The Secret Life of Pets

NZ release: 08 July 2016

Violence Rated on: 08 July 2016

The Secret Life of Pets

What’s it about?

The quiet life of a dog is dramatically turned upside down when his owner takes in a stray.

The facts

  • Directed by Chris Renaud (Despicable Me, The Lorax)
  • English language
  • Runtime: 86 minutes
  • Starring voice acting by Eric Stonestreet, Kevin Heart, Jenny Slate, and Ellie Kemper
  • Animated film by Illumination Entertainment (Despicable Me 2, Sing)

Why did it get this rating?

This film was classified by Te Mana Whakaatu, Classification Office. You can find out more about classification process and ratings here.

Violence

There is some mild violence in this film including hitting, punching, and kicking between the animals. No serious injuries or details are shown. While these scenes are largely played for laughs, they may upset very young children.

A pet's owner dies, which may be distressing for some viewers.

Characters frequently find themselves in danger, with several chase sequences. Overall, violence is brief, and is softened by the story’s positive tone and happy ending.

Further information

Recent featured decisions

06 May 2025

Violence

Ethan Hunt and his IMF team must stop Gabriel from obtaining the powerful AI program known as "the Entity" and preventing a global catastrophe.

Read more

16 May 2025

Violence, content that may disturb, offensive language, sex scenes

In a high-tech future, a rogue security robot (Alexander Skarsgård) secretly gains free will. To stay hidden, it reluctantly joins a new mission protecting scientists on a dangerous planet... even though it just wants to binge soap operas.

Read more