Common Sense Media Review
By Kat Halstead
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Some peril and name-calling in animated animal adventure.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Gracie and Pedro: Pets to the Rescue
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In GRACIE AND PEDRO: PETS TO THE RESCUE, thoroughbred dog Gracie (voiced by Claire Alan) and rescued alley cat Pedro (Cory Doran) live together with their beloved family, but fight all the time. When the family moves house, their carrier gets lost and they find themselves all alone. As they set off on a journey to try and find their new home, kids Sophie and Gavin make a viral video to appeal for the return of their pets. But with such a distance between them, will they ever be reunited?
Is It Any Good?
This animated adventure is full of big names—Bill Nighy, Brooke Shields, Danny Trejo, Alicia Silverstone, and Susan Sarandon—voicing supporting parts, but these characters spend little time on-screen. Thankfully, lesser-known actors Doran and Alan are likable enough in the lead roles of Gracie and Pedro: Pets to the Rescue that it's not too much of a disappointment. There are sweet messages throughout about family, friendship, and loyalty, though while animal adventures can't help but be cute, the story is pretty simplistic and there's little in terms of layers for adults or older kids to enjoy. However, younger children will likely find Sophie's fledgling songs catchy and be inspired by her and Gavin working together to create a viral video about their missing pets. Overall this is an enjoyable adventure that ticks most of the boxes, but never quite thinks outside of one.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the theme of differences and similarities in Gracie and Pedro: Pets to the Rescue. Why do you think Gracie and Pedro didn't get along at first? What did they learn about themselves and each other that helped them to bond? Why is it important to find similarities with other people, but still respect their differences?
The movie has some threatening moments and scary characters. Did any stand out to you? How did it compare to other animated animal adventures you've seen—was it scarier, less scary? How did you feel about the central characters when they were put in danger?
Gracie and Pedro showed empathy and communication skills, and learned to work together as a team. Why are these important character strengths? How did they help the pair get through their scary situation?
Movie Details
- In theaters : October 18, 2024
- On DVD or streaming : November 22, 2024
- Cast : Claire Alan , Cory Doran , Bill Nighy
- Directors : Kevin Donovan , Gottfried Roodt
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : Second Chance Productions
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Adventures , Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Animals , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Communication , Empathy , Teamwork
- Run time : 87 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : mild action/peril and rude material
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate