What Do Animal Handlers Do?

In film production, animal handlers work with domesticated as well as exotic animals to help prepare them for their onscreen appearance by coordinating the animals’ choreography. Animal handlers do this by training their animals to respond to certain cues with the actions and behaviors desired for the scene, such as tilting their heads, begging, playing or following other actors.

Animal handlers are responsible for ensuring that the animals are comfortable and not stressed out while traveling, that they have the right temperament to be around other people and settings they are not familiar with, and that they can take direction well.

The American Humane Association (AHA) offers guidelines for the entertainment industry to follow when using animals in film and television production, although the actual training is not monitored. By strictly adhering to the AHA’s guidelines during filming, producers can add the “No Animals Were Harmed” credit disclaimer.

The Patsy Award (Picture Animal Top Star of the Year) was created by the Hollywood Office of the AHA in 1939 to honor animal performers after a horse was killed in an on-set accident. Frank Inn was a famous animal trainer who received over 40 Patsy Awards. Inn was most known for his work with the dogs used in the Benji series.

Other popular alternatives to using live animals for productions is Computer-Generated Imagery (CGI) and animatronics, such as the techniques used for Dawn of the Planet of the Apes and The Jungle Book.

If you are looking for live animals to use in your production, it is very important to work with animal handlers who are licensed, experienced, compassionate and fully insured to help ensure the safety of the animals and crew on set.

In Nevada, we have experienced animal handlers who raise and work with all kinds of animals, from all kinds of livestock to all breeds of canines, felines, and equines to reptiles, insects, birds, elephants, camels, and more. Their credits include working on such productions as Mindfreak with Criss Angel, 3,000 Miles to Graceland, The Tonight Show, Ellie Goulding’s “On My Mind” music video, Sheryl Crow’s “First Cut Is the Deepest” music video, CSI: Las Vegas, and more!

If you are looking for an animal handler for your next project, check out our online Nevada Production Directory for a list of animal handlers in Nevada or drop by our office and pick up a free printed directory!

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is deemed to be accurate and true to the best of our knowledge. All data and information provided on this site is for informational/entertainment purposes only. If there are any inaccuracies, you may submit corrections and sources by visiting our Contact page. Nevada Film Office makes no representations as to accuracy, completeness, currentness, suitability, or validity of any information on this site & will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. All information is provided on an as-is basis. We do not sponsor or endorse anyone in our posts nor do we receive compensation of any kind in exchange for providing information about specific websites or resources unless otherwise noted, so please check for references, business licenses or credentials as you feel necessary.