Pet Talent Coordinator | Pet Wrangler

Locations: Plantation, Florida and Richardson, TX

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Pet Wrangler to join our dynamic Studios Team. The ideal candidate has worked with animals in a professional setting, preferably with animal training experience. This role is essential in working with pet talent for both video and photography productions, ensuring animal comfort, safety, and optimal performance while capturing high-quality content for e-commerce, web content, social media, TV commercials, and digital platforms.

Our studios create engaging content where pets are the main stars. The Pet Wrangler will be part of the Pet Talent team, working closely with pet talent, pet parents, and in-house content creators in a fast-paced production setting.

This role is a continuous talent pipeline opportunity. We are building a pool of qualified candidates for current and future openings.

Key Responsibilities

• Work directly with animals (primarily dogs and cats, occasionally horses, reptiles, rodents, guinea pigs, bunnies, ferrets, and other small animals) during photo shoots and video productions
• Apply knowledge of species and breed-specific behaviors to encourage pets to present desirable behaviors for the camera
• Use treats, positive reinforcement, and trained commands (sit, stay, lay) to guide animals into proper positions for photographers and videographers
• Supervise all interactions with pets to ensure the safety of both animals and people in the studio
• Manage shoots involving multiple products with single animals while maintaining variety across platforms

• Serve as the voice and advocate for pet talent, prioritizing their comfort and well-being throughout all productions
• Allow animals time to acclimate to the studio environment and assess their temperament for shoot suitability
• Monitor animal behavior and stress levels; recognize signs of distress and make decisions to pause or end sessions when animals are not comfortable
• Note any changes in behavior and communicate to the Manager, Pet Handling
• Identify and report any safety concerns on or off set
• Craft and maintain a stress-free environment for pets on set by advocating for their needs

• Conduct training sessions with cats and dogs using positive reinforcement techniques
• Build the confidence and skills of pets in the studio through positive reinforcement training
• Write training plans for shaping new behaviors
• Take initiative in advancing knowledge and skills on animal behavior and training concepts
• Conduct extensive research on new animal behavior training techniques
• Mentor wranglers on new training techniques and approaches
• Build and present educational presentations for the pet team and studio staff

• Complete studio testing with new pets to determine their eligibility for casting
• Update pet casting database with pet photos and behavioral information
• Network with potential pet parent contacts for casting
• Build positive relationships with pet parents
• Communicate with internal teams to set pets up for success on set and propose alternative solutions when needed

• Set up, break down, and clean pet holding areas
• Collaborate closely with photographers, stylists, videographers, and pet parents to ensure successful shoot outcomes
• Follow all Pet Talent Team procedures and protocols
• Assist Pet Talent Team with other duties as assigned
• Work with both freelance and full-time team members with diverse experience levels

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 1 year of professional animal experience
• Must be comfortable working with all animals including cats, dogs, horses, reptiles, and rodents
• No animal allergies
• Ability to read animal body language and behavior cues
• Knowledge of basic animal training commands and positive reinforcement techniques
• Pet CPR certification (or willingness to obtain upon hire; requires annual renewal)
• Patience and calm demeanor when working with animals
• Physical ability to handle animals of various sizes safely
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced production environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of animal behavior/behavior analysis in the animal training field
• Previous experience in studio or production environments
• Familiarity with e-commerce photography and video production workflows
• Customer service or retail background
• Training and mentorship experience
• Presentation and educational skills

Work Environment

• Studio setting with controlled lighting, video, and photography equipment
• Typical hours: 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
• Freelance/contract or full-time schedule based on production needs (typically 2-5 days per week for contract positions)
• Fast-paced, collaborative team environment
• Work with diverse team including photographers, videographers, stylists, other animal handlers, and content creators

Skills & Attributes

• Attention to detail
• Strong sense of urgency
• Ability to create a warm and welcoming environment
• Adaptability and problem-solving skills
• Team-oriented mindset
• Comfort handling animals with varying temperaments
• Strong observation and assessment abilities
• Excellent communication skills
• Self-motivated and proactive in learning
• Ability to advocate effectively for animal welfare

Location-Specific Information

This position is available at two studio locations:

• Richardson, TX (Dallas area)
• Plantation, Florida

Both studios produce content for website, social media platforms, television commercials, and various digital channels, with pet talent as the primary focus of productions.

#LI-MM3

**About Aquent Talent:**

Aquent Talent connects the best talent in marketing, creative, and design with the world's biggest brands.

Our eligible talent get access to amazing benefits like subsidized health, vision, and dental plans, paid sick leave, and retirement plans with a match. More information on our awesome benefits!

Aquent is an equal-opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics. We're about creating an inclusive environment-one where different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued, and everyone can contribute, grow their careers, and thrive.