On-Call Certified Animal Safety Representative (NYC)
American Humane Society currently accepts applications for Certified Animal Safety Representatives (CASR) on a rolling basis for all geographic locations. We are prioritizing candidates located in or around the following areas:
- Domestic Locations:
- Candidates with horse-related experience, willingness to travel, and proximity to a major airport
- Wilmington, NC
- Philadelphia, PA
- Pittsburgh, PA
- New York, NY
- International Locations:
- Candidates with horse-related experience, willingness to travel, and proximity to a major airport
- Vancouver, BC, Canada
- London, England
- Central Europe
About the role
American Humane Society’s renowned No Animals Were Harmed® program seeks individuals with a Doctor in Veterinary Medicine (DVM), Registered/Licensed/Certified Veterinary Technician (RVT/LVT/CVT) license, or B.S. in Animal Science or related field to serve as Certified Animal Safety Representatives (CASR) on motion picture, television, commercial, and new media productions. CASRs ensure the humane treatment of animal performers, document animal care and housing, and advise on animal safety issues in accordance with AH’s Guidelines for the Safe Use of Animals in Filmed Media.
For nearly 150 years, American Humane has led efforts in animal protection, including the "No Animals Were Harmed®" certification in Hollywood. Working at American Humane means contributing to high-impact programs that set the standard for animal welfare.
Responsibilities
- Monitoring Animal Action in Filmed Media: Educate film personnel on humane practices, assist with animal-related matters, and ensure the safety and welfare of animal performers.
- Report Writing: Prepare timely, detailed reports that comprehensively document animal action, safety precautions, and welfare measures. Reports determine eligibility for the "No Animals Were Harmed®" end credit and serve as accountability records.
- Communication and Diplomacy: Work collaboratively with production personnel, including producers, directors, trainers, veterinarians, and local agencies. Act as a liaison for animal welfare issues when necessary.
- Location of Work Assignments: Available for local, national, and optional international travel on short notice. Assignments vary in length (from one hour to several months) and may require 10–12 hour production days in diverse and sometimes extreme weather conditions.
- Research: Research species-specific requirements for humane care, housing, and safety precautions when needed. Consult with the Hollywood program’s scheduling department for guidance on unfamiliar or high-risk animal actions (e.g., explosives, stunts, or pyrotechnics).
The general process for assignments includes:
- Reviewing scripts to identify animal action.
- Contacting trainers/production to discuss how animal action will be achieved.
- Logging pre-production information in the Hollywood program database.
- Assigning a qualified and available CASR to the production.
- Providing the CASR with all necessary details, including production contacts, location specifics, and prior issues related to trainers, animals, or species.
- Ensuring the CASR receives and signs confidentiality agreements vetted by AH’s legal department.
Requirements
- One or more of the following qualifications:
- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)
- Registered/Licensed/Certified Veterinary Technician (RVT/LVT/CVT)
- B.S. in Animal Science or related field from an accredited school, or equivalent combination of experience and education
- Diversity of experience in animal health and behavior preferred.
- Commitment to animal welfare.
- Equine knowledge and experience preferred.
- Broad familiarity with a range of animals, including horses, snakes, spiders, fish, dogs, birds, goats, and cats.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills; active listening.
- Adept at building collaborative relationships and demonstrating diplomacy.
- Knowledge of special effects and stunts involving animals preferred.
- Ability to work effectively without direct supervision in the field.
- Detail-oriented, organized, and able to analyze situations quickly to make recommendations.
- Proficient in using computers for email and report writing.
- Successful completion of the American Humane Society Certified Animal Safety Representative Training Course (required during probationary period).
Physical demands and work environment
- Must complete a 5-week CASR training program (1 week classroom, 4 weeks on-set) during probation.
- Work primarily on motion picture production sound stages and off-lot locations, including outdoor sets in rough terrain and varying climatic conditions (extreme cold, heat, humidity, or wet weather).
- Physical demands include:
- Walking, climbing, balancing, and standing for extended periods.
- Lifting up to 10 kg or more occasionally.
- Reaching, handling, stooping, and bending while observing and recording duties.
- Excellent vision from 6 meters or more.
- Valid driver’s license and ability to provide own transportation to production locations.
- Local, national, and/or international travel required on-call, sometimes with short notice.
- Production days may be 10–12 hours, with schedules subject to change based on production needs.
Materials and Equipment Used
- Required uniform
- Computer
- Paperwork/Guidelines
- Proper Identification
- Automobile
- Digital camera
- Binoculars
- Cell phone
- Flashlight
- Batteries
- Proper weather equipment
- Change of clothes
- Personal first aid kit