Film & TV Unit

It’s Not ‘Just a Movie’ If You Care About Animals

Was Harry Potter’s pet owl treated well on the set? Were real animals used and kept safe in Avatar? How did the golden retriever in Marley and Me perform so many stunts without getting hurt?

When you leave the theater or get up from your couch, you want to know that “No Animals Were Harmed.”® Only one organization in the world has the authority to issue that famous end-credit disclaimer: American Humane Association.

Find out how we rate films and check our reviews of the “animal action” in current films.

We’re There for Animals in Film

Established in 1940, our Film & Television Unit has exclusive on-set jurisdiction from the Screen Actors Guild to supervise the use of animals in movies -- as well as in TV shows, commercials and short films. Every day, our Certified Animal Safety Representatives™ are working across the globe -- not just in Hollywood -- to protect animal actors and ensure that productions meet our strict Guidelines for the Safe Use of Animals in Filmed Media.

Learn more about our distinguished history of protecting animals on set.

Helping Filmmakers Put Safety First

American Humane Association is also a valuable resource for producers/filmmakers, screen writers, and others in the film industry. Our Los Angeles-based Film & TV Unit has extensive knowledge of industry standards and limitations, and we work with productions to help them safely complete scenes with animals and include animal welfare messages -- ranging from condemning animal cruelty to encouraging pet adoption from shelters.

Learn more about how we help producers and filmmakers keep productions safe for animals.

News

Dogfighting Scenes Safely Simulated in HBO’s ‘True Blood’

We were on the set of the popular HBO series “True Blood” to ensure that no harm befell the dogs that appear to fight in a recent episode.

Find out more.

Celebrity Golfers Pause for Our Cause

Spreading the word about the importance of protecting animals in filmed productions is “par for the course.”

Find out more.

Dogs 101

Watch Dogs 101 to brush up on all of your favorite dog breeds! Learning about the world's most popular pets has never been this entertaining. Watch Saturdays at 9 p.m. only on Animal Planet.

"No Animals Were Harmed" -- AARP Radio Interview

American Humane spokesperson, Jone Bouman, talks with AARP Radio about our ongoing efforts to protect animal actors through our Film & Television Unit. Bouman speaks about the intentional killing of a horse in the 1939 film "Jesse James," that helped spark American Humane’s involvement in Hollywood.

Listen to the interview.

Film & TV Unit

Check out this updated 2010 list for monitored TV shows, commercials and student/short films.

No Animals Were Harmed”® in the filming of HBO’s original and inspirational film Temple Grandin. Grandin, who has autism, is a renowned consultant in animal welfare and livestock care, and is a member of American Humane® Certified’s Scientific Advisory Committee.