Parents' Guide to

Animal Cops

By Common Sense Media, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 10+

Animal rescue reality show is OK for older kids.

TV Animal Planet Reality TV 2003
Animal Cops Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

Community Reviews

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age 8+

Based on 4 parent reviews

doggymom
doggymom Parent
September 30, 2012
age 2+

Protection Laws for Animals a "Must".

Makes my day when I watch those low lifes get arrested for cruelty and neglect to animals. Teaches children to respect all of God's creatures..especially dogs. Dogs help humans in so many ways!!!! Every country on earth should see this program to educate their people. and have their leaders make strict laws to protect animals.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
peludo
peludo Adult
February 18, 2012
age 10+

Okay, but Limited

Why is Houston constantly the focus? Animals live all over this country. Sorry, maybe I catch it more when Houston is the focus. When the San Francisco episode aired, they did not focus on the major dog problem area of that city; I felt, far from real. I used to live in SF, and volunteered at the animal shelter. This is probably the same for other cities as well. The crew only goes into areas where they feel safe. I can't blame them, but we're only getting part of the picture. Animal Planet seems to focus on the animals with happy outcomes; but, many animals do not have such a positive outcome; this hurts me.

This title has:

Great messages
See all 4 parent reviews

What's the Story?

ANIMAL COPS works to raise awareness about the mistreatment of animals by profiling the people and agencies that are committed to saving them. Past seasons have followed the Michigan Humane Society (MHS) in Detroit, the Houston Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (HSPCA), and San Francisco's Animal Care and Control unit (ACC), with each episode (which typically includes several different cases) following investigators and rescue teams as they set out to find and save animals. Some of the animals have accidentally wandered into precarious situations; others have been neglected, abandoned, and/or physically abused. While some cases are heartwarming efforts to reunite lost pets with their owners, most of them, sadly, center on animals rescued from people and organizations that have failed to care for them -- or, worse, that have subjected them to vicious cruelty; for this reason the show includes many graphic incidents of abuse and neglect (up to and including images of dead animals). Episodes jump back and forth between the different cases to add suspense, but by the end of the hour, each is solved.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (4):
Kids say (10):

Viewers who stick with the program are rewarded by seeing many of the animals on the road to recovery (many are even placed in happier homes) and justice served to their abusers. Plus, viewers learn about the rescued animals' medical conditions and possible treatments -- which will fascinate critter-minded kids (and adults!). Of course, viewers are also reminded that owning any animal is an immense responsibility -- pets and service animals need to be well cared for and shown a lot of compassion -- and that failing to meet that responsibility can lead to hefty fines and even jail time. Despite mostly positive outcomes, parents should watch the show with their kids, as children who are especially sensitive toward animals might find the series disturbing.

Talk to Your Kids 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?

TV Details

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