You’d normally associate models with humans strutting it down the catwalk in Milan, creating a demo for a beauty ad or even a glossy print in a mag, but what about another species taking the modelling world by storm?

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 starpets 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!

So, why not show us what you can do?

Choose six different styles for your e-portfolio and present them to us to really highlight your versatility.

Remember, the looks need to be appropriate to your age and what you think we and our clients might be looking for.

They also need to be right for you – so, while we are suggesting six different styles here, you may well wish to adapt, refine or completely change these to suit you and your unique attributes.

1. Casual

This is the “Saturday morning” look. We would love to see you wearing something casual and fun but not too outlandish – the kind of outfit you might wear to meet up with friends for a day out or lunch, perhaps. Jeans or a casual shirt could be perfect. Try dressing them up with a pair of attractive shoes, a colourful shirt or t-shirt and perhaps a jacket. Avoid the temptation to over accessorize.

2. Formal

This is your chance to be a bit dressy, but keep it smart, stylish and elegant. Guys, this is your opportunity to wear a suit, but let’s not go for a full-on job interview or wedding style. Try a suit with a nice cut and perhaps a t-shirt underneath. Girls, again, we don’t want to see you looking prim and stuffy, a trouser suit or well-fitting dress or skirt, with a jacket, could look great but think celebratory meal out in a nice restaurant rather than daily commute – and let’s have a relaxed pose, with a nice smile, to offset the formality a little.

3. Sports

Are you a sporty type? Then show us what you look like in your sportswear. Let’s have you in something neat and stylish, however, rather than your baggy old jogging bottoms and favourite weight-lifting vest. Surf the net for inspiration, decide what suits you and then team it up with a pair of trainers. Think about a suitable sporty pose for your pictures – but don’t overdo it.

4. Summer

Seasonal photographs are essential, so why not think balmy spring or holiday abroad for one of your images? Wear something light and summery that suggests happy times on a warm day. You do have some licence here to take your outfit a little shorter and to reveal some flesh, but keep it tasteful, seasonal and appropriate.

5. Winter

Balance your summer shot out with something more wintery and autumnal. Think long trousers, jeans or a skirt or dress with tights. Top off your look with a warm or earthy top, a piece of elegant knitwear and even a winter coat or jacket. Just make sure we can see you and your body shape. We don’t want you so wrapped up against the cold that we can’t get a sense of who you are underneath all the layers!

6. Party

This is your chance to have a little fun! But try not to go overboard – and keep it smart and stylish. Choose something elegant yet playful. Ladies, you can bring in a little shimmer and shine, but don’t overdo it. A nice little black dress, with a pair of party shoes and perhaps a sparkly cardy or jacket could look fab. Some nice jewellery and a party hairstyle could really complement the look. But remember less is more. Blokes, smart jeans, with a t-shirt and jacket could be just the ticket for you here.

Our Models, Elle and Phil were amazing and the Models Direct team received great feedback from the client – Congratulations to you both!

Model feedback:

“Hi guys! I have just completed another fantastic booking with models direct, this time for a hotel company ‘Jurys Inn Hotel’. This was a bridal modeling job for advertisement material! It was a fantastic day working alongside all the friendly and talented professionals. We were truly looked after with even complimentary lunch at the hotel and snacks throughout the day! I met another male model from the agency who was my ‘groom’ for the day and we will stay in touch and hope to get future assignments together!

My advice to aspiring models?

Be you and be a u t i f u l! So cliche but so true! The more you can relax , enjoy and be yourself on an assignment the better the outcome! You’ve been booked as an Indiviual so show them your unique personality too! Be that Quirky, confident and funny soul you might be! A client loves to see it all! Just be friendly and professional with it and you can’t go wrong.

I always highly recommend Models Direct and will continue to do so on my next assignment! Each time as something new, with new people and new experiences!

Thanks Models Direct!”