What is a Animal Handler?

Other

Overview

An Animal Handler in the film industry is a professional responsible for the management, care, and coordination of animals on set during production. This individual ensures that the animals' welfare is of the utmost priority while enabling them to perform the tasks required by the script. Animal Handlers work closely with directors, actors, and the rest of the crew to facilitate seamless integration of live animals into the filmmaking process, all while adhering to strict safety and ethical guidelines.

Role & Responsibilities

The role of an Animal Handler extends beyond mere oversight of animals on a film set. They are tasked with training animals to perform specific actions required for a scene, maintaining the animals' health and well-being, and managing their behavior to prevent any harm to the animals or the cast and crew. Animal Handlers also collaborate with producers to plan scenes involving animals and with the legal department to ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations regarding animal performance.

Skills Required

Animal Handlers must possess a unique set of skills that include a comprehensive knowledge of animal behavior and psychology, training abilities, and patience. Strong communication skills are essential to work effectively with both animals and humans. They should also be adept at problem-solving and must be able to maintain composure and adaptability under the high-pressure environment of a film set. Additionally, Animal Handlers need to have a thorough understanding of the laws and guidelines concerning animal welfare in the entertainment industry.

Education

While a college degree is not a mandatory prerequisite for becoming an Animal Handler, relevant education in fields like animal science, biology, or veterinary technology can be immensely beneficial. Critical to this position are hands-on experience and a deep understanding of animal behavior, which can often be gained through apprenticeships, specialized training programs, or extensive work with animals in a veterinary or zoological context.