite animal actors bring prestige and professionalism to any role they undertake.
P.E.R.F.O.R.M
What Certification Entails
We use an evaluation form going through Temperament approval and tricks within the PERFORM METHOD, a comprehensive assessment tool that ensures your animal is ready for production work. We evaluate:
Polished Obedience
How well the animal responds to basic obedience within the species.
Excellent Marksman
Precision in hitting marks during performances.
Refined Head Movements
Natural and expressive head gestures.
Film-Ready Expertise
Ability to perform unique tricks and interact on set.
Outstanding Vocal Performer
Vocalizations on cue.
Responsive Touch & Hold
Interaction by touching, tugging, and holding with objects and actors.
Movement Harmony
Smooth coordination with actors and camera.
What to Expect During the Evaluation
Temperament & Stress Handling
Ability to Follow Commands
On-Set Safety
& Behavior
Skill-Based Assessments Tailored to Acting Roles