
Secret Life of Pets 2: Where to Watch, Reviews & Kid Guide
If your kids loved the original 2016 film, you probably wondered whether The Secret Life of Pets 2 is a safe bet for the next movie night. It landed a PG rating for action and rude humor, which means the sequel isn’t quite the gentle ride parents might expect from an animal comedy. Below is everything you need to decide whether to stream it tonight or wait until your younger viewers are ready.
Release Year: 2019 ·
Director: Chris Renaud ·
Writer: Brian Lynch ·
Key Character: Rooster ·
Rating: PG
Quick snapshot
- PG rating for “action and rude humor” (Kids-In-Mind.com)
- 2019 release, 86-minute runtime (TV Guide)
- Rooster voiced by Harrison Ford (Kids-In-Mind.com)
- Current Netflix availability by region
- Whether Secret Life of Pets 3 is officially greenlit
- Exact release date beyond “2019” in some sources
- Original (2016) → Sequel (2019) → DVD/post-theatrical streaming
- Streaming availability noted on TV Guide, ongoing post-2019
- Studio Illumination has not confirmed Pets 3
- Parents can check current platforms for availability
Key production and rating details for quick reference.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Director | Chris Renaud |
| Release Date | 2019 |
| Genre | Animated comedy |
| Studio | Illumination |
| Rating | PG |
| Runtime | 86 minutes |
| Metascore | 55 |
| MPAA Reason | Action and rude humor |
Is Secret Life of Pets 2 on Netflix?
Netflix availability for The Secret Life of Pets 2 appears to vary by region and changes over time. TV Guide lists the film as available to stream, but explicit confirmation of Netflix placement was not found across major sources. The research notes indicate that streaming status can shift due to licensing agreements, so parents should check their regional Netflix library directly or use a platform search tool to verify current availability.
Current streaming status
- TV Guide confirms the film is listed for streaming, but does not specify Netflix exclusivity.
- Regional Netflix libraries differ; availability in the US, UK, Canada, or Australia may vary.
- Licensing deals change frequently, meaning a film available today may be removed tomorrow.
Why content leaves Netflix
Studios negotiate time-limited licensing deals with streaming platforms. When these expire, the content is removed or moved to another service. Parents relying on Netflix should verify availability before planning a viewing, and consider backup purchase or rental options if the film is no longer listed.
Where to Watch Secret Life of Pets 2?
Beyond Netflix, several platforms offer the film for streaming or purchase. TV Guide confirms general streaming availability, while other sources note the film is accessible through multiple digital storefronts. Parents seeking the most reliable access point should consider platforms that specialize in family entertainment.
Streaming options
- Netflix: Availability varies by region; check your library.
- TV Guide: Lists the film as available to stream with current platform information.
- Prime Video: May offer rental or purchase options depending on your region.
Purchase or rental platforms
- Apple TV, Google Play, Vudu: Digital purchase or rental options are typically available for this title.
- DVD: The film has been released on DVD, which some parents prefer for offline viewing.
- IMDb and Wikipedia: Confirm basic details but do not guarantee real-time streaming availability.
Streaming gives you convenience, but DVD or digital purchase ensures access regardless of licensing changes. For families who watch movies repeatedly, owning a copy eliminates the risk of sudden removals.
Is Secret Life of Pets 3 Confirmed?
As of the latest available information, Illumination and Universal have not officially announced a third installment in the Secret Life of Pets franchise. Wikipedia and other franchise-tracking sources list the 2016 original and 2019 sequel, but no confirmed third film appears in verified records. Parents who want to know whether a new sequel is coming should monitor official studio announcements rather than relying on unconfirmed rumors.
Franchise status
- The franchise includes two films: The Secret Life of Pets (2016) and The Secret Life of Pets 2 (2019).
- No official press release or studio confirmation of a third film exists in the research data.
- Speculation about future installments appears in fan discussions but lacks verified backing.
Upcoming film mentions
Some search results and fan forums reference potential future films, but these are not corroborated by tier-1 or tier-2 sources. Parents should treat unconfirmed franchise news with skepticism until an official announcement is made.
If you’re deciding whether to introduce your kids to the franchise now, two films (2016 and 2019) offer plenty of content. A third film, if confirmed, would likely arrive years later—plenty of time for your kids to grow into the series.
Was Secret Life of Pets 2 Good?
Critical reception for The Secret Life of Pets 2 was mixed but not negative. The film holds a Metascore of 55 according to TV Guide, indicating average reviews. Rotten Tomatoes scores show both positive and negative assessments, with critics divided on whether the sequel matches the charm of the original. Audience reception generally skews positive among families with children in the target age range.
Rotten Tomatoes scores
- Critics were divided, with some praising the animation quality and others noting the sequel felt formulaic.
- Audience scores tend to be higher than critic scores, reflecting family enjoyment.
- Common praise points include visual quality, character voice work, and relatable pet themes.
Audience reception
Families with children aged 5-10 consistently rate the film positively in parent-focused reviews. Parentzia notes that the film delivers “stunning visuals, engaging story, and lovable characters.” However, some parents report that intense chase sequences and crude humor make it unsuitable for the youngest viewers without pre-screening.
“The PG rating fits the content well. The movie is family-friendly, but parents of very young children may want to screen the film first.”
— Parentzia reviewer
Is Secret Life of Pets 2 Kid-Friendly?
Kid-friendliness is where The Secret Life of Pets 2 requires careful parental judgment. The MPAA assigned a PG rating specifically for “some action and rude humor,” which aligns with what multiple parent-focused review sites have documented. Kids-In-Mind.com rates the film 1.3.2 for sex/nudity, violence, and language—indicating mild concern in all three categories but nothing extreme.
Age rating details
- The MPAA rating is PG (Parental Guidance Suggested), meaning some material may not be suitable for children.
- Kids-In-Mind rates the film 1.3.2, with the “1” indicating minimal sexual content, “3” indicating mild violence, and “2” indicating mild language.
- Common Sense Media recommends the film for ages 7 and up, a benchmark cited by Screenwise.
Content suitability for 7 year olds
For a typical 7-year-old, the film is generally appropriate, but parents should be aware of specific scenes. Kids-In-Mind documents “scenes of peril, scary animal cruelty, wolves chasing animals, and animal-on-animal violence.” These moments may be intense for sensitive viewers. Raising Whasians recommends that “kids under the age of 7-years old should really have this movie pre-screened by adults first.”
- Themes: Pet loyalty, overcoming fears, mental health discussions, and personal growth.
- Positive messages: Helping others, facing anxieties, and family bonds.
- Content to watch: Wolves chasing characters, circus scenes with a white tiger named Hu, potty humor.
The chase sequences involving wolves are the most intense moments. If your 5- or 6-year-old is sensitive to suspense, preview those scenes first or sit with them during the film. For children 7 and up without significant anxiety triggers, the film is generally safe to watch independently.
Upsides
- Positive themes: pet loyalty, overcoming fears, family growth
- Strong voice cast including Patton Oswalt and Harrison Ford
- Engaging animation quality praised by parents
- Age-appropriate for children 7+ without significant sensitivities
- Family-friendly humor, fun subplots like Snowball as a superhero
Downsides
- PG rating for action and rude humor means it is not as mild as parents might expect
- Intense chase sequences with wolves may scare younger children
- Potty humor and crass terms present throughout
- Kids under 7 may need pre-screening according to multiple parent guides
- Metascore of 55 indicates mixed critical reception
“I highly recommend that kids under the age of 7-years old should really have this movie pre-screened by adults first.”
— Raising Whasians (Parent Blogger)
“Movieguide® recommends light caution for younger children due to some animated violence and other miscellaneous immorality.”
— Movieguide
For US families, the choice comes down to your child’s age and sensitivity level. Children 7 and up will likely enjoy the film without issue. For kids under 7, especially those prone to anxiety about chase scenes or frightened by animals in peril, sitting with them or previewing key moments first is the safer approach.
Related reading: Animal Crossing New Horizons: Kid Safety & Facts · Madea’s Big Happy Family: Where to Stream, Cast & Plot
parentzia.com, raisingwhasians.com, archbalt.org, movieguide.org, pluggedin.com
Frequently asked questions
Is The Secret Life of Pets 2 Disney?
No. The film was produced by Illumination and distributed by Universal Pictures. It is not a Disney or Pixar production.
What is the release date of Secret Life of Pets 2?
The film was released theatrically in 2019. Exact release dates varied by country, but the general release year is confirmed as 2019.
Who is in the cast of Secret Life of Pets 2?
Patton Oswalt voices Max, the main dog. Harrison Ford voices Rooster, the farm dog. Ellie Kemper appears as the owner. Other notable voices include Kevin Hart as Snowball and Jenny Slate as Gidget.
Who is Rooster in Secret Life of Pets 2?
Rooster is a farm dog introduced in the sequel who helps Max overcome his anxieties. He is voiced by Harrison Ford and serves as a mentor figure during the countryside adventure.
Is there a tiger in Secret Life of Pets 2?
Yes. The film features a white tiger named Hu who appears in the circus subplot involving Snowball’s storyline.
Who is Snowball in Secret Life of Pets 2?
Snowball is a white rabbit who becomes a self-appointed superhero in the sequel. He appears alongside other pets during their adventures, often getting into comedic trouble.
What is Secret Life of Pets 2 about?
Max, the anxious terrier from the original film, faces major life changes when his owner marries and has a child. He travels to the countryside, meets Rooster, and learns to face his fears. Meanwhile, Snowball and other pets have their own subplots, including a rescue mission and Gidget’s adventure to save a toy.