Rachel Bean (right) and Davinia Hamilton-Maddox on the set of ‘Pooch Perfect’
A veterinary nurse has teamed up with vets around the country to launch a new business for the film and TV industry.
Vet On Set has been founded by canine behavior advisor and qualified vet nurse Rachel Bean and Animal Direction founder Davinia Hamilton-Maddox. The service for TV and filmmakers monitors the welfare of animals before, during and after shoots.
Working from an office in Manchester’s MediaCityUK, Vet On Set goes behind the scenes of popular TV shows, films and TV commercials, ensuring that Clearcast guidance on animal welfare is maintained and that all performing animals are looked after.
Rachel, who has personally overseen a string of adverts and worked on TV shows including ‘Pooch Perfect’ and ‘Judge Rinder’, said: “Vet on Set is a new premise, which is a one stop shop for all productions that need an animal to be on screen.
“Vet on Set works with a nationwide network of practising and retired veterinarians, RVNs and animal trainers and behaviourists, which means we have access to a broad range of skills to ensure the right professional attends and monitors each production.”
FILMING
Clearcast, the body responsible for clearing ads for broadcast in the UK, states that it is a strongly advised requirement to have a qualified vet or vet nurse present during the filming of animals for a commercial production.
“Our mission is to encourage this to become compulsory across all media productions, including photography and online videos,” said Rachel, who has more than 25 years experience in veterinary practice as a qualified nurse, and is a member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and the British Veterinary Nurse Association as well as having extensive canine behaviour experience.
As well as Vet on Set, Rachel provides iPET Network Dog First Aid courses, and is currently working on a special online course aimed at hospitality industry workers.
“Animal welfare is my life and it is the same for all of the Vet On Set affiliates. It is amazing to be able to go to these productions and share our skills and knowledge in a way which we know benefits the animals involved. Many animals love to perform, and we are there to ensure that being the star of the show is an enriching experience for them.”
