How to make adoption videos for shelter pets from one photo

Updated October 21, 2026 · Reviewed by The Rift team

Short answer

Take one clear photo of the animal, add it in Rift, and tell Spark, Rift's video agent, a hopeful scene: 'this dog curled up on a sofa by a fireplace, tail wagging'. Spark keeps the animal's face and markings. Tap Make for a video up to 15 seconds and post it with their name and how to adopt. Save the Draft as a format to run for every animal.

Add one photo of a shelter pet and tell Spark a home scene, such as a sofa or a garden. A few seconds helps people picture the animal at home.

What you need

An iPhone with Rift.
A sharp photo of the animal at eye level, out of the kennel if possible.

Step by step

Photograph the animal in daylight, at their eye level.
Add it in Rift and describe a hopeful scene with their trait.
Keep their look: “same face, same markings”.
Check the Draft and tap Make.
Save it as a format and run it for the next animal.

Lines to try with Spark

“This dog curled up on a sofa by a fireplace, tail wagging, cosy evening.”
“This cat napping in a sunny window, stretching.”
“This senior dog on a slow walk through a park with a family.”
“This rabbit hopping across a garden lawn, morning light.”

Tips

One trait per video. It gives people a reason to remember them.
Post with the facts: name, age, how to adopt.
Keep it honest: say it’s their dream home in the post.

Questions people ask

Is it honest to show a pet in a home they don't have yet?

Say so in the post, like "Max dreaming of his sofa". It shows people the life they could give.

Can a shelter use the video on its page?

Yes. What you make is yours to post anywhere.

Can volunteers make these quickly?

Yes. Save one Draft as a format and run it with each animal's photo.

Can I show the animal's real personality?

Yes. Put the trait in the line: "loves fetch", "shy but cuddly".