Thankfully, we’re just about completely rid of the “Dogs are for life, not just for Christmas” tagline.
It was a ground-breaking line, and much needed at the time. But now, we like to think society has moved on. Our pets are just as much part of the family as humans. We love our pets, and we spend a lot of money on their welfare. We know that bringing any pet into a household isn’t to be taken lightly. Different pets have different needs, different dispositions and require different routines. We treat our pets with the respect and devotion they deserve.
Pet modelling is as popular as it was years ago. Pet ownership remains high, and we saw an (understandably) increase during Covid times. This surge was probably to combat loneliness, and to increase outdoor activities through dog walking. Animals remain an integral part in our lives, and there’s absolutely no reason why your pet couldn’t be one of our next Starpets.
Pet modelling begins with a trusted bond between animal and owner. Any animal should be comfortable around other people, and in unfamiliar settings. Often, there will be bright lights and sounds that animals won’t be used to. Most modelling shoots are fairly relaxed, and they are all conducted by professionals. Animals, however, can be unpredictable, so a calming influence may be necessary. A gentle disposition and a general liking for human interaction is very important.
We work with an impressive array of brands across the UK. Many of them come to us seeking the best animal models to fulfil their marketing needs. Dogs and cats are the most popular, but you don’t receive a prize for guessing this. Animals are needed for various assignments, namely:
1. Pet nutrition – e.g. Pet Lab
2. Household products – e.g. G Tech
3. Retail outlets – e.g. John Lewis
4. Beauty products – e.g. Coco & Eve
5. TV programmes – e.g. Channel 4’s Britain’s Ancient Tracks
The list is pretty much endless, as all kinds of animals are in demand for so many other jobs.
It’s not canines or felines that steal the limelight. We’ve been asked to supply cute rabbits and guinea pigs for modelling shoots. We’re on the lookout for parrots and budgerigars, as well as reptiles like magnificent snakes, docile tortoises, and cool lizards.
It may surprise those new to commercial modelling the extent of a pet’s popularity in modelling shoots. If you pause for a minute and consider how many animals you’ve seen on company’s social media pages, on TV adverts and in print, it soon becomes clear that animal modelling is not as uncommon as it appears. Just the opposite, in fact.
Our clients are always keen to select the best animals around, but the only way they can do this is to be aware of them in the first place. And that starts off by registering your beloved pet with us. It could be the start of an even more beautiful relationship.