CREDITS - 

Clients include: Target, Pfizer, Purina, Cargill, Science Diet, Apple Computer, Harley Davidson, Dow Chemical, 3M, Anderson Windows, Tractor Supply Company, Wells Fargo, AT&T, Best Buy, General Electric, Wonder Bread, Drs. Foster and Smith, HR Block, Mercedes Benz, IBM, Perkins, Maytag, American Standard, Lee Jeans, Milkbone, Pfizer, Nordstoms, Procter and Gamble, Honeywell, Blue Cross, Traveler's Insurance, RCA, Novartis, Pioneer Seeds, General Mills, Kohler, Boeing, Pizza Hut, Marvin Windows, Converse, Petco, Caribou Coffee, Pillsbury, Dupont, Hewlett Packard, Northwest Airlines, Subway, Heinz, Petsmart, Breathe Rite, Minnesota Lottery, Fingerhut, Gold'n Plump, Nikon, Land-o-Lakes, Sears, Macy's, Watkins, Farm Credit Services, Walmart, King Koil, Dept. 56, Trane, Minnesota Public Radio, A & E, Friskies, US Army, Idea Network (Japan), Media Com, Federal Cartridge, Prince, Time Magazine, Kemps, Smith Kline, Humane Society of the United States, NFL, Marshall Fields, American Woodworker, and many, many more.

NICE THINGS PEOPLE HAVE SAID - 

“Barbara O'Brien, owner of The Animal Connection, is a highly motivated and absolutely fabulous animal trainer. I have worked with her many times since moving to Minneapolis in 1998. The ability to cast many animals whether new or regular and to work with them on set provides a wealth of confidence for myself and my clients knowing that her animal talent will perform above and beyond expectations for the job at task. Barbara works with patience, gentleness and educates those around on the set to the numerous behaviors of each animal and their reactions. As a photographer who works with many animals in the industry in various locations, including Los Angeles where there are many animal talent agencies, I can honestly say Barbara and The Animal Connection is one of the best in my book!”
Tom Sadowski, Tom Sadowski Photography

“Barbara is an efficient hard working individual. She understands the business and her clients needs, as well as the fact that she is always up for incredible challenges - as requests for her services can be complicated. Barbara is always correct and proper in her business etiquette, and strives for excellence with every project. I recommend Barbara O'Brien without hesitation." 
Valeri Lennon, President, LBF Photo

“Barbara and I have worked on countless photography projects for print ads over the years. She can find you any animals you may require and will work with them to get the photograph you need. She is the BEST.”
Ben Saltzman, Ben Saltzman Photography

“Some years ago, I saw a humorous (and truthful) poster that showed a picture of a puppy and a baby sitting side by side; the caption read, "An Actor's Nightmare." Well, cast your potential nightmares aside! If you need an animal actor for film, commercial, play, or still shoot - look no further than Barbara O'Brien and The Animal Connection! All you do is make the call and Barbara takes care of the rest. Not only is Barbara a pleasure to work with (efficient, fast, flexible, AND nice!), she really "gets it" when it comes to the business. I can call her in a pinch, and shortly thereafter, I have a personalized web page with a multitude of options! She never complains and is always patient no matter how many changes we cycle through. Last but not least, the animals are amazing! And Barbara is present to makes sure that everything runs smoothly ... and it ALWAYS does. Sweet dreams!”
Cathy Brophy, Producer

“I have had the pleasure of hiring Barb several times over the past decade. She has a track record of delivering, no matter what the request. She is a good communicator, she has a wealth of knowledge, and she is dedicated to providing the best possible result.” J
Dave Bellmont, Producer, Twist Films

“Barbara O'brien SCARES me! Usually with a bull, or a bear, sometimes with a parrot or two, (really, they're creepier than you might think). One time she showed up at my studio with a guy who was even scarier than the wolf he led in on a chain! Seriously though, Barbara has a great attitude, keeps it light on the set, and manages both animals, and their owners equally well. Pigs, lambs, chickens, I've lost track over the years, but I haven't forgotten that one call to Barbara is all it takes to make my Animal Connection.”
Chris Sheehan, Sheehan Photography

“I have worked with Barbara numerous times on many of my pet packaging projects. She is a hard worker, provides great insight, gives honest opinions, makes great recommendations and has helped me produce amazing results. She is also very personable and flexible to change which makes her a joy to work with.”
Kelly Esterby, Farmhouse Designs

“I have worked with Barbara for a little over three years now. She is irreplaceable in finding appropriate jobs for me and my dogs. Once we are chosen for a job, Barbara is there to ensure the safety and needs of the animals (first and foremost) and others involved are met. I have recommended Barbara to many friends interested in either photography/modeling jobs for their pets as well as for those looking for a photographer to capture some stunning shots for their own use.” 
Laura Breckheimer, proud owner of Fabain, Greta, Zak and REO, animal actor dogs.