Bark! Fest Returns in 2026: A Global Celebration of Animal Literature and Expert Insights

The highly anticipated Bark! Fest, a virtual book festival dedicated to exploring the multifaceted world of dogs and cats through literature, is set to return from September 14 to September 25, 2026. This second iteration of the popular online event will feature twenty-three distinguished authors discussing twenty-two influential books, offering animal enthusiasts worldwide an unparalleled opportunity to engage with leading voices in animal behavior, welfare, and storytelling. Co-hosted by renowned animal behavior expert Dr. Zazie Todd and co-host Kristi Benson, the festival promises a rich, accessible, and free program designed to deepen understanding and foster appreciation for our beloved companion animals.

The Genesis and Evolution of Bark! Fest

Bark! Fest originated in 2024 as a landmark virtual launch event for Dr. Zazie Todd’s critically acclaimed book, Bark! The Science of Helping Your Anxious, Fearful, or Reactive Dog. Conceived as a one-off gathering, its overwhelming success and the enthusiastic feedback from attendees prompted organizers to transform it into a recurring fixture in the literary and animal welfare calendar. The inaugural festival garnered significant attention for its innovative format, bringing together a diverse array of experts and authors in an accessible online environment. Recordings of the initial events, still available on platforms like YouTube, serve as a testament to the high quality and engaging nature of the discussions.

The decision to revive Bark! Fest underscores a growing demand for evidence-based information and compelling narratives about companion animals. The 2026 festival expands its scope significantly, moving beyond a single book launch to celebrate a broader spectrum of literature, encompassing non-fiction explorations of animal cognition and behavior, practical training guides, and captivating fiction that places dogs and cats at the heart of their narratives. This expansion reflects a commitment to providing comprehensive resources for pet owners, professionals, and anyone passionate about animal well-being.

A Comprehensive Look at the 2026 Schedule

The 2026 Bark! Fest boasts a meticulously curated schedule of events, each designed to offer unique insights and foster engaging discussions. All sessions are free to attend, though registration is required, ensuring participants receive access to live broadcasts and post-event recordings. Attendees who join live will also have the chance to win exclusive door prizes.

Monday, September 14: Our Enduring Relationship with Dogs
The festival commences with a profound exploration of the human-canine bond, featuring Rory Cellan-Jones and Simon Wooler. Cellan-Jones, known for his distinguished career in journalism, will discuss his memoir, Sophie From Romania: What a rescue dog taught me about love, patience and hope. This poignant account details his journey with Sophie, a rescue dog whose anxiety presented significant challenges, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding of love and resilience. His narrative offers a personal perspective on the transformative power of patience and empathy in animal guardianship. Complementing this, Simon Wooler, an expert trainer who worked with Sophie, will present insights from his book, More Than Just a Dog: Understanding, Loving, and Living with Dogs—an essential guide for humans. Wooler’s work delves into canine learning, communication, and the intricate factors that forge the powerful connection between humans and dogs. This opening session, scheduled for 10 am PT (1 pm ET/6 pm UK), sets a thoughtful tone for the festival, emphasizing kindness and informed interaction.

Tuesday, September 15: Crafting Canine Characters in Fiction
For literary enthusiasts, this session brings together two celebrated authors, Patricia McConnell, PhD, and Cat Warren, to discuss the art of writing dogs as realistic and impactful characters in fiction. Dr. McConnell, an internationally renowned applied animal behaviorist, will share insights from her first novel, Away to Me, a suspenseful mystery set in the competitive world of sheepdog trials. Her previous non-fiction works, including the compassionate memoir The Education of Will, have explored trauma and healing in both humans and animals, experiences that undoubtedly inform her fictional creations. Cat Warren, author of the New York Times bestseller What the Dog Knows: Scent, Science, and the Amazing Ways Dogs Perceive the World, will also contribute. Her non-fiction explores the extraordinary abilities of scent detection dogs, exemplified by her own "impossible" shepherd dog, Solo, who became a human remains detection dog. As both authors work on new novels, their conversation will delve into the rigorous process of crafting believable canine characters that resonate with readers, scheduled for 1 pm PT (4 pm ET/9 pm UK).

Wednesday, September 16: Navigating the Canine World
This panel will offer a comprehensive overview of dog behavior, breeds, and training, featuring Lili Chin, Melissa McCue-McGrath, and Kerry Nichols. Lili Chin’s Dogs of the World: A Gallery of Pups from Purebred to Mutts provides an expansive visual and historical journey through over 600 dog breeds, exploring their origins and genetic diversity. Melissa McCue-McGrath will share her unique perspective from Misadventures of the World’s Okayest Dog Trainer: 25 Cases to Guide Dog Trainers and Behaviourists in Their Career, offering a humorous yet insightful look into modern behavioral science and the realities of dog training. Kerry Nichols, author of the national bestseller Puppy Brain: How Our Dogs Learn, Think, and Love, will address the critical developmental stages of puppies, providing evidence-based strategies for raising happy and resilient dogs. This session, at 1 pm PT (4 pm ET/9 pm UK), is invaluable for new and experienced dog guardians alike.

Thursday, September 17: A Deeper Look Inside of a Dog with Alexandra Horowitz
A highly anticipated session features cognitive scientist Alexandra Horowitz, discussing 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. Horowitz’s seminal work has profoundly shaped public understanding of canine perception, offering a unique perspective on the world from a dog’s point of view. The updated edition incorporates the latest scientific findings in canine cognition, exploring dogs’ understanding of human emotions and language, and the evolving narrative of domestication. This engaging book, blending scientific rigor with personal observation, is considered essential reading for all dog guardians. The session, scheduled for 1 pm PT (4 pm ET/9 pm UK), has already reached full registration, underscoring the immense interest in Horowitz’s contributions to the field.

Friday, September 18: Unraveling Feline Behavior
Shifting focus to our feline companions, this panel brings together cat behavior experts Sarah Brown, Caroline Clark, Meghan Herron, and Carlo Siracusa. Sarah Brown will discuss The Hidden Language of Cats: How They Have Us at Meow, elucidating the subtle and overt ways cats communicate, from vocalizations to tail signals and head rubs. Caroline Clark’s A Professional’s Guide to Feline Behaviour: Understanding, Improving and Resolving Problems offers a robust framework for behavior professionals and students to analyze feline behavior and develop effective intervention strategies. Veterinary behaviorists Dr. Meghan Herron and Dr. Carlo Siracusa will present insights from the ACVB-edited volume Decoding Your Cat: The Ultimate Experts Explain Common Cat Behaviors and Reveal How to Prevent or Change Unwanted Ones, a comprehensive guide addressing common behavioral issues. This session, at 11 am PT (2 pm ET/7 pm UK), is also fully registered, highlighting the significant demand for expert guidance on cat behavior.

Monday, September 21: Addressing Resource Guarding with Jean Donaldson
The festival resumes with a critical discussion on resource guarding in dogs, led by Jean Donaldson, one of the world’s most respected dog trainers. Donaldson will delve into the newly updated second edition of her classic text, Mine! A Practical Guide to Resource Guarding in Dogs. This book has been a foundational resource for dog guardians and trainers grappling with dogs who guard valuable items like food and toys. Donaldson, also the author of the seminal Culture Clash, will offer insights into both the broader principles of positive reinforcement training and the specific, nuanced techniques essential for modifying resource guarding behavior. Her expertise is widely recognized for its pragmatic, effective approach to complex behavioral challenges. This session is scheduled for 11 am PT (2 pm ET/7 pm UK).

Tuesday, September 22: Canine Crime and Mystery
Fans of crime and mystery novels will be drawn to this thrilling panel featuring Antony Johnston, Blake Mara, and Louisa Scarr, celebrating dogs’ roles in solving fictional crimes. Antony Johnston will present his witty cozy mystery, The Dog Sitter Detective Plays Dead, where dog sitter Gwinny Tuffel finds herself entangled in a murder mystery during a film shoot in the Yorkshire Dales. Blake Mara’s twisty whodunnit, The Dog Park Detectives Paw and Order, follows a group of dog walkers who take it upon themselves to investigate a mysterious death in their local park. Louisa Scarr will discuss her gripping police procedural, Broken House, featuring PC Lucy Halliday and her canine partner, Moss, as they search for a woman missing for a decade. This panel, scheduled for 10 am PT (1 pm ET/6 pm UK), promises suspense and a reunion with some familiar faces from the first Bark! Fest.

Wednesday, September 23: The Amazing Abilities of Animals
This session will explore the extraordinary capabilities of animals and the power of literature to inspire readers of all ages, featuring Marc Bekoff, PhD, and Alison Pearce Stevens. Dr. Bekoff, a leading voice in animal cognition and emotional life, will discuss Love In Their Hearts: A Celebration of Animal Emotions and a Guide to Compassionate Action. This book invites readers to explore the rich inner world of animals, blending cutting-edge research with a compelling call for compassionate action. Alison Pearce Stevens will present Detective Dogs: How Working Dogs Sniff Out Invasive Species, a fascinating account of how dogs are being trained to use their exceptional olfactory senses to aid conservation efforts by detecting invasive species. This informative panel, scheduled for 2 pm PT (5 pm ET/10 pm UK), offers insights into both animal sentience and their practical contributions to environmental protection.

Thursday, September 24: Love, Laughter, and Paws: The Romance Panel
A charming panel dedicated to the role animals play in matters of the heart will feature romance authors Julie Haworth, Nicola Knight, and Farrah Rochon. Julie Haworth’s New Beginnings at the Cosy Cat Café tells the story of Tori, who, after a heartbreak, finds solace and potential new love amidst rescue cats and a hunky fireman. Nicola Knight’s Washed Up strands a protagonist on an island with a mysterious stranger during a storm, leading to unexpected romantic developments with a dash of island charm. Farrah Rochon’s Pugs and Kisses introduces veterinarian Evie, whose seemingly perfect but predictable life is turned upside down by the return of a college crush and a threat to the animal shelter they once volunteered at. This panel, scheduled for 11 am PT (2 pm ET/7 pm UK), celebrates the heartwarming ways animals can bring people together and spark romance.

Friday, September 25: A Journey Through Pet History
The festival concludes with a fascinating look into the historical relationship between humans and their pets, presented by Stephanie Howard-Smith and Philipp Schott. Stephanie Howard-Smith’s Yap! A Short History of Small Dogs offers an entertaining and tender history of our diminutive canine companions, told through engaging anecdotes 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, replete with bizarre, humorous, surprising, and heartwarming historical accounts. This concluding session, scheduled for 1 pm PT (4 pm ET/9 pm UK), provides a rich historical context for our contemporary interactions with animals, highlighting the enduring and evolving bond we share.

Accessibility, Engagement, and Support

Bark! Fest remains committed to accessibility. The virtual format allows for global participation, transcending geographical barriers and bringing expert knowledge directly to participants’ homes. All events are free, with recordings available for those who register, ensuring that valuable content is accessible regardless of time zone or scheduling conflicts. The co-hosting dynamic between Dr. Zazie Todd and Kristi Benson, both respected figures in the animal behavior community, promises insightful moderation and engaging dialogue.

A core tenet of Bark! Fest is to champion the authors and their invaluable contributions to the literary and animal welfare fields. Attendees are encouraged to support participating authors by purchasing their books. Options include local independent bookstores, Dr. Todd’s Amazon store, or Bookshop.org, which supports independent bookstores. This emphasis on supporting authors directly aligns with the festival’s mission to promote high-quality, responsible literature about animals.

Broader Impact and Implications

The return of Bark! Fest signifies more than just a series of book talks; it represents a significant contribution to animal welfare, education, and the literary community. By bringing together leading authors and experts, the festival democratizes access to evidence-based information on animal behavior and care. In an era where misinformation can proliferate, platforms like Bark! Fest serve as crucial conduits for reliable knowledge, empowering pet owners to provide better care and fostering more humane interactions with animals.

The festival also highlights the growing sophistication and diversity of animal-centric literature, from scientific treatises to engaging fiction. This trend reflects an increasing societal recognition of animals as complex, sentient beings deserving of understanding and respect. Furthermore, the virtual format demonstrates an effective model for large-scale educational initiatives, offering flexibility and reach that traditional in-person events often cannot match. As such, Bark! Fest not only celebrates books about dogs and cats but also reinforces the vital role of education and community in advancing animal welfare globally.