Fireworks and Animals: Graham’s Guide to a Considerate Night
We’re a family business with animals of our own, so we know fireworks season can be a trying time for them. Sudden bangs and flashes can upset dogs, cats, horses and wildlife, sometimes for days afterwards. That doesn’t mean you can’t have a cracking display. In my experience, a bit of forethought and the right fireworks do the trick.
Pick the quieter ones
Not every firework needs to go bang. Plenty of fountains, wheels, roman candles and cakes put on a lovely show with nothing louder than a whoosh or a fizz.
- Look at the Noise Rating on each product page. A rating of 1 means low noise. Here’s what each rating meanson our Firework Safety page.
- Have a browse of our Quiet Fireworks range, including the Sound of Silence assortment BUY HERE , made with families, little ones and wildlife in mind.
- Collecting from us? [confirm] Keep an eye out for Jorge fountains and cakes with “silent fireworks” on the box, and ask us for low-noise suggestions. We’re always glad to help.
Keep to the legal times
If you stick to the permitted hours, your neighbours know when to expect fireworks and can get their animals settled.
- England and Wales: not between 11pm and 7am. The exceptions: Bonfire Night until midnight; Diwali, New Year’s Eve and Chinese New Year until 1am.
- Scotland: only between 6pm and 11pm, with the same later nights. Fireworks aren’t allowed at all in Firework Control Zones.
- Never in the street or any public place, anywhere in the UK.
The full details are on our Firework Safety page.
Before the night: be a good neighbour
- Let the neighbours know a few days beforehand with the date and time, so they can bring their pets in and make plans.
- Think about who’s nearby: horses or livestock in the next field, an animal rescue centre, or neighbours who struggle with loud noise, such as veterans, elderly folk or people with autism.
- Never let fireworks off near fields with horses or livestock. If there are animals close by, have a word with their owners.
- Choose a sensible time: earlier in the evening, and keep the display short. Leave them wanting more.
Dogs
- Take your dog for a walk in daylight, before the fireworks are likely to start.
- Once it’s dark, keep them indoors with the windows shut and curtains drawn.
- Put the telly or radio on to soften the bangs.
- Give them a quiet den to retreat to, and let them hide if that’s what they want.
- Never tell off a frightened dog, and try to stay calm yourself. They take their lead from you.
- Speak to your vet well ahead of time about sound therapy or calming aids.
- Check their microchip and ID tag details are up to date.
Cats
- Bring your cat in before dark, lock the cat flap and put a litter tray down.
- Give them places to hide, including somewhere up high, as many cats feel safer off the ground.
- Draw the curtains and keep doors and windows shut so they can’t make a run for it.
- Let your cat choose whether to hide, and don’t drag them out.
- Make sure their microchip details are current in case they do get out.
Rabbits, guinea pigs and other small pets
- Partly cover outdoor hutches and runs with blankets to dull the noise and block the flashes. Leave one side open for air and a view out.
- Put in extra bedding so they can burrow down.
- Think about moving hutches into a shed, garage or the house, but do it gradually over a few days.
Horses
- Never let fireworks off near a horse’s field or stable.
- If you keep horses and know there are fireworks planned nearby, arrange for someone experienced to stay with them.
- Don’t ride out when fireworks are likely.
Wildlife
- Check the bonfire for hedgehogs and other creatures before lighting. Better still, build it on the day, or move the pile to a fresh spot just before you light it.
- Fire well away from hedges, trees and ponds where wildlife takes shelter.
- Never fire over farmland with livestock or near nature reserves.
The morning after
Spent fireworks and sparklers stay hot for longer than you’d think and can burn paws. Many fireworks also contain chemicals that are harmful if chewed or swallowed.
- Walk the garden in daylight and pick up every scrap of debris, including rocket sticks and sparkler wires.
- Soak spent fireworks and sparklers in a bucket of water overnight before putting them in the general waste.
- Never burn fireworks or packaging.
- Keep pets off the firing area until it’s been cleared.
Rather go to an organised display?
One well-advertised display gives everyone round about the chance to plan. If you’re organising one for your village, school or club, our professional display team can help, low-noise displays included.