The Secret Life of Pets: Streaming, Age Rating & Sequel

Anyone who’s ever wondered what their pet does when they leave the house will find a familiar answer in The Secret Life of Pets. This animated franchise from Illumination Entertainment has charmed audiences since 2016, but parents often have practical questions: Where can we stream it? Is it suitable for a seven-year-old? And will there be a third movie? This guide covers the key facts parents need—ratings, streaming platforms, and sequel status—so you can make an informed choice.

Release year (first film): 2016 ·
Production company: Illumination Entertainment ·
Distributor: Universal Pictures ·
Box office (first film): $875.5 million worldwide ·
Sequel released: 2019

Is Secret Life of Pets on Disney or Netflix?

Streaming availability on Netflix

• The Secret Life of Pets (2016) and its sequel are available on Netflix in many countries, including the United States, as part of a licensing deal with Universal Pictures (Netflix)
• In the UK, the films stream on Sky Cinema and Now TV, while Netflix access requires a subscription (BBC CBBC)

Universal’s animated titles rotate between platforms, so Netflix availability depends on regional rights.

Why it is not on Disney+

• Disney+ is the streaming home for Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic content; The Secret Life of Pets is owned by Universal Pictures, making a Disney+ appearance unlikely under current contracts (The Verge)
• Universal instead licenses its animated library to Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Peacock (its own streamer)

Where to watch in other regions

• Australia: Binge and Foxtel Now carry both films (Foxtel)
• Canada: Available on Netflix and rentable on Apple TV/iTunes
• Always check local Netflix or JustWatch before committing

Why this matters: For families outside the US, the cheapest way to watch is often Netflix, but a quick regional check can save a subscription fee.

What age is appropriate for Secret Life of Pets?

MPAA rating: PG

• Both The Secret Life of Pets (2016) and 2 (2019) carry a PG rating for “some action and rude humor” (Parent Previews)
• The UK rating is U (Universal) for the original, meaning it’s suitable for all ages (BBFC)

Parental guidance notes on mild rude humor and action

• Common Sense Media recommends age 6+ for the first film, citing mild potty humor and chase scenes (Common Sense Media)
• The sequel includes a cat high on catnip, mild name-calling (“idiot”, “dog breath”), and a brief swear word (Romper)
• Parent Previews flags one instance of “rat turd” and a cat slapping her owner (Parent Previews)

Why a 7 year old can watch it safely

• Most parental reviews agree that 7-year-olds with no anxiety about animals can enjoy both films (Raising Whasians)
• The main risks are very mild: a few scary chase scenes and occasional rude humor that goes over young heads

The trade-off: Parents of sensitive 5- and 6-year-olds should preview the catnip scene in 2 — its “intoxicated” portrayal may raise questions you’d rather answer later.

Is Secret Life of Pets 3 coming out?

Official confirmation status

• As of 2025, Illumination Entertainment has made no official announcement regarding The Secret Life of Pets 3 (Illumination official site)
• Universal Pictures similarly lists only the two existing films in its franchise catalog (Universal Pictures)

The implication: Without an official greenlight from parent company NBCUniversal, a third film remains speculative.

Rumors and industry speculation

• Online rumors persist but none are supported by credible trade sources; no production timeline has been leaked
• The franchise earned $875 million globally on the first film alone, making a sequel highly likely in the long term – but Illumination is currently focused on Despicable Me 4 and Migration

What the director said

• Director Chris Renaud hasn’t publicly commented on a third film since the sequel’s release in 2019 (The Hollywood Reporter)
• Illumination typically announces sequels 2–3 years before release; the absence of news suggests no active development

The implication: Parents hoping for a third film should not hold their breath — 2026 at the earliest, and only if Illumination shifts priorities.

Timeline of the franchise

• 2016 – The Secret Life of Pets released July 8, US-wide (Box Office Mojo)
• 2019 – The Secret Life of Pets 2 released June 7, US-wide (Box Office Mojo)
• 2023 – Both films added to Netflix in multiple territories after leaving Peacock
• 2025 (current) – No third film announced; franchise remains two titles strong

The pattern: Illumination typically spaces sequels 3–4 years apart. The gap since 2019 now exceeds that window, suggesting the franchise is on hold.

What we know and what’s still unclear

“The Secret Life of Pets 2 is suitable for many toddlers, but parents of children sensitive to mild violence should proceed with caution.”

Romper — parenting publication

“Both films are colorful, fast-paced, and full of slapstick, but the catnip sequence crosses a line that some parents won’t be prepared for.”

Parent Previews — child-focused review site

The verdict

The Secret Life of Pets franchise offers solid family entertainment for children aged 6 and up, with a few rough edges (catnip, mild cursing) that most parents can manage with a quick chat. Streaming availability on Netflix makes it easy to try, though the missing third film means the story currently ends on a cliffhanger. For families with a seven-year-old, the decision is straightforward: watch the first, skip the catnip scene in the second, and don’t expect a third anytime soon.

Frequently asked questions