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!

You’re thinking about human models, right? Well, the above is unquestionably true for the majority of the two-legged population, but we’re experts at selecting our four-legged friends as stars of the show. That’s why our “Starpets” have been helping our clients for decades!

Near the top of the list of successful pets are cats. The reasons for feline successes are numerous – and your kitty companion could well be our next superstar! 

The modelling industry continues to be varied and celebrates diversity, but gone are the days where campaigns exclusively require adults and children. In fact, the demand for animals has never been higher. Often, animals are not only important in modelling – they are essential!

Think about all the commercials where only an animal will do. Would the precise message come across to the viewer if it weren’t for the animals? Of course not! They possess certain qualities that humans just can’t portray – and companies know this!

Better still, your pet could easily star in exciting modelling assignments up and down the country – with travel expenses paid. Just imagine – your own lovable pet travelling with you to modelling missions, with their own personal coordinator here at Models Direct HQ available to help in any way they can in your quest for pet modelling perfection. That’d be something to tell the neighbours!

If we focus on cats, we’ve booked numerous felines who’ve been “cat-a-pulted” to celebrity status because of their looks and good behaviour. An example we’re particularly proud of is a request for black and white cats to star in photo shoots for the Felix cat food brand. Did we have a couple of cats that fitted our client’s requirements? Could they succeed posing as the famous cat? Our booking staff immediately got to work to find the best suited cats, and Duchess and BoCat came up trumps – just take a look at their photos and experience in the link below:

Talk about a textbook cat booking for purfect cat products!

All pet owners should hold their faithful animal’s health and wellbeing as the priority, but as long as they’re happy, why not take it to the next level and actively promote them as pet models? If you think your cat (or dog, bird, horse etc…) would love to be a pet model, simply contact us with a couple of photos (no, not of you!), and we’ll see what they have! Have a peek at the link:

Speaking of photos, these are essential for obvious reasons. However, they don’t have to be ultra-pixelled, professionally taken. Yes, they must be clear and accurately depict your playful pet, but follow these tips and you won’t go far wrong:

1. Capture your pet in a relaxed frame of mind.

2. A neutral background is best – not of a tree, field or any other environment that your pet loves.

3. Concentrate on your pet’s facial features.

4. Make sure the photo is as symmetrical as possible – your pet’s head shouldn’t be too far away.

5. A good quality photo taken with an iPhone or other Smartphone is ideal.

Take care of your cats – and other pets – and your cats will take care of you! We look forward to hearing from all of you, and your wonderful pets!