This October, Pawfest is set to make history by launching the first-ever ‘Dogs in Yellow’ entrance, specially designed for anxious dogs and their owners. This innovative initiative, the first of its kind at any dog festival, aims to create a calm and stress-free environment from the very start for dogs who may struggle with anxiety.
Sarah Jones, the founder of My Anxious Dog and proud owner of Bella, an anxious Cocker Spaniel (both pictured above), has worked closely with Pawfest organisers to introduce this unique entrance. Dogs wearing yellow, a widely recognised signal that they need extra space, will benefit from a more relaxed entry experience. This thoughtful addition represents a huge leap in making dog festivals more inclusive and welcoming for all.
Sarah was inspired by conversations she had with fellow dog owners at previous events, where many shared their challenges around simply getting their anxious dogs through the entrance gates. “We’ve seen owners and their dogs getting stressed before even entering the event, and that stress can carry through the day. This new entrance is a big step forward, allowing those dogs to have a much better experience from the moment they arrive,” Sarah explained.
To enhance the calming atmosphere, every dog entering through the ‘Dogs in Yellow’ entrance will receive a Pet Remedy calming wipe, while their owners will be treated with a calming spray on their trousers. This ensures that both dogs and their humans start their day in the most relaxed way possible.
In addition to the special entrance, Pawfest is introducing a ‘Quiet Hour’ from 4-5 pm on Saturday. This hour will allow anxious dogs to explore the festival without the hustle and bustle of the usual crowds. Owners can leisurely browse stalls, engage in activities, and seek advice from professionals, all in a peaceful, low-stress setting. Tickets for the quiet hour are priced at £5, offering a wonderful opportunity for sensitive dogs to experience Pawfest without feeling overwhelmed.
As part of the festival, Sarah will also lead a ‘Yellow Pup Parade’ at 4:30 pm. This parade allows owners of dogs in yellow to proudly showcase their pets while raising awareness about the importance of giving anxious dogs space. “There’s still some embarrassment or hesitation around using yellow for anxious dogs. This parade is about embracing it, raising awareness, and helping others understand that these dogs need a little extra space,” Sarah added.
Tickets for the quiet hour, as well as standard tickets priced at £15, are available via the Pawfest website at www.pawfest.com.
A huge thank you goes to Stacy Hanley, the founder of Pawfest, for being the first festival in the UK to fully embrace and implement the ‘Dogs in Yellow’ recommendations. Her commitment to creating a more inclusive and understanding environment for anxious dogs and their owners has made this groundbreaking initiative possible.
For more information on My Anxious Dog and the Dogs in Yellow initiative, visit www.myanxiousdog.co.uk.