Working with Animals on Set: How Preparation Turns Challenges into Magic

There’s an old saying in production that the most difficult elements to film are kids and animals. And while that can be true, it doesn’t have to be. With the right preparation and communication, these projects can become some of the most rewarding experiences on set.

At Mile High Films, we had the opportunity to prove that point during the Emmy-winning campaign “A Dog’s Love is Like No Other” for Maricopa County Animal Care & Control. The three-spot series encouraged pet adoption by capturing the genuine connection between people and their pets. Across the campaign, we worked with three different dogs and one child actor—each bringing unique energy and personality to the screen.

Partnering with the Right Animal Talent

Success began with selecting a proven animal talent agent and trainer. We partnered with A-1 Animal Talent in Phoenix, who offered our client a wide range of trained dogs to choose from. Once casting was complete, we invested time in detailed pre-production conversations with the trainer, walking through our goals shot-by-shot. That clarity allowed her to explain exactly what each dog could do comfortably—and where we might need to adjust the action or framing. This open dialogue was essential to shooting with confidence once cameras rolled.

Building Flexibility into the Schedule

Although the spots were simple in lighting and camera movement, we decided early on not to rush. Instead of trying to film all three in one day, we committed six hours to each spot and spread production across a day and a half. This flexibility was key. When one dog needed to perform a tricky action—placing her paws on a table and grabbing a water bottle with her mouth—we had time to experiment, adjust the props, take breaks, and return refreshed. That patience paid off when she nailed the shot just a few takes later.

Creating Space for Natural Moments

For the spot featuring a child actor and a dog, casting was equally important. We looked for a young performer who already lived with a dog and felt comfortable improvising on set. Allowing for playful, unscripted moments between them produced authentic, heartwarming footage that elevated the storytelling far beyond the page.

The Result

At the end of the shoot, we had a happy crew, relaxed talent, and most importantly, a thrilled client. The campaign went on to earn an Emmy Award and inspire countless pet adoptions across Maricopa County. What could have been a logistical challenge became one of the most joyful experiences in our studio’s history—proof that with careful planning, clear communication, and compassion for your four-legged stars, filming with animals can be pure magic.