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The Animal Protection Agency Covid-19 (SARS CoV-2) Production Advisory
For Film and Television

Animal Protection Agency Covid-19 (SARS CoV-2) Production Advisory For Film and Television

The Animal Protection Agency’s mission has always been to protect not only the animals on set but the cast and crew who work with them. Accordingly, in light of current safety necessities, APA’s recent focus has been working collaboratively with productions in all manner of safety protocols on productions. AICP(Association of Independent Commercial Producers) -Version 5, Covid 19 Workplace Guidelines and Considerations are very comprehensive and will be followed on all commercial shoots. Directives from the AMPTP (Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers), which includes recommendations for animals, will be adhered to by APA animal welfare oversight consultants as well.

We know that heightened personal security is of the utmost importance, now more than ever. APA is concentrating our efforts on being well-versed in new safety measures, along with establishing and providing advanced standards for the well-being of both animals and crew-members. Many of our consultants are Covid-19 Contact training certified by John Hopkins University and we will follow all CDC guidelines as well as any mandates given by local and federal government authorities. Importantly, an APA Animal Safety Consultant should be considered essential personnel; this is always our recommendation but it is elevated in light of the current climate.

The Animal Protection Agency is keeping abreast of pertinent updated information, applying these rules of conduct in our services and making certain that, as professional animal consultants, we address the needs and requirements of production. We’re aware that the industry is working hard to implement the latest safety codes and has utilized extensive safety protocols in regards to working on set. We are confident that animals can safely be part of on set work during this current pandemic. APA will assiduously assist production in efforts to ensure safety standards and policies are met by all those working with animals.

The AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association) has issued the following statement regarding domestic animals and Covid-19 and is as follows: “It is important to note that there is little to no evidence that domestic animals are easily infected with SARS-CoV-2 under natural conditions and no evidence that they can transmit the virus to people. The primary mode of transmission of COVID-19 in humans is person-to-person via respiratory droplets and contact”.

In addition, there have only been two confirmed cases of domestic cats testing positive and one domestic dog. Several tigers and lions at the Bronx Zoo tested positive as well as a small number of minks housed in a close, crowded, factory-farmed facility in the Netherlands.There is a fecal test for Covid-19 that should be utilized when using wild felids. All cases reported were transmitted from positive-tested people to the animals directly. This is compared to the over 8 million cases globally reported. Again, it is important to note that the chances of transmission are very small. However, due to a positive test in tigers, if they are used in film, there may be special protocols put in place to ensure further safety but it will be on a case by case basis, as using wild felids is not as common as using domestic animals.

AMPTP Recommendations for Animal Performers

There is presently no data to suggest that companion animals/pets such as dogs and cats serve as vectors for transmission of SARS-CoV-2 to humans.

• Animal handlers/trainers should receive training on COVID-19 prevention and should follow all rules regarding physical distancing and PPE.
• Animals should not be handled by others except those necessary for shooting a scene (i.e., no petting, cuddling, feeding). All those involved in touching animals should perform hand hygiene before and after.
• Other animals not involved in production such as personal pets should be kept off sets.
• To support production efforts in maintaining social distancing, APA will be on set only during the exact and full times of an animal being present. This includes during actual filming as well as off-set locations wherever an animal/s is being held prior to, and after, actual filming. Precautions will be taken for APA consultants to arrive when animals arrive and depart after animals are wrapped.

Animal Protection Agency further recommendations will include:

• Following all safety protocols put in place by industry standards, state, federal and local governments, including social distancing and wearing masks, as well as frequent hand-washing.
• Since felids seem to be in the “higher-risk” category, cats may require stricter protocols while working with multiple cats on set. Special considerations will be determined during pre-production.
• As dogs are not in the “high-risk” category, no specific changes will be made to their use on set. We are confident that trainers are bringing healthy animals to set and that they are suitable for work with actors or cast, who are already being monitored closely for any positive symptoms. In addition, we do not feel that limiting any time on set once the animal is already working, is beneficial in any way. It may be at the discretion of the Animal Safety Consultant from APA to determine that animals are suitable for production work, but this is already a recommendation that is in place.
• APA recommends disinfecting any clothing, leashes, food bowls, bedding, etc. before use on set as they may have come in contact with other animals previously. Each animal should come with it’s own set of necessary items.
• Animals themselves should not be sprayed with any disinfecting materials or chemicals.
• Only those necessary for filming purposes to achieve the desired shot should handle or touch the animals, this may include make-up, wardrobe, cast and animal trainers. Handling by others should be discouraged.
• When at all possible, it appears that working outside as opposed to a sound stage, is preferable as statistics suggest this is much safer in regards to transmission of the virus. However, filming on stage is perfectly acceptable, as there are many safety precautions already in place.

Please refer to the following links for further information and education:

• https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/animals/pets-other-animals.html
• https://www.oie.int/en/scientific-expertise/specific-information-and-recommendations/questions-and-answers-on-2019novel-coronavirus/
• https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/animal-health-and-welfare/covid-19/sars-cov-2-animals-including-pets

As always, we are here to be helpful and are always open to discussion in regards to these recommendations. We encourage effective, beneficial dialogue to facilitate successful filmmaking.

The Animal Protection Agency
818-667-0495 (main)
818-421-3623 (secondary)
www.theanimalprotectionagency.org