By Tammy Reese
Disney+ is tugging at the heartstrings this National Pet Day with the premiere of its latest original documentary, Pets, debuting April 11. Directed by Bryce Dallas Howard, the film dives into the extraordinary relationships that exist between humans and their animals — no matter the species, no matter the place.
Following her documentary Dads in 2019, Howard returns to the director’s chair with a deeply personal project. “Directing a documentary about the relationship between pets and their people has been a dream for years,” she shared. “There’s something about these wordless intuitive bonds, full of mischief and love, that feel like magic.”
Pets key artwork (courtesy of Disney+)
That magic comes to life in Pets through a diverse array of stories that are sure to bring both tears and laughter. From playful dogs and clever cats to goats, pigs, and even birds of prey — the film shines a light on how our lives are shaped by the animals we love. With a blend of emotional interviews, viral videos, home footage, and cinematic storytelling, Pets offers something for everyone — even those who don’t currently have a furry (or feathered) friend.
Backed by the powerhouse teams at Imagine Documentaries and Disney Branded Television, the project was guided by industry legends. Produced by Sara Bernstein, Justin Wilkes, Meredith Kaulfers, Bryce Dallas Howard, and Elisabeth Jamison, and executive produced by Brian Grazer and Ron Howard, the film reflects a creative collaboration rooted in storytelling with heart.
Pets Director Bryce Dallas Howard (courtesy of Disney+)
In our exclusive interview, Bryce Dallas Howard shared how the collaboration with Imagine Documentaries — and her father Ron Howard — helped bring her vision to life. Along with aspects which will make audiences interested in watching even if they are not pet owners and more!
Tammy Reese’s interview with Bryce Dallas Howard:
Whether you’ve had pets your whole life or simply appreciate a feel-good story, Pets promises to deliver joy, laughter, and a renewed sense of gratitude for the bond between humans and animals.
Watch the trailer:
Watch Pets streaming now, exclusively on Disney+.
Follow the conversation:
Instagram: @DisneyPlus, @disneyorigdocs
Facebook: @DisneyPlus
X (formerly Twitter): @DisneyPlus
TikTok: @DisneyPlus
Hashtag: #DisneyPlus #PetsDocumentary
(All images courtesy of Disney+)
Tammy Reese
Tammy Reese is CEO of Visionary Minds PR & Media, and a New York award winning Actress, Writer, and Journalist.
Related Posts
NYWIFT Member Violet Du Feng Brings Two Powerful Projects to the 25th Anniversary of the Tribeca Festival
As the 25th anniversary of the Tribeca Festival shines a spotlight on bold storytelling and groundbreaking filmmakers, Violet Du Feng is arriving with not one, but two standout projects that are already generating conversation. The Emmy® Award-winning filmmaker and NYWIFT member serves as producer on TikTok Never Dies, featured in the festival’s Spotlight Documentary category, while Only the Lonely has been selected for the prestigious New York Times Op-Docs Showcase. For Violet, whose work consistently explores the intersection of personal identity and larger societal shifts, the moment represents both creative growth and artistic alignment. Known for acclaimed projects including The Dating Game and the Oscar®-shortlisted Hidden Letters, Violet has built a reputation for crafting emotionally layered documentaries that connect intimate human experiences to broader cultural conversations.
READ MORENYWIFT Member Juleyka Lantigua Brings The Lorraine to Tribeca Festival’s 25th Anniversary Celebration
For filmmaker, writer, and producer Juleyka Lantigua, storytelling has always been rooted in truth, history, and the voices too often left out of the conversation. Now, the award-winning creative and proud member of New York Women in Film & Television is bringing one of those powerful stories to the forefront as an Executive Producer and Co-Writer of The Lorraine, which will have its World Premiere during the 25th anniversary of the Tribeca Festival. Through the lens of The Lorraine, Juleyka helps illuminate the legacy of the Lorraine Motel and the Bailey family, whose impact stretched far beyond the historic events forever tied to the Memphis landmark. The documentary explores Black excellence, resilience, entrepreneurship, music history, and the enduring fight for justice during one of America’s most turbulent eras.
READ MOREMeet the New NYWIFT Member: Rachel Fleit
Welcome to NYWIFT, Rachel Fleit! Rachel is a writer, director, and producer known for her intimate, character-driven storytelling across documentary and narrative film and television. With a background in fashion and business, Rachel brings both creative sensitivity and an entrepreneurial mindset to her work, balancing artistic vision with thoughtful leadership. Rachel directed the acclaimed documentary Introducing, Selma Blair and has helmed projects including Bama Rush and Sugar Babies, each reflecting her commitment to emotional honesty and layered storytelling. Her latest award-winning documentary, The Slightest Touch—which follows the extraordinary friendship between Emma Fogarty, who lives with epidermolysis bullosa, and actor Colin Farrell—has been acquired by HBO Documentary Films and is slated to premiere later this year on HBO Max. In our interview, she reflected on building trust with her subjects, navigating personal and cultural storytelling, and the creative directions she’s most excited to explore next.
READ MOREMeet the New NYWIFT Member: Alyssa Lomuscio
Welcome to NYWIFT, Alyssa Lomuscio! Alyssa Lomuscio is a TV editor, story producer, and assistant director based in NYC. Her work as a story producer has earned her two Daytime Emmy award nominations in the Outstanding Lifestyle Program category. She is also a science fiction writer of short stories, novels and screenplays under the pen name A.M. Lomuscio. A 2019 Clarion writer’s workshop alum, her short fiction can be found in Apex magazine and Uncharted. In our interview, Alyssa discussed her time balancing being an AD and a writer and shared stories of working in TV.
READ MORE
Comments are closed