Bonfire Night Pet Safety

Bonfire Night is a highlight of the year for many people, but for our pets it can be a frightening time. The loud bangs, bright flashes and unpredictable noises of fireworks can cause real distress for cats and dogs, and displays often carry on for days either side of 5th November. At North Clwyd Animal Rescue, we see first-hand how stressful this time of year can be for animals, so we have put together our top tips to help keep your pets safe and settled.

Why fireworks frighten pets

Cats and dogs have far more sensitive hearing than we do. A firework that seems loud to us can be painfully intense for them. Because the noises are sudden and unpredictable, and pets cannot understand where they are coming from, many animals become anxious, panicked or even try to escape.

Signs your pet may be stressed include trembling, panting, pacing, hiding, drooling, barking, whining, hissing, refusing food or toileting indoors. Every animal reacts differently, so get to know what is normal for your pet and watch for changes in behaviour.

Prepare before Bonfire Night

Good preparation makes a big difference. Start getting ready before the 5th November.

Check your pet’s microchip details. If your dog or cat bolts in fear, a microchip is the best chance of getting them home quickly. Make sure your contact details are up to date with your microchip database. Cat microchipping is now a legal requirement in England and is strongly recommended everywhere, including Wales. Dogs must be microchipped by law across the UK.

Make sure collars and tags are in place. Dogs should wear a collar with an ID tag showing your name and address. Check that it fits securely.

Find out when displays are planned locally. Check community noticeboards, social media groups and local council websites so you know when fireworks are likely and can plan around them.

Talk to your vet early. If your pet is very anxious, speak to your vet well in advance. They can advise on calming products and behavioural support. Never give your pet medication without veterinary advice.

Create a safe space at home

Pets feel safest when they have somewhere familiar to retreat to. Setting this up ahead of time helps them feel secure.

• Provide a cosy den, such as a covered crate, a bed in a quiet room or a cardboard box lined with blankets
• Let your pet choose where they feel safest, and never force them out of a hiding place
• Close windows, curtains and cat flaps to reduce noise and block out flashes of light
• Play calming music, put the television on or leave a radio playing to help mask the bangs
• Keep familiar bedding, toys and items that smell of you nearby
• Consider using a plug-in pheromone diffuser, which some owners find helpful for dogs and cats

Bonfire Night advice for dogs

Walk your dog early. Exercise your dog in daylight, before the fireworks begin. Never walk your dog after dark during the firework period, and keep them on a lead at all times in case an unexpected bang startles them.

Feed a meal before the fireworks start. A full tummy can help dogs feel more relaxed, and it also means they will have had their dinner before any stress sets in.

Stay calm and act normally. Dogs take their cues from us. If you stay relaxed, your dog is more likely to feel reassured. Offer comfort if they seek it, but avoid making a big fuss.

Never punish a frightened dog. Fear is not misbehaviour. Telling your dog off will only add to their anxiety.

Do not leave your dog home alone if you can avoid it. If you need to go out, arrange for someone they know and trust to stay with them.

Use distractions. Chew toys, treat-filled puzzle feeders and long-lasting chews can help keep your dog occupied.

Bonfire Night advice for cats

Keep cats indoors. Bring your cat inside well before dusk and keep them in until the fireworks have finished for the night. Cats that are usually outdoor explorers may be especially frightened and likely to run.

Provide a litter tray. Your cat may not feel safe going outside to toilet, so make sure there is a clean tray available indoors.

Offer hiding places. Cats feel safest when they can hide. Leave boxes, blankets, shelves and cosy spots where they can retreat.

Do not shut your cat in one room against their will. Allow them to move around the house and choose where they feel most comfortable.

Provide food and water indoors. Make sure everything they need is available inside, so they do not feel the need to go out.

Small pets and other animals

Rabbits, guinea pigs and other small animals can also be badly affected by fireworks. If they live outdoors, move their hutches into a quiet shed or garage, or bring them indoors, and cover part of the hutch with a blanket to muffle the noise. Make sure they have plenty of bedding to burrow into.

Keeping wildlife safe

Bonfires can be a hazard for hedgehogs and other wildlife, which may crawl into unlit piles of wood and leaves to shelter. If you are planning a bonfire, build it on the day you light it, or check carefully before lighting.

Horses & livestock

Check fencing and gates are secure and keep them in a familiar environment. Try to maintain their normal routine and check on them regularly.

Responsible fireworks use

If you are holding your own display, consider the impact on neighbours’ pets and local animals. Let neighbours know in advance, keep displays short and follow the Firework Code. Remember that in the UK, fireworks must not be set off between 11pm and 7am, with limited exceptions such as 5th November, when the cut-off is midnight.

Please also be mindful of the wider impact on farm animals and horses nearby, which can panic and injure themselves when startled.

If your pet goes missing

Even with the best precautions, pets can escape when frightened. If your pet goes missing:

• Search your immediate area calmly and check any hiding places
• Contact your microchip database to report your pet missing
• Notify local vets, rescues and dog wardens
• Post on local community groups and social media
• Put up posters with a clear photo and your contact details

Support North Clwyd Animal Rescue

North Clwyd Animal Rescue is a no-kill charity caring for unwanted, abandoned and neglected animals across North Wales. Bonfire Night is one of the busiest and most worrying times of the year for animals, and we rely entirely on the kindness of our supporters to continue our work. If you would like to help, you can donate through our website, support one of our fundraising events or find out how to volunteer.

Final thoughts

With a little planning, you can help your cats and dogs feel safe and secure this Bonfire Night. Prepare early, create a calm space, keep your pets indoors after dark and stay close if you can. From all of us at NCAR, we wish you and your pets a safe and peaceful Bonfire Night.

If you are worried about how your pet is coping with fireworks, always contact your vet for advice.