Movie Animal Protected has a suggested set of guidelines or what many consider as “rules”.  Guidelines are just that - guidelines, designed to fit most situations, but with the realization that certain situations will require more input and MAP believes it is acceptable to use overall common sense, expertise, and judgment when overseeing animals in film production.

“You know, actors lie all the time. 'Can I ride on the horse? Are you kidding? Of course! I was born on a horse!... It's the same with motorcycles.” William Lucking

We've all heard the old joke about how actors lie on their resume about their horse riding skills.It is easy for those who ride horses to see when someone cannot. Each horse has an individual personality. It is important that anyone required to ride a horse for filming has time to work with the animals prior to filming. 

Horses are one of the most used animals in filming, and, by their very nature, pose unique issues. They have many important roles in society for both domestic and commercial purposes. They have a distinguished history in war, farming, transportation, athletics and as pets. Because of this, there are misconceptions and assumptions about horses and what they are capable of doing.  Extra care must be taken to assure everyone's safety on set.

Fish are perhaps one of the most delicate animals used in film production. They are one of the few animals so affected by stress that they can perish. Some examples of stress put on fish and aquatic invertebrates are handling, water conditions, containment, and aeration.

We often see insects and arachnids as unwelcome visitors who invade our homes. Our solution for this usually involves a rolled-up newspaper, bottle of bug spray, or another human being we live with who is both tougher and less ridiculous than us. 

“Never work with children or animals” — W.C. Fields  We’ve all heard this line before. However professional handlers' expertise makes filming with animals somewhat predictable. When working with animals in production, experience, preparation, and proper training will reduce the odds of unforeseen challenges.

Cats are not like their canine counterparts. Most have no desire to please humans. They have minds, moods, and goals of their own. Getting Puff to sit when Puff wants to lie down does not come without a challenge. MAP strongly recommends production leave this up to a qualified professional.