Dan Walker and Charlotte Hawkins host two special programmes filled with calming classical music, and expert advice from the RSPCA

Wednesday 5th and Saturday 8th November, 5pm to 9pm on Classic FM and Global Player

As the UK gears up for fireworks season, Classic FM – the UK’s most popular classical music station – has announced the return of one of its biggest programmes of the year.

Classic FM’s Pet Classics, the station’s hugely popular series, is back for its eighth year with two programmes to help keep anxious pets – and their owners – calm and relaxed, despite the noise of fireworks outside. Classic FM Breakfast host and dog-lover Dan Walker will present the first programme on Bonfire Night, Wednesday 5th November from 5pm to 9pm. Pet Classics favourite Charlotte Hawkins follows with the second show, on Saturday 8th November from 5pm to 9pm, to coincide with the busiest night for public and private fireworks displays.

Due to the programme’s popularity with listeners – both pets and their humans – Charlotte is also hosting a brand-new weekly Pet Classics series, every Friday at 9pm, until 31st October. Each week, Charlotte eases listeners into the weekend with the perfect blend of classical music written about or inspired by pet and animals.

New for 2025, all Pet Classics programmes are sponsored by Go.Compare Pet Insurance.

Once again, Classic FM is partnering with the RSPCA to create Pet Classics and provide the ultimate audio sanctuary for animals. A survey by the RSPCA revealed that almost two-thirds (62%) of pet owners said their animal was negatively impacted by loud fireworks, and that playing relaxing music was the most common way (36%) to help calm their pet. Throughout the programmes, Classic FM will share practical advice and top tips from the RSPCA to help listeners care for their pets. Full details are at Global Player and ClassicFM.com.

All Pet Classics programmes have been specially curated to feature the most soothing classical music to calm any nervous pooch or anxious owner. Many of the music choices are connected with animals, such as Camille Saint-Saëns’ Carnival of the Animals: The Swan, and Elgar’s Mina, his last published orchestral work, which he named after his beloved Cairn Terrier.

Since its launch in 2018, Pet Classics has grown to become one of Classic FM’s biggest programmes of the year. Last year, #PetClassics trended No.2 on X, with impressions for Classic FM reaching more than 12 million unique users across social media. Classic FM also received thousands of photos and videos of listeners’ pets relaxing to the music, including ‘Milo’ the Yorkshire Terrier, ‘Storm’ the cat, rabbits ‘Dumbo’ and ‘Delilah’, ‘Pebbles’ the hamster, plus horses, tortoises, hedgehogs, goldfish, spiders and snakes!

“I am so excited to be joining Charlotte and the Pet Classics team again this year. It’s such a special programme to present. It’s always lovely to hear what our listeners and their pets are up to, but it’s also about the calming classical music and the practical advice for anyone who might be struggling.

We know that fireworks can be a problem for pets and animals, so we created Pet Classics to provide the perfect sanctuary for them. I’m looking forward to hearing from all our dedicated fans and any first-timers too. Everyone is welcome!”
Classic FM Breakfast host Dan Walker

“It’s a joy to present Classic FM’s Pet Classics again this year and to welcome all our furry, feathered, and scaly friends to our oasis of calm. It is one of my favourite shows of the year to present.

We know that classical music has a positive and calming effect on humans and animals, and I can’t wait to see that in action, through the thousands of photos and videos we receive of listeners’ pets relaxing to the programmes.”

Classic FM presenter Charlotte Hawkins

Joseph Zubier, Classic FM’s Deputy Managing Editor, said: “Pet Classics is one of our most popular shows of the year on Classic FM, bringing the perfect mix of music, comfort and community to listeners and their pets. We are pleased to continue our partnership with the RSPCA and – for the first time – to welcome our brand-new sponsor, Go.Compare Pet Insurance, who both share our mission to make fireworks season a more relaxed experience for pets and animals across the UK.”

Joshua Tumbridge, Head of Brand and Campaigns at Go.Compare, said: “We’re delighted to be sponsoring Pet Classics on Classic FM. This much-loved programme brings comfort to pets and their owners during what can be a stressful time of year. At Go.Compare we’re dedicated to helping the British public make savvy decisions all year round, so what better way to support pet owners than by backing a show designed to calm animals during fireworks season. 

“Making sure your pets are insured brings peace of mind throughout the year, and by helping consumers access the right policies, providers and pricing, we aim to make it easier for people to find good value when making financial decisions. I’ll certainly be tuning in with my fox red labs, Nala and Mali, as we enjoy hearing Classic FM bring calm to evenings that can be a tough time for pets.”

Classic FM’s Pet Classics:

  • Wednesday 5th November, 5pm to 9pm, with Dan Walker
  • Saturday 8th November, 5pm to 9pm, with Charlotte Hawkins

On Global Player – the official Classic FM app – on your smart speaker, iOS or Android device, 100-102 FM, DAB+ digital radio and TV, and ClassicFM.com.

For listeners who would like to enjoy soothing classical music 24/7, Classic FM Calm, Classic FM’s sister station, is available across the UK on Global Player, on smart speakers, and on DAB in Greater London.