In Animal Photography

The human-animal bond is extremely important, and images of animals abound across all platforms. Sadly, many of the stock photos of animals that are seen as cute, adorable or funny are anything but that.

Images that are used in advertising and marketing, and in communication such as web pages, conference materials and social media accounts are very important. This is because the use of poorly chosen ones can drive demand for breeds that have many health problems because of their body shape, or high levels of inherited disease, and may also encourage poor husbandry and mishandling of pets. This causes fear and distress and potential for injury.

Below are some guidelines regarding images to be avoided due to poor breed health and handling, husbandry and other considerations. The only time that breeds with extreme conformation should be used in communications is when highlighting a specific clinical condition.

If your company or organisation would like a more detailed training webinar on the use of animals in marketing and communications with examples of good and bad images, or would like ongoing consultation regarding what images are appropriate, please contact me.

BREEDS NOT TO BE USED

DOGS

CATS

RABBITS

FURTHER GUIDELINES

BODY SHAPES & FEATURES

Body shapes and features to be avoided in any pet animal used in any image:

• Short muzzle/face.
• Bulging eyes in cats and dogs.
• Heavy skin folds anywhere on body or head.
• Drooping or inverted eyelids.
• Long back and short legs/disproportionate body shape.
• Any animals that have a clearly over- or under-shot jaw.
• Teacup/extreme dwarf breeds.
• Giant breeds.
• Excessively long ears or lop ears in rabbits.
• No animals that are so hairy they cannot see, communicate, groom or behave naturally.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

Other considerations – mutilations, aversive devices and handling.

No docked dogs even if exempt breed by law.
No cropped ears.
No declawed cats.
No aversive training or control devices. These include choke chains, prong collars, shock collars, whips, spurs and crank nosebands.
No hairless varieties of any animals, including semi-hairless breeds such as the Chinese crested dog.
Animals should be in good body condition, neither obese nor malnourished.
The environment and any food shown should be appropriate. i.e optimal environments with good hygiene and no muesli-style food for small mammals such as rabbits and Guinea pigs.
No animals being carried in handbags.
If marketing photos of social small pets like rabbits, Guinea pigs, mice, rats, gerbils, degus etc should all be photographed with other animals of the same species unless in a clearly clinical setting where you would expect them to be alone.
No inappropriate species together, e.g. rabbits with guinea pigs, or prey with predator such as cats and rabbits.
No animals in clothes or human accessories unless strictly for a genuine reason.
Many animals, including dogs and cats, find close human contact like hugging very stressful. Prey animals kept as pets find being lifted up and carried very frightening. Do not use pictures of children or adults hugging pets or holding animals off the ground. Photos of humans and pets interacting should always be as passive as possible. Inappropriate handling is a major cause of injury to both animals and their owners.
Body language. Watch for subtle signs of stress or fear. Often this will be avoiding eye contact, lip licking, yawning, showing the whites of the eyes, ears back, tension in the face, staring.