Detailed Animal Action Report

From the very first scene to the final cut, our No Animals Were Harmed™ program was on set to ensure that every animal performer was treated with the utmost care and respect. Whether it was a curious cat perched calmly on a table, a majestic owl gazing out from a rooftop set, or a lovable dog taking a splash in a backyard pool, each scene was carefully planned and monitored to prioritize safety and comfort. Handlers used positive reinforcement, gentle guidance and thorough preparation to help animals perform natural behaviors while remaining happy and stress-free. Even background moments featuring pets were overseen by trainers to make sure everyone, both human and animal, was comfortable. Thanks to the close collaboration between production, trainers and American Humane Society, you can rest easy knowing that every tail wag, flutter and slow tortoise handoff was safe and kind.

Full Details:

In the scene where the cat sat on the living room table, while the family gets ready to leave for the day, prior to filming the handlers brought the cat to the set in his carrier. They took him out and placed him on the table. The handler adjusted his position by using clicker cues and rewarded him with treats. On action, they cued the cat to stay on the table.

In the scene where the little girl looks out the window and sees an owl on the neighbor’s roof, this was filmed on a stage. Prior to shoot, the action was discussed between production, handlers and American Humane Society. Prior to the shoot, the owls were unloaded from the vehicle and brought inside. They placed owl on a treehouse on the set. On action the owl looked at trainer who crouched under camera so it looked like owl was looking at the camera.

In the scene where the actress walks onto a movie set, someone hands her a tortoise and she hands it to someone else, prior to filming the trainer showed the actors how to handle the tortoise safely. When the were ready to film, the cast was in position. They practiced this a few times to ensure everyone was comfortable to pick him up, hold him and pass him safely while trainers observed. After filming the scene, the tortoise was taken back to holding area.

In the elaborate scene where the actors congregate in the backyard of a party and the dog jumps into the swimming pool and a man jumps into the pool and rescues the dog and hands him to the owner, this sequence was filmed over a couple days. Prior to shooting, the dog was led to set by the trainer using a lead. On set, the actor waded into the pool. The trainer stood at the side of the pool. When the cameras were ready, the trainer handed the dog to the actor who carried the dog against his chest into the center of the pool. On action, the actor lowered himself down into the water, and he let the dog swim in front of him. The dog swam towards him for one foot. The actor picked the dog and waded out of the pool up the pool steps. The actor carried the dog out of the pool and onto the pool side. He handed the dog to an actress who held him before handing the dog on to another actor that stood behind her. As soon as cut was called, the trainer stepped in and took the dog from the actor and wrapped her in an towel.

There are several scenes through the movie where we see dogs in the background, trainers were on set to make sure background actors knew how to handle dogs.