Models Direct’s love for animals is next-level adoration which is why, when we set up our agency thirty years back, our expert team made a solid decision that we would also focus on pet modelling. 

It’s an exciting industry but we’re not just saying this! We’ve seen so many of our cute furry friends, no matter what species they are, have the spotlight shine on them for different sorts of campaigns over the years and it doesn’t look like it’ll be slowing down any time soon either! 

We’re serious about getting our adorable animal stars featured in the next campaign when a client pops in a request with our team, and making it a successful one! But why do brands even need a pet model when they could just use any animal in their campaign instead of going through an agency with all that hard work involved?

With Models Direct, it isn’t hard work! What we provide is a comprehensive structure for both our models and clients and in this case, clients are presented with reliable models who understand the demands and expectations of the modelling industry due to their ongoing experience with our agency. This is why so many owners put their pet’s application forward with us. 

• Do I need professional photographs to be a model?
• From Blossoms to Big Smiles – Spring Photography Tips for Child Models
• How do I find modelling work?
• Our Guide to Modelling with Models Direct
• The Ultimate Models Direct Guide to Getting Your Child Into Modelling

Firstly, our application is online making it convenient and easy for owners. It’s open 24/7 so you can apply any time. 

After this, one of our dedicated modelling specialists will be in touch with you via phone. They’ll talk in-depth about our agency and understand your goals, hopes and aspirations for your pet. They’ll also walk you through what a typical modelling booking looks like and if you’re happy to go ahead, they’ll begin the registration process where they’ll get your pet officially on their books as a Star Pet model! 

What follows could be a casting call or hopefully a call from your assigned coordinator informing you that a client has liked the look of your pet and they want to hire your companion. This stage could also involve you heading to our jobs board where we post regular ads for pet modelling gigs which you can directly apply for yourself.

Some examples include: 

Guinea pig/rabbit requested for a video shoot
Pet dog models who were required for a commercial
2-3 puppies needed for a project shoot
Pet cat models required for a commercial

There’s a wide variety of requests where we see not just cats and dogs getting booked with top-tier clients but rabbits, hedgehogs and other species. Our animal database is vast and our clients match this demand for diversity too! 

If you’re interested in your pet turning into a Star Pet model with interesting jobs such as commercials or photoshoots, apply here and join Models Direct on a pawsome journey you won’t forget! 

Here at Models Direct we love our star pets!

We are all huge animal-lovers and we are always on the lookout for more furry, feathered and four-legged friends to join us.

We have clients who love pet models just as much as we do and as such they approach us with regularity asking for all sorts of cute creatures to take part in their photo shoots.

Not only can animal models feature alongside female, male, child and family models in all sorts of advertising and campaigns, but, of course, they also often appear on their own.

They may be used to promote animal products and services, everything from pet food to healthcare, and to advertise anything more general – from paint and food to insurance and banking.

So why is there such a strong demand for pet models?

Well, the advertisers are very clever – after all, whose heart doesn’t melt when they see a cuddly kitten or pretty pup?

And it’s not only the typically cute creatures that we love seeing on screen – we also love animals that are funny, interesting, unusual or perhaps even have characteristics that are almost human.

So if you have any animal, from a fish to a guinea pig or a tortoise to a pony, that has something special and different about it, we would also love to hear more and see a photo.

Once you have filled in our form, we will be in touch to explain more about how the process of modelling works with us.

We need to know that your pet is used to being around people and would not be distressed near cameras, lights and human models.

Models Direct works with many well-known brands and companies and these organisations employ highly experienced production teams to manage their shoots.

If pet models are involved, they will ensure they employ a crew that is used to working with animals and, on occasion, also special animal chaperones to assist on set.

And you will be there too – you are the person who knows your pet best and your help will be invaluable.

Anyone interested in finding out more about animal modelling with us should read our reviews and blogs relating to our star pets.

For example, after working with us, gorgeous Bud the cat’s owner told us:

“Another great modelling experience for Bud!

“Charlie at Models Direct is always so kind and helpful – making sure that we had all the necessary information prior to attending the shoot and taking into account Bud’s needs as a cat model.

“The client was great – very patient with Bud, even accommodating a location change when the conservatory became too hot for Bud.

“The human model was wonderful with Bud, and we all had a smooth and stress-free experience.”

And Sammy the dog’s owner said:

“Sammy and I had our first booking this week: filming with a group of students at a veterinary surgery in Bracknell.

“Models Direct was very helpful and ensured we had all of the information we needed but also made us feel comfortable going into our first booking.

“The film crew members were all very friendly and respectful of Sammy’s age and his mood on the day and were happy to take direction from me.

“We had a great time!”

Many of us have cats, dogs, rabbits – even hamsters, guinea pigs and perhaps ponies (!) that we think could be star pets, but getting the right photographs is essential.

Here are our top tips to ensure that the images you send us are the ones that are likely to help bring in the work for your pet model.

1 Wait for your pet to be in a good mood before conducting the shoot. Make sure he or she is well rested, well fed and ready to have some fun. If your pet is tired, hungry and grumpy, then the star pet qualities might not shine through!

2 Check your pet is looking his or her best. If they have fur, given them a good brush to remove any loose hair and tidy them up a bit. Clean their eyes, check their paws, claws or feet and make sure their teeth are looking good if they are likely to show.

3 Find a nice, quiet place to conduct your shoot in. Your pet may well be agitated if there are too many people around or if there is too much noise. You want them to be calm, well behaved and ready to respond in the way you need them to for your shoot.

4 Keep backgrounds uncluttered so we can clearly see your pet within the setting. Studio-style shots against a plan background are always great, but we would also like to see your beautiful bunny on leafy green grass and your pup playing happily in the woods, for example.

5 Let’s have some nice still model poses and some action shots as well! We’d love to see your cute kitten chasing a piece of wool or your puppy playing with a ball. Again, just make sure we can see his or her face clearly.

6 You can take your pictures on your phone but make sure they are high resolution and that you do not compress them or make them smaller when you save, upload or send them. If you do, they could end up blurred or pixelated. We need your pet pictures to be sharp and clear.

7 Please send us colour photographs but please don’t put them through any filters or edit them in any way. We need to see you star pet as he or she really looks.

8 Finally, have fun with your photo shoot. Putting your pet forward for modelling needs to be fun for both you and your lovely bundle of fur. While we need you to ensure your photographs show all the creature features we need to see, we also want you and your perfect pup or cute kitten to have a good time.

(ends)

We’re talking about pet modelling, lovingly referred to by Models Direct as “Starpets”.

It’s no secret that the great British public are huge animal lovers. Pet ownership per capita is amongst the highest in the world, and the (then seemingly endless) lockdowns have only heightened our desire to share happy memories with cuddly four-legged chums, feathered friends and scaly companions. Pets are a wonderful addition to any household, because animals can bring happiness, companionship and responsibility (the latter particularly applies to youngsters).

So, with the number of pets in the UK at an all-time high, this year is the perfect time to ponder if your pampered pooch or other loyal pet could help our clients with their modelling requirements.

Many brands have suffered recently due to the pandemic, so the run-up before Spring could be a bumper time for companies to restore some customer attention in the form of effective advertising campaigns. Many of our high profile clients come to us looking for the ideal dog, cat or rabbit, and we’re more than happy to put forward a shortlist of pets on our books which we think will generate interest from their campaigns. We don’t discriminate either! Though canines and felines are more popular in front of cameras, we like to hear from people who own horses, birds and reptiles, as they can all contribute to eye-catching marketing campaigns.

One of our rabbits, Elliott, recently “hopped to it” in a wonderful assignment for Coco & Eve, a beauty product company loved by fashion editors all around the world. They needed an adorable bunny to be photographed for their website to help get across a cruelty-free & vegan message to their customers. With distinctive fur and being the epitome of health, Elliott couldn’t have been better placed, and Coco & Eve were delighted with the results.

We’ve been asked many times by renowned clients for the very best in animal models. One of our favourites was for luxury fashion brand  Mulberry, who have used French Bulldogs and Miniature Schnauzers clad in stylish knitwear to dazzling effect. Where else would clients go for their search for top quality animal models? We’ve been the first port-of-call for a string of companies for decades…it’s what we do!

Another success animal shoot was for Pet Lab, who specialise in supplements to keep dogs at the peak of their health. They supply such products as chews for supple joints and shiny coats, as well as dental treats and probiotic goodies. We put forward Dudley – a delightful French Bulldog – and they were so taken with his charms that they couldn’t refuse Dudley’s services!

With the worst of the pandemic behind us (fingers and paws crossed), 2022 could be the year that sees your talented pet gain fame as one of our Starpets.

Fill out a simple application, and our lovely booking team will take it from there!

You might be chuckling right now, but cast your mind back to the all time fav Dulux ad, the recent funky AA post lockdown campaign and even a John Lewis campaign starring Buster the Boxer for the retailer’s Christmas campaign.

Are you seeing the same pattern as Models Direct is? Yup, you guessed right then! They all have an animal mascot to represent a campaign. So, that must mean there is a market for a leading pet role, right?

Yes, there certainly is, and you’ve landed on the perfect page to give you a lowdown of the FAQs that are, if not asked, then thought about. Don’t sweat it any more – your pet modelling answers are here – on demand.

How much does a pet model make?

It’s only right to ask how much your pet would be making as a modelling star, which is why this one’s at the top of the list. How much they earn per project can vary, and this variation depends on a host of various factors: the brand, the company, the duration of work, the location, and the level of modelling experience. Pet models can earn anywhere from under £100 to over £1000, and our modelling agency has an incredible list of pets and how much they earned.

How do you get your pet into modelling?

Finding the right agency to represent your pet can be tricky but it isn’t an unachievable goal. There are lots out there that cater for this modelling division, some are explicitly dedicated to this niche, whilst others (like MD) take care of a plethora of categories. The key point when choosing an agency that’s right for your pet is that the representatives doesn’t just showcase your pet’s images on their platforms and leave it there. They need to work hard for you because that’s what they’re there for. Speaking of which, Models Direct do just this. We actively find work for our models and don’t stop. We’re on the go, non stop, ensuring no opportunities are missed!

How much can a puppy model make?

We love our gorgeous canine companions! Plenty of us have an additional member of the family (AKA a pup in tow) and if you’re considering putting yours forward for a modelling career, then you’d be looking for some generous rates of remuneration ranging from anywhere under £100 to over a thousand! It’s quite an eye-catching deal so we want everyone to benefit from earning extra cash and gaining skills, and that includes species.

Do dogs get paid for modelling?

Yes! Absolutely! Dogs, cats, lizards, hedgehogs, you name it. All animals get paid for their time just as their human counterparts do too. Wouldn’t it be unfair and worthless if they didn’t? This sounds harsh, but it’s true. You’d want to get paid, and that’s what a reputable agency will do – they’ll pay – simples.

Who can you turn to for all your pet modelling needs? Yes…Models Direct!

How much does a pet model make?

Great question to start off with, and the answer is, anything ranging from under £100 to over £1000, we kid you not! Naturally, the remuneration is dependent on the company, location, duration and amount of hours put in each day but our pet models get paid handsomely. What’s more, they do just as well as their human counterparts, so all the more reason to climb onto the pet modelling ladder and earn some extra (much needed) money.

How do you get your pet into modelling?

…with Models Direct’s help, or you could go rouge. It’s up to you but we want you to know that such an agency does exist that cares for our models and ensures that they’re put forward for work whenever an opportunity arises. We aren’t a showcase agency where we simply just display your pet’s gorgeous images across our social media and marketing platforms. We do the hard graft and actively seek out chances which will increase our models’ modelling work. So take the first step by registering with a reputable agency who know all the right ways of breaking into the industry.

Get your pet camera-ready so, if they have the capacity, that they’re aware of a lens pointing at them or that you’re occupied holding your phone or camera in your hands. The images you capture will make a fine portfolio for clients to enjoy viewing. You might also want to expose them to new surroundings where there’s more hubbub than they’re used to, much like how a potential studio or outdoor set will be.

How much can a puppy model make?

Lots! Cute puppy models can earn a good amount on an assignment. Modelling is a great supplementary part time occupation that can have your bank balance increasing generously. If you want exact figures, you’re looking at anywhere from under £100 to over a grand. Yes, really! Animals are magnificent creatures and young dogs can certainly create excellent marketing campaigns for rising and leading brands.

Do dogs get paid for modelling?

Definitely! How could they not? This amazing species are our four-legged companions we wouldn’t want to share life without. According to PDSA, this year, 52% of UK adults own a pet and 27% of those have a dog, with an estimated population of 10.2 million pet dogs. Wow! So, with how important they are in our human world, they’re also important in the marketing world. Companies will be needing dogs as pet models which means they’ll definitely get paid for their time and cuteness.

If you’ve got any more questions you’d like to ask our team, get in touch and we’re more than happy to answer them for you.

Pet models are prized assets in the commercial modelling industry. Some requests can be quite specific – e.g. “Medium-sized black and white dog required for two-hour outdoor promotional filming shoot.” Others, meanwhile, can be more generic and may appeal to more animal-loving households across the country – e.g. “Cat required for supermarket pet food packaging.” Whilst we sometimes tailor an advert on behalf of our clients, the main priority for pet owners is to maintain their pets’ health and welfare before, during and after the assignment.

That’s not to say our clients don’t look after pets on set. Owners are often permitted to be around their pets whilst they perform in front of the camera, and staff creating the promotional shoot are frequently animal lovers themselves, so a pets’ welfare is very important to all parties.

Cats and dogs are the most often requested animals for commercial modelling shoots. We’ve never conducted an accurate survey, but we reckon that rabbits might come third in the list of the “most wanted” pets. Luxury brands can ask for rabbits, with the run-up to Easter or Christmas being prime times for our long-eared friends. Guinea pigs and birds are in the mix, too, with horses and reptiles occasionally featuring in our lists. As we have a huge range of clients (and, ultimately, they’re the decision makers), the range of pet being sought after is understandably diverse.

Applications are easy for pets (although we recommend a human does this!).

We have no doubt that you care for your pets to the highest level each and every day, but the basics of an effective animal photo shouldn’t be underestimated. We need clear photos with a neutral background. Your animal’s eyes should be bright, and fur needs to be in peak condition. No need for an expensive camera; a high definition photo using a Smartphone is fine.

If your pet is chosen after we have shortlisted them to our clients, turn your attention to the logistics of the big day. Make the journey as stress-free as possible, ensuring you have brought the necessary food, water, bedding, toys, leads and any other paraphernalia that’ll keep your pet comfortable. Think of the journey as going on holiday; the difference being your pet will be earning the hard cash instead of you checking into a cosy B&B!

You’ll already know your pet’s fortes or peculiar foibles and, coupled with our desire to see new animals to shortlist, it’s a winning combination. Now all you need to do is start taking a few photos of your pets, fill out the easy-peasy application, and we’ll take it from there.

If you’ve got a pet, and chances are they are super cute and sweet, could they become a model as well? The answer is: yes! Animals are featured across the board – in the digital world and print.

How can your pet step into this world?

Find an agency – a reputable one with a strong history of success stories. Our modelling agency, Models Direct, is one of them. We have plenty of modelling divisions to break into and yes, we’ve got a pet modelling section called Starpets, specially dedicated to all those adorable friends of ours with fur, feathers, spikes, shells and scales.

Don’t worry about Olympic-quality tricks, the industry is looking for animals with a great attitude, pzazz and just to be themselves.

Let’s get the ball rolling

Wondering what the next steps are? Well, you’re at the right place and at the right time. First off, your little champion needs to be accustomed to new settings. This can often mean chaotic production environments where there’s lots of hustle and bustle – plenty of new faces, noise, lights and ground to cover. If your pet is adaptable, social and trained to cope with the switch, then you’re good to get the modelling ball rolling.

Sit, stay, roll, play

If your pet can respond to your command, that’s even better! Being able to follow some basic commands can open the doors and enhance opportunities further but it isn’t a must-have skill set. Ultimately, animals are animals – they have minds of their own and have other skills such as being intuitive, smart, friendly and funny.

Calm in nature 

Having a super excited pet isn’t something unheard of and is certainly a great trait to have – it’s a natural disposition. However, when at work, pets do need to let their calm and sensitive side filter so that they can display all sides of their personality (even their professional one). Clients know that they’ll have to make provisions for bloopers and hiccups but overall, they’ll want their star of the show to be cool, calm and collected when the time calls for it.

Take lots of snaps

If your animal friend isn’t used to being in front of a camera with lots of noise and people walking about, then maybe it’s time you got them camera ready. Of course, not all animals are aware of exactly what is happening within their surroundings but you can start by getting them prepared. Preparation is key.

Hop, slither, stomp, leap, waddle or climb onto the modelling ladder

This tip can start at your home setting or a place they’re familiar with and with people they know. You can slowly introduce new people and different settings to spark a change and wean them out of their comfort zone. Hopefully, with time, they’ll get used to all the brilliant and different sights, sounds, smells and textures around them, and when you next say, “Sydney, get ready to say cheese!” chances are, they’ll know!

We give our star pets the best oppawtunities to be put forward to the best in the biz. So, what are you waiting for? Get in touch with our team for some miaow-tastic advice and room to explore a career path your pet could embark on, and of course, be paid for!

Because your day of recognition is just around the corner.

That’s right – Monday 8th August is officially International Cat Day. Even dog-lovers won’t begrudge this special day for our feline companions, so it’s sure to be celebrated by everyone with a special bond to animals of all kinds.

It’s estimated that there are 550 million cats worldwide. Though some cats take great pride in their independence, a lot rely on home comforts. Cat owners adore coming home to find their balls of fluff greet them at the door, genuinely glad to have the attention they deserve. Cats are adventurous and curious in equal measure, and we wouldn’t want them to be any different, would we?

Despite cats’ love for their owners, it’s a sad fact that some end up being strays. Perhaps because of this, the International Fund for Animal Welfare created International Cat Day in 2002, and the day has since been under the custodianship of the charity International Cat Care (one of their ambassadors is none other than scientist and TV presenter Liz Bonnin!). They aim to increase welfare and health of our beloved felines, and to spread understanding and compassion across the globe.

So, International Cat Day is a big deal and deserves a double thumbs-up, and you can get involved! Here are four suggestions to adopt on the 8th August:

1, Get out your phones and capture your feline pets in all their splendour on social media. Come on – it’s not as if no one likes the odd cat video!

2, Scrap the conventional food and treat your cat with something a little more upmarket. Salmon, a tuna steak, milk from bone china – it’ll be a day your feline companion will remember for a long time!

3, Head online and indulge your favourite tabby with some snazzy new gear. Maybe a lovely collar, bell or a cute little body warmer.

4, Fancy really giving your cat a day to remember? Well, here’s an idea that will leave your cat’s friends purring with jealousy. On the 8th August, why not apply with us so that your cat has a chance to be seen by the best commercial modelling agency in the UK? All we’ll need is two photos of your superstar pet, and we’ll take it from there. Here’s the link to kick-start your pet modelling career:

https://www.modelsdirect.com/pet-modelling/

What’s a better way of embracing all things feline by turning your cat into one of our Star Pets?

We’ve placed laidback cats with many top-notch clients, including John Lewis, the Walt Disney company and famous pet food brands. Check out the reviews below (though all the animals are super talented, they let their owners send in the feedback!)

https://www.modelsdirect.com/reviews/animals/

Having a pet is a full-time responsibility, but International Cat Day is the perfect time to reflect how your cat makes your life that much more pleasurable. We’re sure your cat feels exactly the same way, so go ahead and spoil your pet rotten!

As a leading UK modelling agency, Models Direct are keen to hear from any animal-owners eager to take the plunge and promote their pets in various forms of modelling channels. Animals have several advertising qualities that humans simply can’t compete with. It’s this reason that clients are always on the lookout for incomparable animals to market their business. In this blog we’ll take a quick look at the qualities that make dogs the ideal marketing tool.

The RSPCA estimates that 12 million households (about 45%) in the UK have pets. Dog ownership is the most popular, with 9 million pooches in the UK. This in itself is a powerful advertising tool. The sheer number of dogs means that advertising viewers will relate to dogs. If you’re not a “dog person”, then no matter – companies value the fact that most of the UK population can at least relate to dogs. 

As a “faithful friend”, dogs are often used to portray trust. Think of the famous St. Bernard coming to the aid of a mountaineer, carrying a much-needed brandy in a small barrel around its neck. Though this is far from common, viewers can’t imagine any other animal replicating the scene. Dogs are obedient and largely keen to please their owners, so companies often use an assortment of breeds to represent fidelity. Could your dog be useful in similar campaigns and become a dog model? 

Dogs pull at our heart-strings. Generally, we love dogs. They stir our emotions, and are highly effective in promoting a variety of products. Dogs can also be easily-trained (see previous Models Direct blogs). With a little bit of time and dedication, your beloved pooch could be trained to star in memorable adverts, either on screen or photographed to star in print adverts.

All companies want their adverts to be memorable – after all, that is the purpose of advertising. What’s the point in having a fantastic product if the audience forgets it after a few minutes? This is where dogs are especially useful, serving to get the attention of the potential customer. Quite often, an advert involving an animal will go “viral”, increasing the advert’s efficiency. A lot of dog adverts are either “cute” or “funny”, which go a long way to be well-remembered. Sure, there are plenty of memorable adverts involving neither humans nor animals, but the animal-factor is undeniably a major factor in successful marketing. 

Dogs are versatile, too. If a company doesn’t want cute or funny, they may want a canine to display aggressiveness – a good example is a security company advertising anti-burglar locks. For dainty, almost feminine products, a small inoffensive dog breed to complement the advertising campaign would work nicely – think Chihuahua or Yorkshire Terrier. 

Dogs can also mimic human emotions like no other animal. When your dog looks like he’s smiling whilst sticking out his tongue, or simply seems “happy”, advertisers may want to use him in their marketing tools. Has your dog got protruding eyebrows that convey frowning, or wonderfully droopy eyes that convey sadness? These little characteristics could see your dog enjoying the limelight on screen, so don’t take them for granted.