Carrot Productions are thrilled to be bringing you the world’s first live orchestra cinema experience created especially for dogs and their humans. Given this is a world first, we ask all who are considering attending to please read the below advice and guidance. This is to help determine if the event is suitable for your dog and to equip you with everything you need to know if you do bring your dog along.

Carrot Productions are delighted that the event will be raising funds to support Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, so we spoke to their experts about how you can ensure your dogs’ comfort and happiness.

The key to maximising your dogs’ happiness is to ensure that you know their likes and dislikes well. All dogs are different, and some may tolerate the loud environment, or enjoy the lively atmosphere at Paws at the Pictures and socialising with other dogs and people, but some may find it challenging. If your dog is the type who thrives around new people and loves to make new dog friends, then we can’t wait to see them join us on the day. If your dog finds these activities challenging or frightening, they are uncomfortable in new environments, or they’re new to your family and you aren’t certain they’d enjoy this fun-packed performance, then we’d advise that you attend without your dog to make sure you don’t cause them stress.  For more advice on reading your dog’s body language, visit this Battersea Dogs & Cats Home advice page: Understanding your dog’s body language | Battersea Dogs & Cats Home

If you feel confident that your dog would enjoy the event, please follow the below advice to ensure all dogs and humans are comfortable and enjoy the performance:

• Keep your dog on a short lead (not an extendable one), at all times before, during and after the event.
• Avoid allowing your dog to pull over to other dogs that you don’t know. Even if your dog is usually well behaved, they will be in an unfamiliar environment with unfamiliar dogs and people. Combined with the additional noise of the event, this could become overwhelming for your dog.
• Choose a seat along the aisle to allow you to leave easily if needed, the performance will be approximately 45 minutes long.
• Choose a seat not too close to any other dogs and away from the front, where the orchestra will be, to ensure your dogs’ comfort.
• Keep your dog close to you throughout the performance (we recommend they sit at your feet).
• There will be water bowls and some dog beds available, but we recommend you bring your own dog bed and chews, if that would enhance your dogs’ comfort. If you do bring these items to help your dog settle, be mindful of resource around other dogs. If you know your dog has resource issues, then consider leaving these items at home or be cautious of other dogs and people passing their bed.
• Lighting, temperature and noise will all be considered for your dogs’ safety and comfort, but if at any point you or your dog is uncomfortable, stressed or overwhelmed, please head to the comfort break area at the back, outside, or leave the event.

Alice Rotti, Canine Behaviour and Training Lead from Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, said:

“We want all the dogs and their owners to enjoy Paws at the Pictures, so we encourage people to take measures to ensure their dog is relaxed and happy. Remember, all dogs are different, and there’s no pressure to take part in anything they’re not keen on.

Of course, if your dog did start to display signs of stress, such as lip licking, increased vigilance or restlessness, panting heavily, tail tucked under, continuous barking, keeping their ears back, yawning or increased tension in the body and face, that’s a sign that you need to take them to the quiet area, such as outside the building, or consider taking them home to unwind.

Carrot Productions have planned the event to be comfortable for dogs in attendance, but it will be a loud, busy and bustling environment. Being a great dog owner means knowing their needs well and advocating for them, so we encourage everyone to consider this before bringing their dog along.

We hope that all those who attend Paws at the Pictures enjoy this unique event!”

If you would like to attend the event with your dog, make sure you tell us you’re bringing them when booking, as numbers will be limited.

PRE EVENT INFORMATION

This event takes place in person in our Grand Hall. This space is on the ground floor, with step-free access via a lift.

If you have booked a ticket you will receive an email from us before your performance detailing important information about your visit.

PERFORMANCE INFORMATION

This event will be Relaxed. We invite you to make yourself comfortable and move around if you need to and if you need to leave the event at any point you will be allowed to return to the space when you feel ready.

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