With more pets in London than children, 100 animal species started arriving at Olympia today, ready for the capital’s new London Pet Show Live, which celebrates the characters, quirks and charms of the diverse pets we share our homes with – and the music that makes them tick.
Today, a sneak preview of London’s biggest pet party saw dogs dance to reggae and birds “bopping” to pop beats in a playful demonstration inspired by science, which shows that different species relax – and move – to different types of music.
Studies show reggae relaxes dogs, music the mimics the frequencies of a purr calms cats and birds mellow – and have an armoury of moves – when listening to music. The London Pet Show Live will fill each pet zone with the soundtrack that suits its stars.
This is just one way the show will dial up the dopamine and bring the personalities and diversity of our pets to life. Also moving into situ today, ahead of the weekend, were:
● Guinea pigs relaxing in their own village, complete with cafe and pub
● Show stealing alien-like amphibians of Minecraft fame that can regenerate its own limbs
Over the course of weekend people can also:
● Hear expert talks from the Dogfather Graeme Hall and the Yorkshire Vet, Peter Wright
● Meet influencers including Ted the Dog (BBC’s Mortimer and Whitehouse: Gone Fishing) and @ThePuggySmalls with over half a million Instagram followers
● Coo at a cat and a cavorting cockatoo or two – see 100+ animal species
Dr Scott Miller, TV vet (ITV’s This Morning) and event host, said: “London is such a diverse city, so I love that this event celebrates the huge range of pets people can choose to love and showcases – through music and in other fun ways – their unique quirks and personalities. In a city with more pets than children, the London Pet Show Live brings together the weird, wonderful and well-loved of the animal world so that people can find their perfect pet partner, or just lose themselves for a few hours in animal heaven.’
Children under 16 go free with an adult. Tickets: www.londonpetshowlive.com
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