Sky launches BonfireNight channel to calm nervous pets
October 25, 2024 13.02 Europe/London By Julian Clover


Sky has launched a new pop up channel in partnership with dog welfare charity Dogs Trust that’s been designed to help our four-legged friends stay calm during a stressful period.

The BonfireNight channel will feature a range of soothing, funny and distracting movies specifically curated for dogs to enjoy with their owners, helping to ease anxiety triggered by loud noises. It it will air from 6am on 1 November until 6am on 6 November, a period that takes in the end of Diwali and the run-in to Guy Fawkes Night.

Sky and NOW’s extensive back catalogue of more than 1,000 films were whittled down with the help of Dogs Trust. The charity’s experts said feel-good, relaxing, and familiar content was a must-have, as it helps keep dogs’ owners calm, which in turn can help pooches relax too.

Jamie Morris, Sky’s Director of Content Strategy & Performance, said: “As a dog lover myself, I know all too well how stressful Bonfire Night can be. That’s why we wanted to create something supportive to help dogs and their owners.”

Films that promote laughter and general positivity were essential, while anything with negatively associated emotions and intense content were ruled out.

“Firework season can be particularly stressful for dogs as the loud bangs and flashes can cause fear and anxiety. Around half the UK’s dogs are affected by fireworks in some way, and fear can develop even in dogs who previously haven’t shown signs of distress,” said Jenna Kiddie, Head of Canine Behaviour at Dogs Trust.

The final list of 21 includes blockbuster titles such as Barbie and Anyone But You – as well as comedy classics David Brent: Life on the Road and Step Brothers – which are guaranteed to put a smile on owners’ faces. Classic, familiar, flicks include the iconic E.T., the Bridget Jones trilogy and Shrek 1.