Dog Actors in St. Petersburg and Clearwater: Gulf Coast Shoots

By Ohana K9 Actors · November 14, 2026

A Gulf Coast backdrop does not tell the animal team everything it needs to know about a shoot. A dog beside an actor on a patio, a dog crossing a boardwalk and a dog participating in water action are different production briefs. Start with the actual performance, then work through the location.

Can you book dog actors for productions in St. Petersburg and Clearwater?

Ohana K9 Actors provides trained canine talent, preparation and professional on-set handling for film, television, commercials and photography. The company is based in Plant City in the Tampa Bay area of Florida and considers St. Petersburg and Clearwater productions according to the script, dates, performer suitability and travel arrangements. Explore the current dog actor roster and share your casting brief.

Distinguish the coastal background from the dog’s action

If you are filming in St. Petersburg or Clearwater, explain which elements of the setting will be part of the performance. A waterfront in the background does not establish that the dog will work near an edge or enter the water. Be explicit about distances, movement and scene partners so the handler can assess the intended setup.

For an exterior, discuss surfaces, access and the position of the holding area. Include the route from the production vehicle to set and the people or activity outside the working area. Any change in location or action should be shared with the animal team before the plan is finalized.

If a scene moves between a beach-area exterior and an interior, identify the continuity requirements. Props, accessories, the direction of movement and the animal’s relationship to the actor all need a shared plan. Schedule rehearsal and resets around what the camera will actually capture.

Prepare the St. Petersburg or Clearwater location brief

• Identify the specific city, property and access point for the shoot.
• Explain whether water, a boardwalk, steps or an edge is involved in the action.
• Show the handler the intended working area, background activity and rest space.
• Confirm who will coordinate venue permission, animal access and any revised action.

Local production resources for St. Petersburg and Clearwater

The St. Pete-Clearwater Film Commission provides regional production and permitting resources. Its guidance distinguishes city locations from county-managed property. Start with the actual filming address and confirm the current arrangements for that location, including the proposed animal activity.

Start with St. Pete-Clearwater Film Commission’s permit resources.

Ohana’s film, television and commercial experience

Ohana’s Beck profile documents her role in R.A.D.A.R. Adventures of the Bionic Dog, and the screen portfolio includes commercial and television examples. Those references show the company’s canine-performance experience; discuss your specific Gulf Coast scene with the team.

An illustrative St. Petersburg and Clearwater casting brief

We are filming a Gulf Coast lifestyle scene near Clearwater. The dog walks beside an actor on a controlled patio with the waterfront visible in the background. Please assess the performer, working area, holding plan, eyeline and rehearsal requirements for that shot.

Questions about dog actors in St. Petersburg and Clearwater

Can Ohana work on St. Petersburg or Clearwater productions?

Yes, the team considers productions in the St. Petersburg and Clearwater area from its Plant City base. Send the exact location, shoot dates and required action to discuss the performer, preparation and travel.

Does a dog-friendly location automatically cover the filming plan?

Confirm the specific shoot and animal activity with the venue and the appropriate production contacts. General visitor access does not answer the practical questions about filming, crew, holding and the planned performance.

Can water action be added after the dog is booked?

Bring that request to the animal team before changing the plan. Water-related action is a different brief from a coastal background and requires its own assessment of suitability, preparation and the proposed setup.

Discuss your St. Petersburg and Clearwater production with Ohana

Send the script or scene description, dates, location, desired look and required behaviors. Review our booking rates and travel information, then confirm the arrangements for your project.

Production inquiries: 813-495-7199 · ericvkennedy@gmail.com · Contact Ohana K9 Actors.

For welfare guidance, see American Humane Society’s Dog Guidelines for Filmed Media.

More production planning resources

Read our guide to bringing K9 actors onto movie and TV sets and explore the Ohana production blog.

• Dog actor production planning for Tampa
• Dog actor production planning for Sarasota