Bark! Fest 2026 Announces Expansive Virtual Program Featuring 23 Authors and 22 Books on Dogs and Cats

The highly anticipated Bark! Fest, a 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 distinguished authors discussing twenty-two diverse books, offering animal lovers a unique opportunity to engage with experts and storytellers from the comfort of their homes. Co-hosted by renowned animal behavior expert Dr. Zazie Todd and experienced dog trainer and author Kristi Benson, the festival promises a deep dive into various facets of the human-animal bond, canine and feline behavior, and compelling narratives across genres.

The Evolution of Bark! Fest: From Launch to Literary Landmark

Bark! Fest originated in 2024 as a one-off virtual launch event for Dr. Zazie Todd’s acclaimed book, Bark! The Science of Helping Your Anxious, Fearful, or Reactive Dog. The inaugural festival garnered overwhelmingly positive feedback from attendees, highlighting a significant demand for accessible, high-quality content focused on companion animals. Its initial success, marked by robust attendance and enthusiastic engagement, prompted the organizers to transform it into an annual event. The 2026 iteration represents a significant expansion in scope, transitioning from a single book launch to a comprehensive literary festival that showcases a broad spectrum of works by leading voices in animal behavior, science, and fiction. This evolution underscores the growing public interest in understanding and celebrating the lives of dogs and cats through literature.

The virtual format of Bark! Fest ensures global accessibility, allowing participants from various time zones to connect with authors and fellow animal enthusiasts without geographical barriers. All events are free to attend, though registration is mandatory. For those unable to attend live, recordings of each session will be made available. Additionally, live attendees will have the exclusive chance to win door prizes, adding an element of interactive excitement to the digital experience. The festival’s commitment to accessibility and engagement reflects a modern approach to literary events, leveraging technology to foster a worldwide community of animal book lovers.

A Detailed Look at the 2026 Program Schedule

The 2026 Bark! Fest program is meticulously curated, spanning eleven days and covering a wide array of topics. Each session features prominent authors whose works have significantly contributed to our understanding and appreciation of dogs and cats.

Our Relationship with Dogs: Empathy, Rescue, and Understanding
September 14 at 10 am PT (1 pm ET/6 pm UK)
The festival kicks off with a compelling discussion featuring Rory Cellan-Jones, a veteran journalist, and Simon Wooler, an expert dog trainer. Cellan-Jones will share insights from his book, Sophie From Romania: What a rescue dog taught me about love, patience and hope, which chronicles his personal journey of helping a rescue dog overcome anxiety and discover joy. This narrative resonates with the increasing global awareness surrounding rescue animals and the profound impact they have on human lives. Simon Wooler, known for his work with Sophie, will delve deeper into canine cognition and communication with More Than Just a Dog: Understanding, Loving, and Living with Dogs—an essential guide for humans. Their combined expertise offers a holistic view of the human-dog bond, emphasizing kindness, understanding, and the practical application of behavioral science in fostering healthy relationships with our canine companions.

Writing Dogs in Fiction: Crafting Authentic Canine Characters
September 15 at 1 pm PT (4 pm ET/9 pm UK)
This unique panel brings together two highly respected authors, Patricia McConnell, PhD, and Cat Warren, to discuss the art of integrating realistic canine characters into fiction. Dr. McConnell, an internationally renowned applied animal behaviorist and author of the compassionate memoir The Education of Will, will present her first novel, Away to Me, a suspenseful mystery set in the world of sheepdog trials. Cat Warren, author of the New York Times bestseller What the Dog Knows: Scent, Science, and the Amazing Ways Dogs Perceive the World, will explore the extraordinary abilities of scent detection dogs, a theme she masterfully weaves into her narratives. Both authors, actively working on new novels, will offer insights into the challenges and rewards of crafting canine characters that are both engaging and authentic, reflecting their deep understanding of animal behavior in their fictional worlds.

The World of Dogs: Breeds, Training, and Puppy Development
September 16 at 1 pm PT (4 pm ET/9 pm UK)
This session explores the multifaceted world of dogs through the perspectives of Lili Chin, Melissa McCue-McGrath, and Kerry Nichols. Lili Chin, celebrated for her distinctive illustrations, will discuss Dogs of the World: A Gallery of Pups from Purebred to Mutts, offering a visual and historical journey through various dog breeds and their genetic heritage. Melissa McCue-McGrath’s Misadventures of the World’s Okayest Dog Trainer promises a humorous yet insightful look into modern behavioral science and the realities of dog training. Completing the panel, Kerry Nichols, with her national bestseller Puppy Brain: How Our Dogs Learn, Think, and Love, will provide invaluable guidance on raising happy and resilient puppies. This panel caters to a wide audience, from those interested in breed origins to new puppy guardians seeking evidence-based advice.

Inside of a Dog: A Canine Cognition Classic Revisited
September 17 at 1 pm PT (4 pm ET/9 pm UK) – FULL
A highlight of the festival, cognitive scientist Alexandra Horowitz will discuss the fully revised and updated second edition of her beloved #1 New York Times bestseller, Inside of a Dog: What Dogs See, Smell, and Know. This seminal work has revolutionized how humans perceive canine cognition, blending engaging narrative with rigorous scientific research. Dr. Horowitz will share the latest findings in canine perception, dogs’ understanding of human emotions and language, and the evolving narrative of domestication. The session’s immediate "FULL" status underscores the enduring impact of her work and the public’s thirst for deeper scientific understanding of their canine companions.

Feline Focus: Understanding Cat Behavior
September 18 at 11 am PT (2 pm ET/7 pm UK) – FULL
Addressing the often-underestimated complexities of feline behavior, this panel features Sarah Brown, Caroline Clark, Dr. Meghan Herron, and Dr. Carlo Siracusa. Sarah Brown, author of The Hidden Language of Cats: How They Have Us at Meow, will decode feline communication, from subtle tail signals to distinct meows. Caroline Clark, in A Professional’s Guide to Feline Behaviour, will provide insights for professionals and students on analyzing and resolving cat behavior issues. Veterinary behaviorists Dr. Herron and Dr. Siracusa will discuss Decoding Your Cat: The Ultimate Experts Explain Common Cat Behaviors and Reveal How to Prevent or Change Unwanted Ones, an ACVB-edited volume offering comprehensive guidance on understanding and managing feline behaviors. This panel is crucial for cat guardians seeking to enhance their relationship with their feline friends. Its full registration status further emphasizes the growing recognition of feline behavioral science.

Mastering Resource Guarding with Jean Donaldson
September 21 at 11 am PT (2 pm ET/7 pm UK)
Jean Donaldson, widely regarded as one of the world’s foremost dog trainers and author of the groundbreaking Culture Clash, returns to Bark! Fest to discuss the newly updated second edition of her classic, Mine! A Practical Guide to Resource Guarding in Dogs. This session is indispensable for dog guardians and trainers grappling with resource guarding issues. Donaldson will delve into the nuances of positive reinforcement training, offering practical strategies and a deeper understanding of the behavioral principles that can transform a dog’s relationship with their possessions. Her expertise promises to provide invaluable tools for managing a common and challenging canine behavior.

Canine Crime and Mystery: Paws and Clues
September 22 at 10 am PT (1 pm ET/6 pm UK)
For lovers of crime and mystery novels, this panel explores the popular subgenre where dogs play pivotal roles in solving crimes. Antony Johnston will present his witty cozy mystery, The Dog Sitter Detective Plays Dead, set against the backdrop of a film shoot in the Yorkshire Dales. Blake Mara’s The Dog Park Detectives Paw and Order follows a group of dog walkers turned amateur sleuths investigating a death in their local park. Louisa Scarr’s thrilling police procedural, Broken House, features PC Lucy Halliday and her dog Moss in a search for a woman who disappeared a decade ago. This panel, featuring returning authors and new voices, promises suspense, intrigue, and a celebration of canine companions as crime-solving partners.

Amazing Animals: Intelligence, Emotion, and Conservation
September 23 at 2 pm PT (5 pm ET/10 pm UK)
This insightful panel, featuring Marc Bekoff, PhD, and Alison Pearce Stevens, explores the extraordinary abilities and inner lives of animals. Dr. Bekoff’s Love In Their Hearts: A Celebration of Animal Emotions and a Guide to Compassionate Action invites readers of all ages to delve into the emotional worlds of animals, blending cutting-edge research with a call for compassionate action. Alison Pearce Stevens, in Detective Dogs: How Working Dogs Sniff Out Invasive Species, tells the fascinating story of how dogs are being deployed in crucial conservation efforts, using their exceptional olfactory senses to protect ecosystems. This session highlights the profound intelligence and emotional depth of animals and their vital role in our world.

The Romance Panel: When Pets Play Cupid
September 24 at 11 am PT (2 pm ET/7 pm UK)
Adding a delightful dimension to the festival, this charming panel features celebrated romance authors Julie Haworth, Nicola Knight, and Farrah Rochon, who explore how animals can catalyze love and connection. Julie Haworth’s New Beginnings at the Cosy Cat Café follows a woman finding happiness with the help of a fireman and rescue cats. Nicola Knight’s Washed Up tells the story of an unexpected romance on a storm-isolated island. Farrah Rochon’s Pugs and Kisses features a veterinarian whose perfect life is disrupted by a college crush and a threat to her beloved animal shelter. These authors will discuss the integral role pets play in weaving heartwarming romantic narratives, often acting as catalysts for character development and burgeoning relationships.

A Historical Perspective: The Evolution of Pets
September 25 at 1 pm PT (4 pm ET/9 pm UK)
Closing the festival, Stephanie Howard-Smith and Philipp Schott will guide attendees through the fascinating history of our special relationships with pets. Stephanie Howard-Smith’s Yap! A Short History of Small Dogs offers an entertaining and tender historical account of small canine companions, enriched with engaging stories and charming illustrations. Philipp Schott’s Heal the Beasts: A Jaunt Through the Curious History of the Veterinary Arts chronicles the evolution of veterinary medicine, presenting a wealth of bizarre, humorous, surprising, and heartwarming anecdotes. This panel provides a compelling historical context to the human-animal bond, demonstrating how our interactions with pets have shaped both our cultures and scientific understanding.

Accessibility and Engagement: A Global Community

The virtual nature of Bark! Fest 2026 is a cornerstone of its mission to create a truly global community of animal lovers. By removing geographical barriers, the festival allows attendees from diverse backgrounds and time zones to participate actively. The provision of session recordings ensures that no one misses out, while the opportunity to win door prizes for live attendees adds an element of immediate reward and participation. The co-hosting by Dr. Zazie Todd, founder of Companion Animal Psychology, and Kristi Benson, an acclaimed dog trainer and author, ensures a blend of scientific rigor, practical insight, and engaging discussion throughout the event. Their combined expertise provides a trusted and informed platform for these important conversations.

Supporting the Authors and the Mission

A core objective of Bark! Fest is to champion the authors and their invaluable contributions to animal literature. Attendees are encouraged to support these writers by purchasing their books. The festival facilitates this by providing links to local independent bookstores, as well as to Dr. Zazie Todd’s Amazon store and Bookshop.org lists, which may include affiliate links. This approach not only promotes the featured works but also supports the broader ecosystem of publishing and retail, ensuring that authors can continue to share their knowledge and stories. The festival acts as a vital bridge between authors, their works, and an engaged readership, fostering a vibrant literary culture centered on our cherished animal companions.

Broader Impact and Future Implications

Bark! Fest 2026 stands as more than just a series of book talks; it is a significant cultural event that reflects and reinforces the evolving relationship between humans and their companion animals. By providing a platform for discussions on animal behavior, welfare, cognition, and the profound emotional bonds we share, the festival contributes to a more informed and compassionate approach to pet ownership. The diversity of topics, from scientific inquiry to fictional narratives and historical perspectives, underscores the multifaceted ways in which animals enrich human lives and stimulate intellectual curiosity. The sustained success and expansion of Bark! Fest signal a growing public appetite for nuanced, expert-led conversations about dogs and cats, promising to be an enduring fixture in the literary calendar for years to come.