pamperedpuppy // luxury lifestyles for dogs

Portfolio & Agent

Once your dog is trained, your next step is registering it with a pet agency and/or creating its portfolio. Some animal acting agencies charge small fee, about $25, to add your pet to their database. While this may provide great exposure, please beware that these agencies aren't like those for us two-legged folk.

"There's no such thing as really an agency for a pet. It's not the same as a human actor's agency. There's not one person that's going out and showing your dog's head shot," says Heather. Also, pet agencies have their own animals they turn to, so you're dog may not be their first choice. But don't lose heart. "The reason private party people do get work is because these companies can't have 700 animals on their property," says Kathryn.

If you choose to register your Poodle, Princess, you'll be asked to fill out a list of actions she's able to do and to submit photos for her profile. While your dog looking beautiful certainly helps, agencies need a recent shot of your dog demonstrating a behavior.

Typically, you'll need to provide at least two photos: one that really showcases the size of your pooch and another that's a close-up. Neutral backgrounds are said to work best though it's your pet's skill that'll seal the deal. "Ninety percent of the time it's (the selection) all based of the action required of the animal." However, looks do matter. It's important that if you change Princess' hair cut you send the new and improved photos right away.

Since your pooch can't exactly intern and get his paw in the door to land a gig, he or she will have to rely on you for help. You need to let people know Fido exists and is ready to take on the world. Your dog, laugh not, will need a resume and portfolio.

Go to a local school and give a demo of what your dog is doing. You should also reach out to people within the working community; contact local photographers and tell them your dog is available for work. "The more you're in the limelight in your community the better," says Bash.

If you're in some small town far from Madison Avenue or Rodeo Drive and there aren't many businesses, talk it up. If you want to take your dog from middle of nowhere to mainstream U.S.A. you're going to have to get the word out. And if your recourses are limited then you're going to have to talk very loudly... Tell the supermarket cashier about Fabulous Fido. Tell your friends. Talk with your doctor. Enlighten your manicurist. "Your local area is like a ripple effect. You start in your local area and you grow around you and around you," says Bash.

Local governments grant permits that allow film and television crews to shoot in your area. Look up the number for city's office of film and television and obtain a schedule or contacts for the production companies coming to your area. If you're so small you don't have an office dedicated to such a thing, then see if you can get a list of happenings in a neighboring town.

Also, don't narrow your mindset to Hollywood only. There are plenty of other ways your dog can be a star. "You can do charity work, you can do senior citizen work, there's just so many things you can do out there," says Kathryn.

Keep reading: Trends for pet actors »