Following its overwhelming success for two years in New York City and its national tour to 10 cities last year, the inaugural NY Dog Film Festival is traveling to 20 places this year, including Bainbridge Island, where it shall be hosted at the Lynwood Theatre (4569 Lynwood Road NE) on Sunday, July 23.

Theater officials said this will be a historic BYOD (Bring Your Own Dog!) event, with the cinema welcoming well-mannered dogs into the theater, with their people, to share the experience.

People without dogs will also be welcome.

The mission of the NY Dog Film Festival, said founder/director Tracie Hotchner, is to share her love of dogs by celebrating the human-canine bond with a program of short films that entertain and inspire, while supporting a local animal welfare organization. The Kitsap Humane Society, which will receive 100 percent of every $5 dog ticket purchased.

Tickets are $10 each for humans, with or without their canine companions.

There are two screenings from which to choose: 2 and 4 p.m., perfect for dog lovers of all ages. The two programs each feature an entirely different medley of documentary, animated and live-action canine-themed short films by filmmakers from around the world. The films illuminate the remarkable bond between dogs and people and are uplifting, with happy outcomes.

Each program runs approximately 70 minutes.

Hotchner, a well-known pet wellness advocate and author of “The Dog Bible: Everything Your Dog Wants You to Know,” makes her home in Bennington, Vermont. She created the festival, she said, to bring local dog aficionados together to share a communal experience of watching short films that celebrate the remarkable bond between people and dogs.

“I’m delighted to bring animal lovers together on dog-friendly Bainbridge Island to experience the many ways that people love and need their dogs, while recognizing the Kitsap Humane Society’s great work in bringing them together,” Hotchner said.

More information about the films and ticket purchasing is available at www.dogfilmfestival.com.