Animal Direction, a MediaCity based pet casting agency, is celebrating a record-breaking year with one of their clients recognised by BAFTA, and roles currently in production for ITV, Netflix, and multiple household brands. Manchester-based founder and director Davinia Hamilton-Maddox set up Animal Direction as a hobby business in 2012 following the completion of a catalogue for a pet brand client. Since then, the unique animal casting agency has grown massively, now with seven staff based across the country to meet national demand.

Animal Direction, which puts the welfare of its clients first, has worked with major pet brands such as Harringtons and Pets at Home, as well as supporting household names including Wren Kitchens and Holland & Barrett with the provision of well-trained and well-looked after animals. Davinia and her team are reputed for their professional yet caring approach and the ability to offer additional services through their Vet on Set and animal training offerings.

Davinia comments: “I’m thrilled with the unprecedented success of Animal Direction and we’re going from strength to strength collaborating with major producers and casting directors on high-profile shows. The welfare of our animals is top priority for my agency and I’m proud of our nationwide availability of cats, dogs, snakes, rabbits, horses and more, meaning we can get to any location, ensuring the animals are not having to travel far, that they are looked after and therefore they can do their best for the shoot with minimal takes.”

One of the agency’s proudest moments to date was to see their client Chilli the Fox Red Labrador being featured in footage for Channel 4’s Late Night Lycett BAFTA nomination earlier this year, and the show went on to win the best comedy entertainment category. The team at Animal Direction are excited to have pets currently being filmed for a number of upcoming series set for release in 2025 including ITV’s Protection starring Siobhan Finneran, and Harlan Coben’s new Netflix series Missing You starring Richard Armitage which will air on New Year’s Day.

Commenting on the service provided by Animal Direction, Art Director Leila Alice Smith says: “I have been working with Davinia and the team for a number of years casting different animals for tv shows. They are absolutely great to deal with and their genuine care for the animals and their owners is clear to see with an approach that is far from a transaction.”

animaldirection.com