Why Submit a Profile?
-
Click on the "Submit Profile" button or go to https://beta.skybolt.net/register/gotpetential. This is a link to our unique database; if you go to the main database you will end up in Skybolt's generic database and there will be a delay before they assign you to our database. If you don't see a screen like the one above with the Got Pet-ential name and logo on it, please contact Skybolt or us for help before signing up.
-
After you create your account, you will be asked to submit credit or debit card information, even though you will not be charged for 30 days. This is Skybolt's policy and a limitation on their system. If you do not wish to continue after your free trial, you must remember to cancel or they will charge you. Cancelling is very easy - you can cancel inside your profile, or simply click on the support icon in the lower right hand corner of your screen and tell them you wish to cancel your account. Check your card statement to make sure you have not been charged. If there are any errors in billing contact us immediately and we will contact Skybolt on your behalf and get it taken care of. They are very responsive and usually get it taken care of immediately during Pacific Time business hours.
-
During the enrollment process, you will need to decide whether you want to open a single profile account or a multiple profile account. You can submit as many photos and videos as you want on any profile, and our multiple profile account allows you to submit as many profiles as you want! (Please submit litters of puppies and kittens as one profile).
-
Once you create your account, start adding your animal profiles! The more specific information you can give us, the better your chances of being selected. We try to list all available options in our dropdown list, such as the breed list, but if you don't see your breed or option on other pick lists, please contact us and we will add it for you! The system is very intuitive, but if you have any questions on how to create the profile we are happy to help!
GREAT. PHOTOS. We cannot emphasize this enough. Candid and lifestyle photos and videos are great - add as many as you want - but they are not a substitute for formal headshot, standing, and sitting poses from all sides of your animal - and only your animal. For formal portraits, well-groomed animals are a must and good grooming is generally recommended for all photos and videos, unless it's a lifestyle photo and appearance of the animal adds character - but it should not be the first photo in your profile! Photos you take yourself are fine, but consider using a camera and not a smart phone. Candids from a phone are fine to submit, but please make sure they are clear and crisp and your animal is the main focus. Avoid taking close-up photos looking down on the animal - get down to the animal's level or put the animal on a table or other raised platform. Professional quality photos are always best. We would love to help you with your photography needs - please check out our Animal Acting page for ways we can help.
BE ACCURATE IN YOUR ASSESSMENT OF YOUR ANIMAL'S APPEARANCE AND CAPABILITIES. This is so important in matching your animal to the right job and setting them up for success. For example, if your dog is generally good in new places and with people, but has a thing for chasing cars, tell us - we won't cast them for a job where the set is walking along a busy downtown street, but they might be perfect for that studio shoot for product packaging.
Casting Process
Every project is different, but the general process is a follows:
-
We receive a casting request from a client. They supply us with their criteria for the animal talent they wish to cast and other project details.
-
We build a project portfolio for our client's project and search our database for animals that meet their project's criteria. When we find animals that match their criteria, we will reach out to the owner to check their availability for the tentative project dates. If they are available, we will add them to the project portfolio for the client's consideration. At this point, you and your animal are NOT yet offered a job - you are only being considered. We can also search inactive accounts, so if your animal matches the criteria, we will ask you to activate your account for the casting process. We cannot add an inactive animal to a project portfolio - this is a limitation of the software and not ours. Once the casting process is completed you can cancel your account again.
-
If we do not have enough animals that meet the client's requirements, we will issue a casting call on social media, specifying the criteria for the job, so it's important to follow us on social media, particularly Instagram and Facebook. If your animal meets the criteria, please post a picture and a comment as to why you believe your animal meets the criteria. If we agree, we will ask you to complete a profile on Skybolt and start your 30 day free trial. Most casting calls only last a few days, so you will have plenty of time to cancel your account if you are not selected.
-
Once we have enough animals that meet the client's specifications, we will send a link to the project portfolio for our client for their selections.
-
If they pick YOU, we will send you a message or text from Skybolt notifying you that your are HIRED! It's important to keep your contact information up to date so we can find you. We will confirm the dates, compensation (most jobs also compensate you for your travel and expenses directly related to the job), and anything else you need to know to get your animal ready. Usually we do not have the production schedule at this point, so please keep the entire day open and arrange for animal and childcare as needed. Please do not have your animal groomed in anyway until you check with us once you have been hired.
-
A few days before (sometimes the day before) the shoot, the client will send us the production schedule. We will share with you your call times as soon as we know them. Please be prompt - we are often on a very tight schedule. Please do not bring any extra people or animals without contacting us. You should plan to bring crates and popups to the production site, plus any food, water and treats your animal requires. Please do not feed them the day of the shoot without contacting us first for directions for feeding that day.