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
Meet the New NYWIFT Member: Louisa Brown
Welcome to NYWIFT, Louisa Brown! Blogger Marchelle Thurman had the pleasure of interviewing Louisa Brown. She is a storyteller, connector, and unapologetic champion of underrepresented voices in film and media. At Urbanworld Film Festival, she builds bridges between artists, audiences, and cultural institutions, creating moments that matter. She’s a founding member of M.A.D.E., where she produces the award-winning MADE Talks series, celebrating Black creativity and bold ideas. Her own films, including Family Time and Mila and Mimi Too, have won Lionsgate recognition and festival accolades. In addition, she has collaborated on various projects, headed initiatives for commercial brands, and serves on the management team for musical artist Laila! Louisa brings heart, humor, and a global perspective to everything she does.
READ MOREMeet the New NYWIFT Member: Gabriela Coronel
Welcome to NYWIFT, Gabriela Coronel! Gabriela Coronel is an up-and-coming filmmaker and visual artist who recently graduated from Ithaca College. Driven and inspired by the diversity of the human experience, Gabriela tells stories through various mediums. Her talent and vision has been appreciated by the likes of Westchester Magazine and Tiny Studios, where she worked on a variety of creative projects and events. Gabriela strives to push herself creatively. She draws from her personal experiences throughout each project she pursues, allowing her to continuously explore new ideas and challenge old ones. In our interview, Gabriela discusses her background and the origins of her creative inspiration.
READ MOREMeet the New NYWIFT Member: Juanita Umaña
Welcome to NYWIFT, Juanita Umaña! Juanita Umaña is a filmmaker from Bogotá, Colombia, who divides her time between the Bay Area and the East Coast. Her films and documentaries explore intimate moments of family life, often with a focus on social commentary. Her autobiographical short film, Before the World Was Big, about her relationship with her mother, was recognized by the Sundance Institute in 2021, earning her a spot in the Adobe x Ignite Fellowship. In addition to directing and writing, Juanita enjoys working on studio sets and recently assisted on Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another in California's remote desert. She has produced and shot short films, documentaries, and music videos in Colombia, Nicaragua, and the U.S., focusing on stories from underrepresented communities and American subcultures. Her goal is to bring these narratives to mainstream cinema.
READ MOREMeet the New NYWIFT Member: Madeleine Rotzler
Welcome to NYWIFT, Madeleine Rotzler! Madeleine Rotzler is an Emmy® Award-winning director and producer of documentaries and narrative feature films. Fiction films include the upcoming O Horizon and O.G., currently on HBO. Non-fiction films include HBO’s Emmy-nominated It’s a Hard Truth Ain’t It, Emmy-winning Dangerous Acts Starring the Unstable Elements of Belarus, and Oscar-shortlisted The Lottery. Her most recent film, O Horizon, was described as “bound to be one of the season's sweetest charmers.” The film premiered at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival in 2025 where it won the Panavision Spirit Award for Independent Cinema. O.G., Madeleine’s narrative feature debut, and It’s a Hard Truth Ain’t It were both filmed inside a maximum-security prison in Indiana in collaboration with men incarcerated there. Most of the cast of O.G. were incarcerated. It’s a Hard Truth Ain’t It marked the first time incarcerated directors were nominated for an Emmy. In our interview, Madeleine discussed her award-winning films and her perspective on the impact of filmmaking.
READ MORE
Comments are closed