Brands all around the world like to have an instant connection with their customers – especially potential customers. Competition is fierce, so making an impression on readers and viewers is key to their success. By using children, pets and families in their commercials, they can portray a sense of familiarity and security. Their products appear […]
Published 24th July 2026
Brands all around the world like to have an instant connection with their customers – especially potential customers. Competition is fierce, so making an impression on readers and viewers is key to their success.
By using children, pets and families in their commercials, they can portray a sense of familiarity and security. Their products appear to be dependable, reliable. Brands might use aspects of comedy or drama in their adverts, but by using families and pets they almost always relate to a happy and comfortable environment; a place where people feel safe and at ease.
In most adverts, there is an emotional connection, too. Whether it’s a modern campaign aimed at the latest technology or government message, or whether a campaign evokes a warm feeling of nostalgia, using families and pets is very effective and they are often a brand’s strongest suit when it comes to choosing commercial models.
Pets are part of the family. About 50% of UK homes have at least one pet of any species, so the instant connection is evident. It’s one of the reasons why retail giants John Lewis chose Queenie and Honey-Belle to feature in their Christmas in one of their Christmas publications. Smart move, we say.
The universal appeal of using real family members – including children and pets – is utilised by various brands, and they don’t have to be selling a product for profit. Local councils and government organisations such as the NHS frequently call for believable families to share their message. Sometimes, only families will do.
Pets don’t just sell pet products. Fashion brands, tech companies and household products use pets to be relatable, desirable and efficient. Some commercials are eye-catching; others are more practical and matter of fact. Most are memorable, which is what brands want.
Real families already have natural chemistry and will be at ease on camera without prompting. Sure, there may be nerves, but the advantage of using real-life modelling families is that they come across as genuine.
Children are perhaps the biggest emotional factor in advertising. Plenty of charities feature youngsters, and as all adults were once children they can all relate to their behaviours, idiosyncrasies and insecurities.
A modelling family – children or pets optional – is seen by many brands as an effective marketing tool. We’d love to hear from any family, pet owner or parent if they want to be considered for top modelling work with some of the biggest names in the UK.
Your modelling adventure starts with registering as a Models Direct model. We put forward the best-suited models to all of our brands whenever a model’s look is called for. Ultimately, the client makes the final decision. By being part of the Models Direct collective, you’ll be giving yourself the best chance of being discovered by brands throughout the country.
Good luck!