Tools for this page
Print

Animal Cops

(Rated TV-PG, Reality TV, Starring Jim Boller, Debby MacDonald, Vicky Guldbech, Where to watch: Animal Planet)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    (Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)

    Not age appropriate for kids under 8, age appropriate for kids over 10; suggested age 10.
  • Is it any good?

    3.0
  • Common Sense says

    Animal rescue reality show is OK for older kids.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 10 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    The negative themes of animal abuse are outweighed by very positive images of ASPCA agents, veterinarians, and citizens in community service roles. The series focuses on the rescue missions and the importance of both taking care of and respecting animals of all kinds. The show also raises awareness about animal health and the potential for animal adoption and shows both men and women in important public service jobs.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Includes images that show clear signs of severe abuse, including dead animals. Other images include open and infected wounds, animals near starvation, and flea/tick infestations.
  • Sex:

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    No human consumption of drugs, alcohol, or tobacco. Some scenes of animals receiving medical treatment include medications and/or injections being administered.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Animal Cops

Parents need to know that this series -- which focuses on the efforts of animal welfare units to investigate and rescue neglected, abused, and/or abandoned animals -- includes graphic images of animal cruelty (including some dead animals). The opening credits feature a "parental discretion" advisory. Some animals have to be euthanized, though the procedure itself isn't shown. Episodes always include positive examples of abused animals being cared for by agents, veterinarians, and compassionate citizens. Sensitive kids and adults may find some images disturbing.

Read our full review by Robin Galguera and Melissa Camacho

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the responsibilities of caring for animals and the consequences of neglecting them. Why would people let their animals suffer? What does it mean to put an animal "to sleep"? Have you ever witnessed a case of animal abuse? Who would you call in your community to report it? Who looks out for the animals in your area? Is there a shelter nearby where you might be able to volunteer? What kind of education does it take to become a veterinarian? In your house, is your pet considered a member of the family? How much responsibility is it to keep your pet healthy and happy?

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Have you seen it? Review It!

  • What did you think about Animal Cops?
  •  I think this show is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

  •  Love it? Hate it?

  • or to post a review
See all 8 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give it 3.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence

    Not for younger kids.

    On for 10+? No offense, but that's ridiculous. I've seen this show a couple of times, and it definitly contains content that would probably disturb younger audience members.

  2. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Massachusetts
    I rate this title iffy for age 10 and give it 4.0

    The show is very clearly against animal abuse, and for saving animals whenever it is possible. Oftentimes the animals are euthanized, bloody wounds or surgeries are shown, and the animal abusers get away. It is a good show for those who are aware of the issues surrounding pet overpopulation and abuse and aren't to easily upset. IT is not for young children and squeamish people.

  3. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    I rate this title iffy for age 10 and give it 4.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence

    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    Perfect for teens, not suitable for children

    This is one of my favorite animal shows of all time. This is about a group of people from an animal rescue group called the ASPCA that helps poor, abused animals. There are some positive role models, the people in the ASPCA save the animals from their homes and give them treatment for any diseases and treat their wounds from tightened collars and wounds from their owners abuse. There is some content that is unsuitable for younger children because of the abuse of the animals and language.

  4. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    I rate this title iffy for age 4 and give it 4.0

    Love This show

    I love this show, but it can be very sad!

  5. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    Lives in Wisconsin
    I rate this title iffy for age 10 and give it 3.0

    It's OK

    I love animals, and it breaks my heart to see how cruel people are to innocent animals! I also though like seeing that most of the time things turn out right in the end. There is a little too much violence in it sometimes though.

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • Now Playing

    Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

    Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

    Age-apropriate 3-D food adventure doesn't fully satisfy.

  • Issue Spotlight

    Rules of the Road for Texting

    Rules of the Road for Texting

    Set limits long before they get behind the wheel.

  • Must See TV

    Glee

    Glee

    Edgy-but-quirky comedy's music, message will win teens over.

  • Pick of the Week

    Bestselling Books

    Bestselling Books

    Popular new reads kids are buying today.

  • Download This

    "Wash Your Hands" (CD single)

    "Wash Your Hands" (CD single)

    "Acccchhhoooo!" A funny reminder to help kids fight the flu.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends

This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name