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Pet Star

(Rated TV-G, Variety show, Starring Mario Lopez, Where to watch: Animal Planet)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 3, age appropriate for kids over 5; suggested age 5.
  • Is it any good?

    2.0
  • Common Sense says

    Spotlight-craving trainers show off pet tricks.

updated 07.04.08

Why We Rated This on for Ages 5 and Up

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Animals performing in competitions? Who's really performing here -- animals or their owners?
  • Violence & scariness:

    Not an issue.
  • Sexy stuff:

    Mild innuendos from judges about relationships and appearances. "Surprises me that you're still single and some woman has't crawled up your back."
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

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

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Pet Star

Parents need to know that this variety show competition focuses on animals (mostly domestic pets like dogs, birds, etc.) whose owners want to show off their nifty tricks. Clearly, the owners adore their pets -- they speak proudly of them and lovingly stroke them while they're being interviewed -- and the relationships appear to be mutual; animals aren't being mistreated here. But the whole concept of putting pets in the performance spotlight raises some ethical issues that parents may want to be on hand to comment about, particularly for the more demanding and involved tricks, or those that feature exotic animals like seals. Also, the judges' humor sometimes touches on more adult-oriented topics like dating, relationships, ex-wives, and so on.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the competing animals' intelligence and physical abilities. Did you know dogs and birds could do things like that? How do you think they learned their tricks? Do these antics test an animal's intelligence and physical agility or make them appear silly for a laugh? Parents and kids can also discuss the necessary skill and patience on the part of the trainer.
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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Kid Reviewer
    Age 10
    Lives in Wisconsin
    I rate this title on for age 4 and give it 5.0

    Awesome Show

    I really like to watch this show because of all the cool things that owners teach there dogs and other animals. Nothing is really inappropriate, which is also really nice.

  2. Kid Reviewer
    Age 10
    Lives in Maine
    I rate this title on for age 3 and give it 5.0

    This Show is Funny and Cool!!

    I think this show is for all ages. It has dogs that can do math from dancing cats. This show is the best show on Animal Planet!!

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