Pets and Fireworks: Prepare for a Calmer New Year

Fireworks preparation starts before the noisy evening. Build a plan around your own pet’s habits, rather than expecting a last-minute distraction to solve everything.

Make a quiet space familiar

The RSPCA recommends planning ahead and providing somewhere pets can feel safe. Set up familiar bedding in a comfortable indoor space. Let your pet explore it in advance; do not force a frightened animal into an unfamiliar enclosure. Ask your vet early if previous fireworks caused significant distress.

Plan the household routine

Choose who handles meals, prescribed treatments and door openings. For dogs, organise walks before fireworks are expected. Keep cats indoors during the display and close windows and curtains. Preserve the usual routine where possible; invitations and visitors should fit around the animal’s needs.

Prepare information you may need

• A recent photo and your current contact details.
• The microchip number and the registry contact, checked separately.
• Your local emergency clinic’s phone number and opening hours.
• The veterinarian’s existing care instructions, copied accurately.

Do not borrow another animal’s medication or invent a calming dose. Ask a veterinary professional about treatment questions.

Keep a useful observation note

In PokiPaw, note when the noise started, where the animal chose to rest and what behaviour you observed. “Hid under the bed from 20:10 to 20:40” is more useful than an unsupported diagnosis. This log can support a later conversation about next year’s preparation.

After the display

Check doors and outdoor surroundings before returning to normal activities. Record concerns and contact the clinic if needed. A quiet space and an app are supports, not guarantees that every animal will remain calm.

Should I wait until New Year’s Eve to ask the vet? No. Make the appointment early enough to discuss a plan and any preparation the vet recommends.

Related guides

• Halloween Pet Safety: A Checklist for Dogs and Cats
• Pet Emergency Preparedness: What Every Owner Should Have Ready

Sources checked on 5 October 2026: RSPCA.

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