Animals have been used in entertainment media throughout the history of film and television. Welfare standards vary enormously and have improved significantly through advocacy and regulation.
Even modern certified productions carry welfare costs that audiences rarely consider. Animals trained for entertainment may undergo methods that would not be approved in other contexts. Transport to filming locations, exposure to artificial lighting and noise, and unpredictable schedules cause stress measurable in cortisol levels. The growing availability of CGI reduces but does not eliminate these concerns - productions with tight budgets often choose live animals as cheaper alternatives. Consumer awareness and preference for productions with verified welfare standards can drive improvement.