Research shows birds mellow and move to music and reggae is the sweet spot reducing anxiety in dogs. Now the star-studded London Pet Show Live, celebrating the unique quirks and characters of more than 100 species, will bring the science to life with boogying birds and dancing dogs.

Recent research revealed birds have a full repertoire of 30 dance moves and mellow to music, while earlier studies found reggae most effectively reduces anxiety in dogs, as its tempo closely matches a dog’s calm heartbeat. For cats, the purr-fect mew-sic comes in the form of species-appropriate soundtracks that mimic familiar feline noises like purring. At the capital’s brand-new pet show, these findings will be brought to life as each zone plays music designed to suit its animal stars — and to dial up the dopamine for pets and people alike.

With recent figures showing more London households now have pets than children, the capital is ready for an event designed to help visitors find their perfect pet partner — or simply unwind and escape the rat race by petting a real rat, or cooing at a cat and a cavorting cockatoo.

Other highlights Include:

• Rare axolotls — the alien-like amphibians of Minecraft fame that can regenerate their own limbs.
• A miniature guinea pig village — complete with its own pub and post office and a giant tropical bird aviary.
• Expert celebrity talks from The Dogfather Graeme Hall, The Yorkshire Vet Peter Wright, and TV vet Dr Scott Miller. They will be joined by pet influencers with hundreds of thousands of followers, including Ted the Dog (BBC’s Mortimer and Whitehouse: Gone Fishing).
• A tortoise garden, hamsters, rats, cats, dogs, and more than 100 species under one roof

TV vet, Scott Miller, who will hosting at the show, says: “London is such a diverse city, so I love that this event celebrates the huge range of pets’ people can own and showcases — through music and in other fun but informative ways — their unique quirks and personalities. In a city with more pets than children, London Pet Show Live brings together the weird, wonderful, and well-loved animals that share our homes — whether you want to find your perfect pet companion or simply lose yourself for a few hours in animal heaven.”

The London Pet Show LIVE will take place on 20-21 September at Olympia London (Media preview Friday, 10.30am). Tickets: www.londonpetshowlive.com (children under 16 go free)