Get your Animal Actor Certification

Description Rules: INDUSTRY CERTIFICATION: Movie productions and other film and photography sets are expensive endeavors and a production company will not risk wasting time by hiring an animal that is ill-prepared for the job, which is why they hire animals with industry standard certification to work on SAG-AFTRA and other professional sets. This enables the production company to reduce risk and increase the likelihood of a quality performance. Credentialed animals are added to the online registry which includes their photo and the owner’s contact details, allowing productions and animal acting agencies to find and hire the animals. We take no cut of their job wages.   Interested in becoming a movie-dog? Here’s how…     AA1 RULES: Does your animal have “the look”? The Level 1 Photo Shoot certification credentials your animal to work on set posing for photo shoots, magazines, product packaging, billboards, web ads, art pieces, and more.  PRE-REQUISITES: None There are five Animal Actor certifications (Levels 1-5). Each must be earned consecutively. Each certification is earned by demonstrating the skills on the checklist to an Animal Actor Certified Evaluator (AACE).  Behaviors do not have to be performed on the same day. Your evaluator may sign of on each one individually. You may submit video of your behaviors for evaluation.   AA2 RULES: The Level 2 Set-Prepped Actor card certifies the animal to work on a motion set environment with other actors.  PRE-REQUISITES: Level 1: Photoshoot (AA1)  For this level we assume sound is not being captured which allows the trainer to verbally coach the animal. The Set-Prepped White Card certifies the animal to perform motion on the set, to interact with other actors, and withstand a full day on location. Behaviors do not have to be performed on the same day. Your evaluator may sign of on each one individually. You may submit video of your behaviors for evaluation.   AA3 RULES: With their Level 3 Film card, the animal is officially set-trained and certified to act alongside other actors in any feature film or commercial.  PRE-REQUISITES: Level 2: Actor (AA2) A set trained animal is allowed to work on a “quiet set,” which is a film set that is recording audio. The animal responds to silent cues on a quiet set. Behaviors do not have to be performed on the same day. Your evaluator may sign of on each one individually. You may submit video of your behaviors for evaluation.   AA4 RULES: A Level 4 Leading Role card signifies that your animal has the drive and advanced training to perform a variety of behaviors and to learn new behaviors quickly.  PRE-REQUISITES: Level 3: Film (AA3) This is a special animal that fundamentally loves set work. The Yellow Card is a prestigious symbol for an elite subset of animal actors. An animal who has made it this far is trusted to be reliable on set with an admirable work ethic. Behaviors do not have to be performed on the same day. Your evaluator may sign of on each one individually. You may submit video of your behaviors for evaluation.   AA5 RULES: Now you’re a professional! The elusive Level 5 Professional red card is awarded to animals who have proven themselves by performing up to expectations on a professional set.  PRE-REQUISITES: Level 4: Leading Role (AA4) This is the highest level of animal acting certification and is accepted for every job. The Red Card is awarded to professional, working dogs. Behaviors do not have to be performed on the same day. Your evaluator may sign of on each one individually. You may submit video of your behaviors for evaluation. How to Earn this Title: 1 Download the Animal Actors Handbook The handbook shows you the exercises your animal needs to demonstrate for each level.  Download the Handbook – Free  Or, you can purchase a paper copy of the handbook here Paper copy of handbook 2 Show your tricks/exercises to a Certified Animal Actor Evaluator Join one of our free Facebook Spark Teams and post videos (or photos) of your tricks/exercises there. Each team is coached by a certified evaluator.  Spark Team Online Evaluators  Prefer to work with evaluator in person? Click here. 3 Submit the form above Once a certified evaluator has OK’d your tricks/exercises, submit your application using the form above. You can choose your certificate and swag items.