Film & TV Unit

Established in 1940, American Humane’s Film & Television Unit is the leading authority on the safe use of animals in film. We are the only animal welfare organization in the world with on-set jurisdiction from the Screen Actors Guild to supervise the use of animals. We are also the only organization with the authority to issue our renowned “No Animals Were Harmed”® end-credit disclaimer.

Our highly trained Certified Animal Safety Representatives™ travel from set to set, in the U.S. and around the world, to protect animal actors and ensure that productions meet our strict Guidelines for the Safe Use of Animals in Filmed Media.

A valuable resource for producers/filmmakers, screen writers, media outlets and other parties, our Los Angeles-based Film & TV Unit has extensive knowledge of the production industry’s standards and limitations. We work with productions to help them safely achieve the desired animal action, or we suggest feasible alternatives when necessary to ensure the safety of the animals.

We also collaborate with producers to include animal welfare messages -- ranging from condemning animal cruelty to encouraging pet adoption from shelters -- in filmed productions. The increased public demand for positive animal messaging has placed even greater importance on the inclusion of our “No Animals Were Harmed” end credit on TV programs and films.

Learn more about the evolution and advancements of American Humane’s Film & TV Unit.

 G-Force Raises the Question: Do Guinea Pigs Make Good Pets?

In the Disney movie G-Force, which premiered on July 24, 2009, a squad of specially trained guinea pig spies comes to the world’s rescue. The animal stars of the movie are played by both real and computer-generated guinea pigs.

Although guinea pigs can be great pets, American Humane encourages you to do your research before getting a guinea pig on impulse after seeing the movie.
Here are some facts about guinea pigs:

• Guinea pigs are very fragile, which means they are not good “starter pets” for young children who do not know how to remain calm around animals and consistently handle a pet gently. Real guinea pigs should not be confused with the action figures seen in G-Force. 
• Guinea pigs can live up to 7 years or more, and grow to a length of about 8 to 10 inches.
• Guinea pigs are social animals that love attention and playtime, and most require a moderate level of attention on a daily basis. They are also happiest living in pairs.
• Guinea pigs cost about $40 a month for food, hay and bedding.
• Guinea pigs need to be seen by an exotic-animal veterinarian annually and need regular nail trimming. 
• Guinea pigs require large cages that need to be cleaned regularly.

After you have done your research and believe your family is ready for the responsibilities of a guinea pig, American Humane encourages you to look into adoption from guinea pig rescue groups and animal shelters. There are usually many small mammals available for adoption and waiting for a home.

American Humane’s Film & TV Unit was on set to monitor the filming of G-Force, and the movie was subsequently awarded the “No Animals Were Harmed”® end-credit disclaimer. Read the G-Force review.

American Humane Remembers Gidget, the Taco Bell Chihuahua

If you were anywhere near a television set in the late 1990s, you couldn’t help but have seen -- and been enchanted by -- the Spanish-speaking Chihuahua who became a pop culture phenomenon thanks to the “Yo quiero Taco Bell” advertising campaign. Gidget, who also graced the set of many other American Humane-monitored TV commercials and films, passed away in July 2009. American Humane and trainer Sue Chipperton pay tribute to the little dog that charmed Hollywood and all of America.

Gidget at the ready for a Taco Bell shoot