Bonfire Night & Pet Safety

Remember 5 in November

As the nights draw in and Bonfire Night approaches, fireworks light up the skies across Scotland. While many of us enjoy the celebrations, the loud bangs and flashes can be frightening for pets, wildlife, and farmed animals.  

Understanding how to keep your pets safe during fireworks is essential to help them stay calm and stress free. We’re asking our supporters to remember 5 in November to keep your pets and the animals around you safe this firework season.

• Keep your pets inside after dark – Walk or let your pets out earlier in the day so you don’t risk being caught off guard 
• Muffle the noise – Close all windows and doors, and have music playing or the TV on during the display 
• Check bonfire piles before use – Check no small animals are hiding inside your bonfire before lighting 
• Keep calm and monitor changes – Carry on as usual but watch out for changes in your pet’s behaviour 
• Be there for your pet – Consider staying at home with your pet in case they need you

Help us spread the message to keep the animals in your life safe this firework season. Download our free Bonfire Night Pet Safety Poster and share it with friends, family, and your local community. 

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Common signs of stress in pets during fireworks

Fireworks can be quite frightening across all species, even humans! It’s important to recognise the signs of stress in our pets to be able to help them feel more comfortable during this time of year. 

We have pulled together a series of videos to prepare Scotland’s pets for Bonfire Night and the firework season. To hear more from our Head of Animal Behaviour, Claire Haynes, watch the video below on the common signs of stress to look out for. 

Tips for dogs during fireworks

If you are worried about your dog during Bonfire Night, please talk to your vet. They will be able to advise you on how you can approach the firework season and whether any supplements or medications will be able to help your dog feel less anxious and stressed. 

We recommend the following to keep your dog safe during the fireworks: 

• Walk your dog earlier in the day to avoid being caught off guard 

• Close all your curtains so your dog won’t be able to see the fireworks 

• Turn on the TV or some background music to muffle the noise 

• Create a safe space or den for your dog to hide in if needed 

• Do not take your dog to a firework display or let your dog outside whilst fireworks are going off, even if they aren’t displaying signs of stress 

• Remain calm and stick to your usual behaviour, unless your dog needs more reassurance 

• Try to let your dog act how they need to when they are stressed and avoid any form of negative reinforcement 

For more information, please watch this video with Claire Haynes on how to prepare your dog for bonfire night.  

Tips for cats during fireworks

If you are worried about your cat during Bonfire Night, please consult your vet. They will be able to advise you on how you can approach the firework season and whether any supplements or medications will be able to help your cat feel less anxious and stressed. 

We recommend the following to keep your cat safe during the fireworks: 

• Keep your cat inside after dark 

• Close your curtains so your cat cannot see the fireworks 

• Close all your doors, windows, and cat flaps  

• Turn on the TV or some background music to muffle the noise 

• Create a safe space inside for your cat to take refuge in 

• Consider using a pheromone plug in like Feliway 

• If you’re not sure how your cat will react, stay home with them in case they need your help 

• Remain calm and stick to your usual behaviour, unless your cat needs more reassurance 

• Try to let your cat act how they need to when they are stressed and avoid any form of negative reinforcement 

For more information, please watch this video with Claire Haynes on how to prepare your cat for bonfire night.

Tips for small animals during fireworks

If you are worried about your small animal during Bonfire Night, please discuss with your vet. They will be able to advise you on how you can approach the firework season and whether any supplements or medications will be able to help your small animal feel less anxious and stressed. 

We recommend the following to keep your small animal safe during the fireworks: 

• Consider whether your animals in an outdoor enclosure could be brought inside or into a garage during the fireworks 

• If not, make sure your animal’s enclosure is facing away from the fireworks 

• Use duvets/blankets/old carpets to muffle the sound of fireworks, whilst making sure there’s still plenty of ventilation 

• Give your small animal plenty of extra bedding so if they do feel worried, they are able to burrow to make themselves feel safe

For more information, please watch this video with Claire Haynes on how to prepare your small animal for bonfire night.   

Tips for horses during fireworks

If you are worried about your horse during Bonfire Night, please bring your concerns to the attention of your vet. They will be able to advise you on how you can approach the firework season and whether any supplements or medications will be able to help your horse feel less anxious and stressed. 

We recommend the following to keep your horse safe during the fireworks: 

• Secure the perimeter of your field and yard, and ensure that there are no hazards that may injure a horse that becomes spooked and tries to bolt during the fireworks 

• Remove temporary electric fencing during firework displays 

• Maintain their usual routine where possible and keep your horse in familiar surroundings 

• Try to have someone experienced watching over your horse or nearby so they can observe them during the fireworks 

• Look at the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service website to see where there are planned displays to help you prepare  

• Put music or a radio on to muffle the sounds of fireworks and leave the lights on to dim the colours of the fireworks 

• Provide plenty of enrichment and feed to keep them busy during the display 

• Think before you act, and don’t enter the horse stable if you think they’re distressed in case you are harmed 

For more information, please watch this video with Claire Haynes on how to prepare your horse for bonfire night.