Paws of Safety: O‘ahu Firework Safety Tips for Pet Owners

Photo: Courtesy of Hawaiian Humane Society

Firework displays are a regular part of celebrating events like New Year’s Eve, Chinese New Year and the 4th of July here on O‘ahu. For some, this can be a joyous way to celebrate, but for many pets, those explosions and bright flashes of light can be devastating.

Pets have highly sensitive hearing, and the loud cracks and booms of fireworks can cause distress and fear. Signs of stress to look out for in pets include trembling, pacing, hiding, excessive whining, barking or meowing, panting, drooling and attempting to escape. Some animals might even injure themselves while trying to flee the noise.

As pet owners and responsible community members, it’s imperative to take these proactive steps to ensure the safety and well-being of our furry companions, while also reducing the number of animals entering the shelter as strays:

• Don’t Bring Pets to Firework Displays: The loud noises and large crowds can be overwhelming for pets. It’s best to keep them at home in a safe environment during firework events.
• Create a Safe Space: Designate a quiet, secure area in your home where your pet can feel safe, like a cozy room with familiar bedding and toys. Close the windows and curtains to minimize noise and flashes. Leave a radio or television on to provide your pet with familiar sounds if you leave your home. Ensure that their safe space is away from high-traffic areas of your home and points of entry. Do not leave your pet unattended outdoors. If you can’t keep your pet indoors, consider keeping them in an enclosed garage.
• Provide Exercise and Enrichment: Exercise your pet during the day to tire them out before the festivities begin. Provide them with some kind of enrichment, like frozen treats or treat puzzles, to keep their minds active.
• Stay Calm and Comforting: Your pet looks to you for reassurance. Provide comfort by staying close to them. Offering a favorite treat or engaging in a soothing activity can help distract and reassure them.
• Use Identification: Ensure your pet has proper identification, such as a collar with an ID tag and a registered microchip with your most current contact information. A microchip for dogs and cats is required by state law. If they manage to escape, a registered microchip will increase the chances of a swift, safe return.
• Consult a Veterinarian: If your pet has extreme anxiety during fireworks, consult your veterinarian ahead of time. They might recommend calming aids or therapies to ease your pet’s stress.

SEE ALSO: Celebrate New Year’s Eve With Parties, Fireworks and More Events

Taking these firework safety precautions in advance will reduce the chances of your pet getting lost. However, if your pet does get lost, immediately file a Lost Pet Report or call the Hawaiian Humane Society at (808) 356-2250. Provide clear, current photos of your pet, your pet’s microchip number, proof of ownership and details on where/when they were most recently seen. These details can help reunite you with your pet that much quicker.

On the other hand, if you find a lost pet, immediately file a Found Pet Report and take the pet to a private veterinary clinic to be scanned for a microchip. If you can care for the pet on your own, the Hawaiian Humane Society will work with you to reunite the pet with their owner. If you cannot temporarily care for the pet, you can bring the pet to the Hawaiian Humane Society’s Pet Kōkua Resource Center at our Mō‘ili‘ili or Kosasa Family campuses, where they can be reunited with their owners.

Photos: Courtesy of Hawaiian Humane Society

Aside from safeguarding our own pets, it’s essential to raise awareness in the community about firework pet safety. Encourage neighbors to be mindful of their pets and keep them indoors during firework displays. Additionally, advocating for the use of quieter, pet-friendly alternatives or attending community-organized firework displays that adhere to safety guidelines can contribute to a safer environment for animals.

Fireworks can be a spectacular sight, but remember the impact on our furry friends. By taking proactive measures, staying attentive and creating safe spaces for our pets, we can ensure they feel secure during festive occasions. Let’s celebrate responsibly and make the festivities enjoyable for everyone, including our beloved animal companions.

Anna Neubauer is the President and CEO of the Hawaiian Humane Society, leading a dedicated team of more than 100 staff and 900 volunteers in caring for O‘ahu’s animals in need. Anna has brought the Socially Conscious Animal Community framework to Hawai‘i, elevating the community’s understanding of its role in animal welfare outcomes. She has also instituted policy changes and operational advances that have resulted in a 70% drop in the euthanasia of local animals since her arrival at Hawaiian Humane in October 2019.