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!

With the warmer weather here it’s important we don’t forget our furry friends and make sure they’re as comfortable as possible and get the pampering they deserve, here are a few useful ways to ensure your pets stay cool this Summer!

It is vital, of course, to ensure any animals are never enclosed in hot spaces, such as cars, caravans or small rooms, without ventilation.

And, whatever the weather, our perfect pets always require good access to plenty of fresh water.

Those with cat, dog or other pet models will be used to transporting their furry or feathered companions and should be well practiced in ensuring they are comfortable.

For other animal lovers, it might be more about looking after their little friends at home or keeping an eye on them while out and about in the park on sizzling hot days.

When it is especially warm, you need to ensure they aren’t overcome by the heat: cool them down and rehydrate them if they seem overly lethargic or wobbly on their legs, for example, or if they start to pant excessively. 

If they become sick, unable to stand or even unconscious, however, you should call your vet immediately as heatstroke can be fatal.

Here are some top tips to help keep your pets cool, healthy and happy:

• If you cannot find a suitable patch of shade for them outside, then bring them inside on very hot days
• Keep a particular eye on any long-haired pets, as they fair less well in the heat
• Take plenty of water and a bowl with you when you go on dog walks
• Cool very hot pets down by pouring cool (not icy) water over their feet or standing them in a bucket of cool water 
• Spraying cool water over them too might help – your cat won’t like it, but it could help to lower her temperature
• Choose the coolest times of day to take your dogs out for walks or to travel with your pets
• If you have a very pale cat or dog, they may need sunblock on their ears and noses if they are out in the glaring sunshine on a blistering day
• Make sure rabbit and guinea pig hutches and pet carriers are positioned in the shade
• Try elevating hutches and pet carriers to ensure a good stream of cool air
• Give your pets plenty of wet food, as well as water, because this will also help them to stay hydrated

Models Direct love representing your pets to clients for photographic and filming assignments, get intouch if you think your pampered pet has what it takes in the modelling world!

Fireworks night is super exciting and the Models Direct team have had lots of fun over the weekend at firework displays, warming up by the bonfire and of course maybe toasting the odd marshmallow – however as an office of animal lovers we haven’t forgotten to keep our beloved pets safe!

Models Direct represent a large variety of pets on our books from dogs through to more unusual creatures like snakes and lizards, so the team here are very used to talking to pet owners about their special pets, their characters and what they like doing.

Client: The Walt Disney Company

“This was Oscar’s first assignment and we were not sure how he would react but he is a very friendly and confident kitten as was immediately at home on set with The Walt Disney Company! The film crew were patient with him and he seemed to really enjoy all of the fuss. He gave a great performance and everyone was happy. The information from Models Direct was clear and we knew exactly where to go etc.”

Oscar, Model fee: £270

Pets are a very important part of the family and so it is essential to keep them safe this time of year and avoid any unnecessary stress they might get from all the loud noises, lights and general excitement of firework night!

The team at Models Direct thought it would be useful to put together some helpful hints and tips for you to help keep your pets safe! The below advice is from RSPCA.org.uk.

Models Direct are delighted to be able to represent Starpets, and receive a growing amount of enquiries from Companies, Productions Agencies and Casting Directors all looking for the perfect ‘pet’ to use in their latest advertising campaign , commercial or photo shoot!

When the Models Direct team work with models we make it our business to speak to them lots and spend time understanding their personalities, what they want to achieve in the industry and the type of assignments they’s like to do, as you can imagine, working with animals can be very different and there’s no telling how they will react to filming situations on the day of a photo shoot!

Three of our cats  were selected for the Felix shoot , Molly was delighted to be able to contact the owners and give them the good news, that their cat would be modelling for one of the UK’s largest cat food brand!

Here is the feedback from the owner of one of the cats, who stole the show on the day:

“It was a really good day – there were initially three cats including Bo cat, but he ended up stealing the show and the guys decided to use him for the majority of the shoots that day. He did really well and was very chilled, so we got loads of good stuff out of him! The team were all really accommodating and great to work with. Thanks to Molly at Models Direct for sorting it all out and making everything run smoothly.”

Here are a few final images from the shoot:

If you think your pet has what it takes to be a model, then have a look at www.modelsdirect.com where you will find all the information you need!