Fireworks and pets: how to keep them calm and safe

Updated October 13, 2026 · LostPet.com

Short answer

To keep pets safe during fireworks, bring them inside before dark and keep them in a quiet, escape-proof room with windows and curtains closed and calming sound on. Check that they wear an ID tag and that their microchip is registered. If your pet panics at loud noises, talk to your vet well before the holiday.

Fireworks are a highlight of New Year's Eve and the Fourth of July. For many pets, they're terrifying. The AVMA warns that noisy fireworks can startle animals and cause them to run away (AVMA).

The days after are busy for shelters. Shelter Animals Count found that in 2025, January 2 was the third-highest day of the year for adult dogs entering shelters as strays, and July 8, the Tuesday after the July 4 weekend, was the second-highest. They note shelter schedules, like Monday closures, may play a part (Shelter Animals Count).

Here's how to keep your pet calm, safe and at home.

A week before: get ready

Check your pet's ID. A collar with a current ID tag, and a microchip registered with your current contact information. The AVMA recommends both before fireworks (AVMA). Use our guides to check your pet's microchip and what to put on a pet ID tag.
Register your pet free on LostPet.com with a recent photo, so you're not hunting for one if your pet bolts.
Talk to your vet early if your pet is scared of thunder or loud noises. AAHA says to start getting ready well before noisy events (AAHA). Find a clinic in our vet directory.
Set up a safe room now, so it feels familiar by the big night (details below).
Plan for guests. Decide who's in charge of the door.

On fireworks night: your checklist

Walk dogs before dark, on a leash. AAHA suggests keeping pets indoors during prime fireworks times around sunset (AAHA).
Keep pets inside if you or your neighbors are setting off fireworks (AVMA).
Use a safe, escape-proof room or crate during parties and fireworks (AVMA).
Leave pets at home when you go to parties, fireworks displays and parades (AVMA).
Keep doors and gates shut, and check where your pet is before opening any door.
Keep the ID tag on all night, even indoors.
Keep sparklers, glow sticks, fireworks, charcoal and skewers away from curious pets (AVMA).

How to set up a calm, safe room

AAHA suggests (AAHA):

Pick a quiet room with few or no windows, like a bathroom or basement.
Make it cozy with your pet's bed, blankets and favorite toys. Treat puzzles and chews can help distract them.
Muffle the noise. Close windows and doors, draw the curtains, and play calming music or white noise.
Stay calm yourself. Pets pick up on your mood. Offer gentle praise and petting, and skip high-pitched baby talk.

For cats, a covered bed or a box in a closet can make a good hiding spot.

Signs your pet is scared

AAHA lists these signs of noise fear (AAHA):

panting and drooling,
pacing and restlessness,
hiding or trying to escape,
barking, whining or meowing,
chewing, digging or scratching at doors and windows,
accidents in the house.

If you see these, write them down and tell your vet.

Calming products and medicine: ask your vet

AAHA mentions compression wraps, pheromone diffusers and sprays, and gradual training with recordings of fireworks played at a low volume. It also says your vet may prescribe anti-anxiety supplements or medication (AAHA).

What's right depends on your pet. Talk to your vet before trying anything, and never give your pet medicine without your vet's advice. If your pet seems hurt or very unwell, contact your vet or an emergency clinic right away.

The morning after

Check your yard for fireworks debris before letting pets out. Debris can land in your yard even if you didn't set off fireworks (AVMA).
Keep dogs on a leash for a few days. Neighbors may set off leftovers.
Check gates and fences for gaps.

Horses and other animals

The AVMA suggests horse owners consider a safety (breakaway) halter marked with contact information during fireworks (AVMA). LostPet.com lets you register horses, birds, rabbits and more, not just dogs and cats.

Traveling for the holiday?

Pick a quiet place to stay if you can. American Humane suggests a temporary tag with the contact details of someone who knows how to reach you when you travel (American Humane).

If your pet runs off

Act right away. Follow our step-by-step guide, what to do if your dog is lost. Report your pet lost on LostPet.com, and call and visit shelters in our shelter directory. American Humane notes shelters across the country report more lost pets around fireworks holidays (American Humane), so keep checking in the days after.

The same habits help on Halloween and any busy night. Read microchip vs. ID tag to see why your pet needs both.

Quick checklist: how to get your pet ready for a fireworks night

Check ID a week ahead. Make sure your pet wears a collar with a current ID tag, confirm the microchip registry has your phone number, and register your pet free on LostPet.com with a recent photo.
Talk to your vet early. If your pet is afraid of loud noises, talk to your veterinarian well before the holiday about what can help.
Set up a safe room. Pick a quiet room with few or no windows. Add bedding, toys and water, and let your pet get used to it before the night.
Walk dogs before dark. Take dogs out on a leash before the fireworks start, then keep pets inside.
Shut out the noise. Close windows, doors and curtains, and play calming music or white noise.
Secure the doors. Keep doors and gates closed, and remind guests not to let pets out.
Check the yard the next morning. Look for fireworks debris before letting pets out, and walk dogs on a leash for the next few days.

Frequently asked questions

How can I calm my dog during fireworks?

Keep your dog inside in a quiet room with familiar bedding and toys. Close windows and curtains and play calming music or white noise. Treat puzzles or chews can help distract them. Stay calm yourself and offer gentle praise. If your dog panics, talk to your vet before the next noisy night.

Should I give my dog medicine for fireworks?

Only with your vet's advice. AAHA says your vet can recommend the best approach and may prescribe anti-anxiety supplements or medication. Don't give your pet any medicine, including human medicine, unless your vet says it's safe. Ask well before the holiday so you have time to plan.

Can I take my dog to a fireworks show?

It's best not to. The AVMA recommends leaving pets at home when you go to parties, fireworks displays and parades, because loud fireworks, crowds and unfamiliar places can frighten pets and there's a high risk they'll get spooked and run away.

What should I do if my pet runs away during fireworks?

Start searching nearby right away, then call local shelters, animal control and vets, and visit shelters in person. Report your pet lost on LostPet.com and check your microchip registry has your phone number. Keep checking shelters in the days after the holiday.

Are cats scared of fireworks too?

Many are. AAHA says loud noises like fireworks can cause fear and anxiety in both dogs and cats. Keep cats indoors, give them a quiet hiding place, and make sure they wear a breakaway collar with an ID tag and have a registered microchip.

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Sources

This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. If your pet is hurt or unwell, contact your veterinarian.