Calm for your pets during fireworks with Classic FM’s Pet Classics

As fireworks season approaches, Classic FM is bringing back its popular programme to help keep anxious pets (and their owners!) relaxed.

Classic FM’s Pet Classics will be hosted by Charlotte Hawkins, who has presented the programme since 2021. The station’s breakfast presenter and dog-owner Dan Walker will also present one of the two special programmes.

Charlotte will host the first programme on Saturday 2 November, 5pm to 9pm – to coincide with public firework displays – and Dan will host a second show on Bonfire Night, Tuesday 5 November, 5pm to 9pm.

Classic FM is partnering with the RSPCA once again to create the programmes, which have been specially curated to feature the most soothing classical music to calm any nervous pet or anxious owner. Many of the music choices and composers are connected with animals.

Alongside the soothing music, Charlotte and Dan will read out personal dedications to listeners’ pets. Last year, Classic FM received thousands of pictures of pets and animals, relaxing to the programmes, ranging from dogs, cats, rabbits and hamsters, to horses, tortoises, hedgehogs, goldfish, snakes and a spider!

Charlotte Hawkins said: “It’s always an absolute joy to host Classic FM’s Pet Classics, and to welcome everyone – snuggly or scaley – to our radio oasis.

“It’s one of my favourite shows of the year to present. We know that classical music has a positive effect on humans and pets alike, and it’s fantastic to see that in action, through the thousands of photos and videos we receive of listeners’ pets relaxing and dozing off. In fact, it’s the one programme where I want my audience to go to sleep with the radio on!”

Dan Walker added: “I am looking forward to joining Charlotte and the Pet Classics team this year. I love classical music, and I love animals so what more could you want?

Our dog Winnie is a cockapoo, and I know that fireworks can be a problem for thousands of pets and animals. We created Pet Classics to provide a sanctuary, filled with the most relaxing music, when fireworks can be at their loudest. If, like me, you’re new to Pet Classics, come and join us, and bring your pets!”