Classic FM has announced that its programme for pets is returning in time for Bonfire Night.
The programme aims to help keep anxious pets and their owners calm and relaxed this firework season.
It will be the sixth year that Classic FM’s Pet Classics airs and it will be hosted by the station’s weekend presenter and dog-lover Charlotte Hawkins.
A 2022 impact survey by the RSPCA found that 76% of respondents reported dogs experiencing distress as a result of fireworks.
Previously, the animal charity has revealed that playing relaxing music is the most common way pet owners help relax or prepare their animals for Bonfire Night.
What is Classic FM’s Pet Classics?
The programme will feature a carefully curated selection of the most soothing classical music, specially chosen to calm any nervous pet or anxious owner.
The selection includes classical music connected to animals such as Mina by composer Edward Elgar, which he wrote about his much-loved Cairn Terrier; the Carnival of the Animals: The Swan by Camille Saint Saëns, and Piano Concerto No.17 by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Mozart owned a pet starling, whose song is featured in the concerto.
Charlotte will also feature personal dedications to listeners’ pets.
You can find out more about the programme via the Classic FM website.
Classic FM has also created a playlist of peaceful classical music for pets which is available anytime for free on Global Player.
How to listen to Classic FM’s Pet Classics this Bonfire Night
Whether you’re familiar with the programme or have only just heard about it, the radio station’s programme is available to watch this weekend – here are the timings.
Classic FM’s Pet Classics will be broadcast on Saturday, November 4 from 5pm and Sunday, November 5 from 5pm to coincide with the busiest nights of the year for firework displays.
The programme will be broadcast on Classic FM which is available across the UK on Global Player, 100-102 FM, DAB digital radio and TV and via the Classic FM website.
It has again been created by Classic FM with support from the RSPCA.
Classic FM presenter Charlotte Hawkins said: “It’s an honour to host Classic FM’s Pet Classics again this year. It is such a special and heart-warming programme, with the most wonderful community of listeners.
“We know the positive effects that classical music has on humans and pets alike, especially during stressful and challenging times, so I have the perfect selection of calming music lined up to settle and sooth even the most anxious listener.
“Everyone is welcome to my radio sanctuary – from the furry to the feathered – and I look forward to all the photos and videos of pets chilling out with me and enjoying the music.”
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