In the world of film, TV and advertising, time is money—but when working with animal talent, time also equals welfare. At The Animal Talent Ltd, we pride ourselves not only on providing the best-trained, most camera-ready animal stars, but also on advocating for their wellbeing on set. One crucial aspect of animal welfare during filming is managing the length of time each animal spends working.
Why Time on Set Matters
Unlike human actors, animals can’t tell us when they’re tired, overstimulated, or in need of a break. Instead, it’s up to production teams, alongside experienced animal handlers, to monitor behaviour, energy levels and stress indicators. Overlong hours can lead to:
- Fatigue and loss of focus
- Stress-related behaviours
- Diminished performance
- Long-term reluctance to work in set environments
Even with regular breaks, too much time on set can dull an animal’s enthusiasm and compromise both welfare and the quality of the shoot.
The General Rule: Short and Sweet
For most animals, short bursts of work interspersed with rest is the best approach. This ensures the animal remains alert, comfortable and responsive. Depending on the species, breed, and individual temperament, some animals can remain on set for longer than others, but breaks must always be prioritised for the welfare of the animal and the quality of the output.
For all of the reasons mentioned so far, there is absolutely no point in calling an animal to set three or four hours before they’re due to start filming. If the animal isn’t required for filming until 1pm, they don’t need to be there at 9am. Their enthusiasm will wain and their performance may suffer. We also don’t think it’s mentally fair on the animal. Yes, the dog or cat needs time to settle into the environment, but anything over an hour is really too long.
At The Animal Talent Ltd, our professional handlers work closely with production teams to create schedules that suit the animal’s limits. We also include welfare clauses in our contracts to ensure that every creature is treated ethically and responsibly.
Cats vs Dogs: Why Cats Often Need Shorter Filming Sessions
While dogs are famously adaptable and eager to please, cats present a very different set of challenges. Their independent nature, heightened sensitivity to environment, and aversion to over-handling means they tire of filming far more quickly than dogs.
Here’s why cats require extra consideration on set:
- Sensitivity to Change: New smells, people, lighting and sounds can easily overwhelm a cat, even one trained for set work.
- Lower Tolerance for Repetition: Cats do not typically enjoy repeating the same action multiple times. Unlike many dogs, they lack the intrinsic desire to perform on cue repeatedly.
- Solo Working Style: Cats often work best in quiet, controlled settings, with minimal crew movement and sound. If things get chaotic, they may shut down entirely or leave their mark with stressed behaviours.
- Time Limit: While some well-socialised, confident cat models may work happily for up to six hours (with breaks), most will require far more limited on-set time compared to their canine counterparts.
Top Tip: Only call the cat to set when they’re really required to start filming. Allow familiarisation time, but be realistic about this length of time. Have the set, crew and actors ready to film before calling the cat to the filming environment so that there is as little movement and change as possible.
Dogs and Duration: Not Endless Either
While dogs generally have greater tolerance for longer on-set work, this should never be taken for granted. Even the most seasoned dog actor needs breaks for:
- Hydration
- Exercise
- Rest
- Relief from costume or prop discomfort
Breed, age and training also play a role. For instance, high-energy working breeds may enjoy staying mentally active on set, while smaller or more sensitive dogs may prefer shorter durations.
Top Tip: As with cats, only call the dog to the filming environment when you really need them. Dogs need less familiarisation time than cats, but still allow them time to suss out the filming area.
Best Practice from The Animal Talent Ltd
At The Animal Talent Ltd, we believe every animal deserves a tailored working experience. That’s why we:
✅ Prepare animals thoroughly for set environments
✅ Bring backup animals for longer or complex shoots
✅ Insist on regular breaks and off-set rest areas
✅ Educate production teams about species-specific limits
✅ Keep the animal’s emotional and physical wellbeing at the heart of every booking
Final Thoughts
Time is an essential component in managing animal wellbeing on set. Overworking any animal is unethical, unprofessional, and often counterproductive. Cats, in particular, require shorter, well-managed filming sessions, while even the most enthusiastic dog needs breaks and monitoring.
We suggest that the optimum time on set (including waiting behind the scenes) for a cat is six hours and eight hours for a dog. Anything longer than this can result in a sub-par performance or importantly, stressing the animal out.
When you hire talent from The Animal Talent Ltd, you’re not just booking a professional animal star, you’re hiring a team that ensures everything behind the scenes runs as smoothly and compassionately as possible.
Need advice on how to structure your shoot around animal talent? Get in touch with our experienced team at www.theanimaltalent.agency to find the perfect furry, feathered or scaled star for your next campaign—ethically, professionally, and safely.
