Animal Welfare Filming Federation Issues Guidelines

The Animal Welfare Filming Federation (AWFF) has a selection of guidelines which must be adhered to when filming with animals. When using animal suppliers within the film industry, you need to ensure the following:

1. Look under the guidelines working with animals in the film industry
2. Make sure the supplier holds an animal trainer's licence
3. Make sure they hold public liability insurance
4. Check that the supplier has experience with the species that is required and has worked with them before
5. Organise a vet that has experience in the film industry
6. Make sure the supplier organises a full risk assessment on the job
7. Make sure the supplier has done all the paperwork on animal transport movement on farm stock species
8. The supplier has been approved to use their transportation in the supplying of animals in the industry
9. Make sure the supplier has checked that if the species is on site, the relevant paper work has been done
10. Make sure on all filming jobs that there is parking as near as possible for the animal supplier to park and move the species

Animal Welfare Filming Federation
A major distinguishing feature for every Federation member, and one which provides a distinct trading advantage over competitors, is the Federation's logo. The logo is rapidly becoming a hallmark of professionalism which signifies to all bodies that its members maintain a high standard to themselves and to their working animals, thus adding credibility to company communications.

The Federation unites a professional body of people whose ultimate aim is the welfare of their animal charges, in whatever sphere their involvement within the industry.

Membership is open to all persons or organisations whose business is connected with the use of animals for films and television and the world of entertainment, or any other category on which your business relies.

The main objective of the Federation is to ensure the correct handling of animals on set.

If you require our advice on set to supervise your animal welfare, please call us on +44 (0) 1494 442750 to organise your specific requirements.

(JP/LM)