Welfare of Animals in Film and Television Production

Animals used in entertainment production face welfare challenges from training, on-set stress, and the demands of repetitive takes that welfare organizations monitor through on-set oversight.

Key Facts

American Humane oversees animal welfare during film production and certifies productions with No Animals Were Harmed
Training methods for film animals have shifted significantly toward positive reinforcement approaches
Wild or exotic animals are increasingly replaced by CGI and animatronic alternatives in mainstream productions
Certain productions have faced welfare investigations following on-set animal deaths or injuries
Animal actors include dogs, horses, farm animals, and occasionally wild species depending on production requirements

Welfare Considerations

Animal welfare in film production involves managing the inherent tensions between production requirements (multiple takes, unfamiliar environments, potentially stressful situations) and animal welfare needs (predictability, low stress, species-appropriate conditions). Modern positive reinforcement training produces animals who engage with production as a positive experience, but the multiple-take requirement of film production creates repeated stimulus exposures that can increase stress. Welfare certification programs like American Humane provide independent on-set oversight that meaningfully improves welfare outcomes when they are present and empowered to intervene.

What You Can Do

Support productions that have received No Animals Were Harmed certification from American Humane
Advocate for CGI replacement of wild and exotic animals in film production where welfare is a concern
Report animal welfare violations in production to American Humane and regulatory authorities
Learn about the difference between trained animal actors with welfare oversight and unregulated productions