By Dial A Vet Veterinary Team
New Year's Eve is one of the riskiest nights of the year for pets going missing. RSPCA WA describes it as possibly the scariest time for pets, with some taking off to escape the noise and becoming lost or hurt. A dog that would never normally jump the fence can clear it in a panic, and a cat can bolt through a door left open for a second. A little planning before 31 December makes escapes much less likely, and makes it far easier to get your pet back if one happens.
This guide focuses on preventing escapes and what to do if your pet does run. For help with fear and anxiety itself, see our fireworks noise anxiety tips and guide to celebrating New Year's Eve with dogs and cats.
Key takeaways
- Check your pet's microchip details and ID tag before New Year's Eve, not after.
- Keep dogs and cats indoors with doors, windows and gates secured.
- Never tie a dog up during fireworks. Panicking dogs can choke on a collar or lead.
- Stay home with your pet if you can, or arrange for someone they trust to be there.
- If your pet escapes, start searching and reporting straight away.
Before New Year's Eve: a checklist
- Check your microchip details. RSPCA SA notes that microchipped strays often arrive with out-of-date owner contact details. Log in to your pet's registry and confirm your mobile number and address. Our guide to updating microchip details in Australia explains how in each state.
- Check your pet's ID tag. The RSPCA recommends that dogs and cats wear an ID tag with your current phone number. Make sure it is readable and the collar fits. Cats should wear a quick-release collar. See what to put on a pet ID tag.
- Take a clear, recent photo. If your pet goes missing, you will need one for posts and flyers.
- Find out where the fireworks are. RSPCA WA suggests checking whether your home is near a planned display. Many councils and state governments publish lists of approved displays.
- Check fences and gates. Look for gaps, loose palings and anything your dog could climb on. RSPCA SA advises double-checking that yards are secure if pets can't come inside.
- Talk to your vet early if your pet is very fearful. The RSPCA recommends discussing options for noise-related fear with your vet well ahead of time. Our guide to preparing your dog for fireworks covers training you can start now.
On the night
- Exercise and feed early. The RSPCA suggests a long walk before the fireworks start, then a meal a couple of hours later. On a hot day, choose a cooler time and check the pavement isn't too hot for paws.
- Bring pets inside. Keep dogs and cats indoors, close windows, blinds and curtains, and turn on music or the TV to help mask the noise.
- Set up a hiding spot. A covered crate, a box lined with blankets, a walk-in robe or the space under a bed can help your pet feel safe. Let cats hide wherever they choose.
- Secure the exits. Pets are most likely to bolt when guests come and go. Consider keeping your pet in a closed room away from the front door.
- Don't tether your dog. RSPCA WA warns that panicking dogs can choke themselves on a collar or lead, and dogs left outside alone are more likely to escape.
- Supervise. If you can't be home, the RSPCA suggests arranging for a responsible person to stay with your pet or booking a reputable boarding kennel.
Some dogs find a snug-fitting wrap helpful. Our article on thunder shirts for dogs explains how they work.
If your pet escapes during fireworks
- Don't wait until morning to act. Check your home and yard thoroughly, including under houses, decks and cars.
- Mark your pet as missing on their microchip registry and check that your phone number is right.
- Contact your council, shelters and vets as soon as they open, and the next council areas over. The RSPCA notes that frightened dogs can end up kilometres from home.
- Post on local lost and found pages with a photo, the suburb and the time your pet went missing.
- Keep checking shelters in person in the days after 1 January.
Our full guides cover finding a lost dog, finding a lost cat and who to contact in each state.
After the fireworks
Check your pet for injuries, especially if they tried to dig, jump or squeeze through a fence. If your pet found something on the ground after a nearby display, read about firework toxicity in dogs and contact your vet. If you're unsure whether something needs attention, real vets and vet nurses can talk it through with you on a Dial A Vet video consult and help you decide on next steps.
FAQ
Why do so many pets go missing on New Year's Eve?
Loud, sudden bangs trigger fear and the urge to flee. Fences and doors that normally contain a pet may not hold one that is panicking, and open doors during parties make it easier to slip out.
Should I take my dog to watch the fireworks?
No. The RSPCA advises keeping dogs indoors and away from fireworks.
Is it OK to leave my cat outside on New Year's Eve?
The RSPCA recommends keeping cats indoors during fireworks. Give them a safe place indoors to hide.
Which other nights should I plan for?
Fireworks dates vary by state. Some states have fireworks on public holidays such as Australia Day, King's Birthday or Territory Day in the NT. Check with your council.
References
- RSPCA Knowledgebase. How should I care for my pets during fireworks displays? https://kb.rspca.org.au/categories/companion-animals/pet-ownership/how-should-i-care-for-my-pets-during-fireworks-displays
- RSPCA Australia. Caring for animals during fireworks displays. https://www.rspca.org.au/latest-news/blog/caring-animals-during-fireworks-displays/
- RSPCA WA. Things that go bang in the night. https://www.rspcawa.org.au/learn-advocate/latest-news/firework-things-that-go-bang-in-the-night/
- RSPCA SA. Reminder to keep animals safe during New Year's Eve fireworks. https://www.rspcasa.org.au/reminder-to-keep-animals-safe-during-new-years-eve-fireworks/
- Pet Address. https://www.petaddress.com.au/
This article is general information only and isn't a substitute for advice from your own vet.