RTE’s The Big Pet Project showcases Belfast’s weirdest, wackiest and most talented animals

This week’s episode was filmed in Belfast and features a range of local families and their remarkable pets

Put 76 animals, six locations, two Irish stars and one pet mobile together and you’ve got RTE Kid’s brand-new, fun-filled family series The Big Pet Project — a wild celebration of Ireland’s most extraordinary pets and the people who love them.

From surfing dogs to painting ponies and goal-scoring turtles, The Big Pet Project introduces viewers to Ireland’s weirdest, wackiest and most talented animals.

Join actress Demi Oviawe (The Young Offenders) and content creator Adam Beales (Bro’s in Control) as they jump into their “Pet Mobile” and travel across Ireland to meet the nation’s most pet-obsessed people.

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But with Adam terrified of rodents and spiders — and Demi still learning the difference between a pony and a horse — what could possibly go wrong?

Produced by Co Antrim ’s HopSkip Studios and filmed across Dublin, Wicklow, Tipperary, Galway, Donegal and Belfast, The Big Pet Project is a fast-paced, feel-good celebration of the bond between people and their pets.

Expect axolotls in Belfast, turtles in Tipperary, hawks in Wicklow, pygmy goats in Donegal, a giant millipede in Galway and an oversized pig in Dublin!

This week’s episode airs on Saturday, December 6 at 5:15 p.m. on RTÉ One, and afterwards on RTÉ Player and the RTÉ Kids YouTube channel.

Filmed on location at Banana Block Belfast, Demi and Adam meet a range of local families and remarkable pets, including 11-year-old Christian with Dart & Elphaba, his much-loved axolotls and Eoghan, aged 12, with Snickers the bearded dragon, a much-wanted pet that he finally brought home after the local community rallied around him when the takings from his fundraising sweet stall were stolen now proudly competing in Crufts 2026.

Also featured are Sharon and Henry Wee Wheels, the inspiring rescue dog on wheels who supports children in schools and Louise and her goddaughter Olivia with their unusual trio: Cali the Great Dane, Rolo the Chihuahua, and Florence the sheep.

Each episode also features a fascinating visit to the veterinary surgery of exotic animal specialist Dr Bobby Ortiz, who opens up the medical files on some incredible creatures — from macaws to African pygmy hedgehogs.

And at the surgery this week, vet Dr Bobby treats Princess the Green Winged Macaw, after she swallowed metal.

And it’s not just the public who are pet crazy! Every episode includes a celebrity challenge with influencer Miriam Mullins and her adorable dog Lucy, inviting audiences at home to join in the fun.

“I had so much fun on The Big Pet Project,” says presenter Demi Oviawe, “I was so shook at some of the unusual pets people keep! We even had a teenager with three generations of garden snails!”

“You’ve heard the saying ‘Never work with children or animals’ -well, we decided to do both!” added producer Kate Finn. “And it’s proved to be a magic combination. Every episode of this series is packed full of unusual, talented and adorable animals and equally adorable and talented people!”

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