Bark! Fest 2026 Announces Expansive Virtual Program for Animal Lovers, Featuring 23 Authors and 22 Books

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Global Virtual Event to Spotlight Canine and Feline Literature and Expertise

The highly anticipated Bark! Fest, a premier virtual book festival dedicated to celebrating literature about dogs and cats, is set to return from September 14 to September 25, 2026. This year’s expanded program will feature an impressive lineup of twenty-three renowned authors discussing twenty-two distinct books, offering a rich tapestry of insights into the lives, behaviors, and relationships we share with our beloved companion animals. Co-hosted by Dr. Zazie Todd, an acclaimed animal behavior expert and author, and Kristi Benson, a distinguished dog trainer and behavior consultant, the festival promises an accessible and engaging experience for animal enthusiasts worldwide.

Background and Evolution of Bark! Fest

Bark! Fest originated in 2024 as a singular launch event for Dr. Zazie Todd’s book, Bark! The Science of Helping Your Anxious, Fearful, or Reactive Dog. The inaugural event garnered overwhelmingly positive feedback from attendees, who appreciated the innovative virtual format that allowed them to engage with leading experts from the comfort of their homes, often alongside their own pets. The success of this initial endeavor demonstrated a significant demand for accessible, high-quality content centered on companion animals, prompting the organizers to transform it into a recurring, broader festival.

The decision to bring Bark! Fest back for 2026 reflects a recognition of the growing global community of pet owners and enthusiasts seeking to deepen their understanding and appreciation of dogs and cats. From its beginnings as a book launch, the festival has evolved into a comprehensive literary event, showcasing a diverse range of genres including non-fiction, memoirs, training guides, and even animal-centric fiction. This expansion underscores a commitment to fostering an informed and compassionate approach to animal companionship, bringing together a wealth of knowledge and storytelling under one virtual roof.

Event Mechanics and Accessibility

All Bark! Fest events are offered free of charge, emphasizing the organizers’ dedication to making valuable information widely available. However, registration is required for each session to manage attendance and facilitate logistical planning. A key feature of the virtual format is that recordings of all events will be made available to registered participants, ensuring that individuals across different time zones or with scheduling conflicts do not miss out on any discussions. Furthermore, attendees who join the live sessions will have the opportunity to win door prizes, adding an interactive and rewarding element to the experience.

The festival strongly encourages attendees to support the featured authors by purchasing their books. Recommendations are provided for acquiring books through local independent bookstores, as well as through curated lists on Amazon and Bookshop, platforms that offer convenience while also supporting the literary ecosystem. This approach highlights the reciprocal relationship between authors, readers, and the broader animal welfare community.

The Full Schedule of Events: A Deep Dive into Canine and Feline Worlds

The 2026 program is meticulously curated, offering a blend of scientific inquiry, practical advice, historical perspectives, and captivating narratives. Each panel is designed to provide unique insights and foster a deeper connection between humans and their animal companions. All times listed are Pacific Time (PT), with corresponding Eastern Time (ET) and UK times provided for international accessibility.

• Monday, September 14: Our Relationship with Dogs with Rory Cellan-Jones and Simon Wooler

  • 10:00 AM PT (1:00 PM ET / 6:00 PM UK)
  • This opening session delves into the profound bond between humans and dogs, with a particular focus on kindness and understanding. Rory Cellan-Jones, acclaimed journalist, will discuss his memoir, Sophie From Romania: What a rescue dog taught me about love, patience and hope, sharing the personal journey of helping his rescue dog overcome anxiety and discover joy. Joining him is Simon Wooler, an expert trainer, who, in More Than Just a Dog: Understanding, Loving, and Living with Dogs—an essential guide for humans, will explore canine learning, communication, and the intricate dynamics of human-dog relationships. This panel is poised to provide both heartwarming anecdotes and evidence-based insights into fostering a fulfilling partnership with dogs.

• Tuesday, September 15: Writing Dogs in Fiction with Patricia McConnell and Cat Warren

  

  • 1:00 PM PT (4:00 PM ET / 9:00 PM UK)
  • Two celebrated authors, Patricia B. McConnell, PhD, and Cat Warren, will engage in an informal conversation about the craft of writing realistic and impactful canine characters in fiction. Dr. McConnell, an internationally renowned applied animal behaviorist, will draw from her compassionate memoir, The Education of Will, which explores healing from trauma, and her suspenseful first novel, Away to Me, set in the sheepdog trial world. Cat Warren, author of the New York Times bestseller What the Dog Knows: Scent, Science, and the Amazing Ways Dogs Perceive the World, will discuss her experiences with her human remains detection dog, Solo, and her work on her first novel. This session offers a unique perspective on integrating authentic animal behavior into compelling narratives, appealing to both writers and readers.

• Wednesday, September 16: The World of Dogs with Lili Chin, Melissa McCue-McGrath, and Kerry Nichols

  • 1:00 PM PT (4:00 PM ET / 9:00 PM UK)
  • This panel explores the multifaceted world of dogs, from their diverse breeds to their complex behaviors and effective training methods. Lili Chin, an acclaimed illustrator, will present Dogs of the World: A Gallery of Pups from Purebred to Mutts, showcasing over 600 dog breeds and their unique histories. Melissa McCue-McGrath offers a humorous yet insightful look into modern behavioral science with Misadventures of the World’s Okayest Dog Trainer: 25 Cases to Guide Dog Trainers and Behaviourists in Their Career. Completing the panel, Kerry Nichols, author of the national bestseller Puppy Brain: How Our Dogs Learn, Think, and Love, will provide essential guidance on raising happy and resilient puppies. This session is ideal for those seeking a comprehensive understanding of canine life.

• Thursday, September 17: Inside of a Dog with Alexandra Horowitz

  • 1:00 PM PT (4:00 PM ET / 9:00 PM UK)
  • Cognitive scientist Alexandra Horowitz will discuss the newly revised and updated second edition of her #1 New York Times bestseller, Inside of a Dog: What Dogs See, Smell, and Know. This engaging book, a must-read for all dog guardians, combines personal observations with cutting-edge scientific research. Dr. Horowitz will share the latest findings on canine perception, dogs’ understanding of human emotions and language, and the evolving narrative of domestication. Due to immense popularity, this session rapidly reached its registration capacity, underscoring the enduring appeal of Dr. Horowitz’s work.

• Friday, September 18: Cat Behaviour with Sarah Brown, Caroline Clark, Meghan Herron, and Carlo Siracusa

  • 11:00 AM PT (2:00 PM ET / 7:00 PM UK)
  • Feline enthusiasts are invited to learn from a panel of cat behavior experts. Sarah Brown, author of The Hidden Language of Cats: How They Have Us at Meow, will unravel the science behind feline communication, from vocalizations to body language. Caroline Clark, in A Professional’s Guide to Feline Behaviour: Understanding, Improving and Resolving Problems, offers insights for behavior professionals and students on analyzing and addressing feline issues. Veterinary behaviorists Dr. Meghan Herron and Dr. Carlo Siracusa will discuss the ACVB-edited volume Decoding Your Cat: The Ultimate Experts Explain Common Cat Behaviors and Reveal How to Prevent or Change Unwanted Ones, providing practical guidance for understanding and managing cat behaviors. This highly anticipated session also reached full capacity swiftly.

• Monday, September 21: Mine! with Jean Donaldson

  • 11:00 AM PT (2:00 PM ET / 7:00 PM UK)
  • Jean Donaldson, one of the world’s foremost dog trainers and author of the seminal work Culture Clash, will discuss the newly updated second edition of her classic, Mine! A Practical Guide to Resource Guarding in Dogs. This session is crucial for dog guardians and trainers grappling with resource guarding behaviors. Donaldson will delve into the broader principles of positive reinforcement training, alongside the specific nuances and detailed strategies essential for successfully working with dogs who guard food, toys, or other valuable items.

• Tuesday, September 22: Canine Crime and Mystery with Antony Johnston, Blake Mara, and Louisa Scarr

  • 10:00 AM PT (1:00 PM ET / 6:00 PM UK)
  • For fans of crime and mystery novels, this panel celebrates stories where dogs play integral roles in solving crimes. Antony Johnston will discuss his witty cozy mystery, The Dog Sitter Detective Plays Dead, where Gwinny Tuffel and her canine companion find themselves embroiled in a murder mystery. Blake Mara presents The Dog Park Detectives Paw and Order, a twisty whodunnit where a community of dog walkers investigates a local death. Louisa Scarr brings her thrilling police procedural, Broken House, featuring PC Lucy Halliday and her dog Moss in a cold case search. This suspenseful panel includes both returning favorites from the first Bark! Fest and new voices.

• Wednesday, September 23: Amazing Animals with Marc Bekoff and Alison Pearce Stevens

  • 2:00 PM PT (5:00 PM ET / 10:00 PM UK)
  • This session explores the incredible abilities and inner lives of animals, inspiring readers of all ages. Marc Bekoff’s Love In Their Hearts: A Celebration of Animal Emotions and a Guide to Compassionate Action invites readers to delve into the emotional world of animals, combining cutting-edge research with calls for compassionate action. Alison Pearce Stevens will discuss Detective Dogs: How Working Dogs Sniff Out Invasive Species, a fascinating account of how dogs use their extraordinary olfactory senses to aid conservation efforts. This informative panel promises to enlighten and engage both young and adult audiences on the marvels of the animal kingdom.

• Thursday, September 24: The Romance Panel with Julie Haworth, Nicola Knight, and Farrah Rochon

  • 11:00 AM PT (2:00 PM ET / 7:00 PM UK)
  • A charming panel dedicated to the role animals play in matters of the heart. Julie Haworth’s New Beginnings at the Cosy Cat Café follows Tori’s journey to happiness with the help of a fireman and rescue cats. Nicola Knight’s Washed Up tells the story of an unexpected romance stranded on an island. Farrah Rochon’s Pugs and Kisses sees veterinarian Evie’s structured life turned upside down by a college crush and a threatened animal shelter. This panel offers heartwarming tales where furry friends often serve as Cupid’s most effective assistants.

• Friday, September 25: The History of Pets with Stephanie Howard-Smith and Philipp Schott

  • 1:00 PM PT (4:00 PM ET / 9:00 PM UK)
  • Closing the festival, this panel explores the rich history of our unique relationship with pets. Stephanie Howard-Smith’s Yap! A Short History of Small Dogs offers an entertaining and tender account of our diminutive canine companions, filled with engaging stories and charming illustrations. Philipp Schott’s Heal the Beasts: A Jaunt Through the Curious History of the Veterinary Arts chronicles the fascinating evolution of veterinary medicine, replete with bizarre, humorous, and heartwarming anecdotes. This session provides a historical context for the deep bonds we share with our pets, rounding out a comprehensive festival program.

Broader Implications and Impact

The sustained success and expansion of Bark! Fest highlight several significant trends in contemporary society. The growth of pet ownership, particularly dogs and cats, has been a notable phenomenon globally. According to the American Pet Products Association (APPA), 66% of US households own a pet, equating to 86.9 million households, with dogs and cats consistently ranking as the most popular companions. This burgeoning demographic drives a substantial market for pet-related literature, ranging from scientific studies on animal cognition to heartwarming memoirs and instructional guides. Bark! Fest directly caters to this informed and engaged audience, providing curated access to high-quality content.

Furthermore, the festival’s virtual format capitalizes on the enduring popularity and accessibility of online events. Post-pandemic analyses by platforms like Eventbrite indicate that a significant percentage of event organizers plan to continue offering virtual options, citing benefits such as increased global reach, reduced logistical costs, and enhanced convenience for attendees. Bark! Fest exemplifies this model, breaking down geographical barriers and enabling a diverse international audience to participate in discussions with leading experts and authors who might otherwise be inaccessible. This democratic approach to knowledge sharing fosters a global community of animal lovers and advocates.

The festival also plays a crucial role in supporting authors and the publishing industry, particularly those focusing on niche but vital subjects. In an increasingly competitive literary landscape, events like Bark! Fest provide a dedicated platform for authors to connect directly with their target audience, promote their work, and engage in meaningful dialogue. This direct interaction can be invaluable for both established and emerging voices in animal literature, helping to ensure that important research, compelling stories, and practical advice reach those who can benefit most.

Dr. Zazie Todd, reflecting on the festival’s growth, stated, "We are absolutely thrilled by the overwhelming response to Bark! Fest. What began as a single book launch has blossomed into a vibrant, international celebration of animal literature. The enthusiasm from both authors and attendees underscores the profound connection people have with their pets and their desire to learn more." Kristi Benson added, "This festival offers a unique opportunity for people to engage with some of the brightest minds in the animal world, all from the comfort of their own homes. It’s about fostering understanding, promoting compassionate care, and building a global community of animal advocates."

In conclusion, Bark! Fest 2026 is more than just a series of book discussions; it is a testament to the enduring bond between humans and animals, a platform for education and community building, and a forward-thinking model for literary engagement in the digital age. By offering free access to expert insights and captivating narratives, the festival continues to enrich the lives of pet owners and animal lovers worldwide, promoting responsible pet care and fostering a deeper appreciation for our cherished companions. Interested individuals are encouraged to register early for the remaining sessions to secure their virtual spots.