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New Year's Eve Safety Tips for Pets

New Year's Eve Safety Tips for Pets

New Year's Eve Safety Tips for Pets

Updated on August 20, 2021
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Reviewed by Petco’s Animal Care
Education and Compliance (ACE) Team

New Year's Eve is a time of celebration and new beginnings. It's also a holiday known for loud sounds and revelry. In some cases, New Year's Eve is spent away from our pets celebrating outside of the home. All these things may be fun for the humans, of course, but they aren't always as enjoyable for our pets.

While some of the excitement and noise of New Year's Eve is unavoidable—since it’s unlikely you’ll be able to convince your neighborhood to have a silent celebration, for example—there are many things you can do to help make the evening a better experience for your pets. Read on to find our top New Year's Eve pet safety tips to help your pet feel as comfortable as possible during this holiday.

1. Tire them out before the evening

Whether you plan to ring in the New Year at home or out on a dinner date in the city, one of the best ways to help your pet feel less anxious once the celebrations begin is giving them adequate exercise and mental stimulation beforehand. When your pet is amply worn out, they are less likely to be disturbed by loud noises or to be as anxious while you are away.

Try out a few of the following ideas based on your pet's favorite activities.

For dogs:

  • Go on a long walk or play in the park—just make sure to check the temperature and bundle them up if you live in a cold climate
  • Play a game of hide-and-seek with your dog by hiding their favorite toys or treats around the house
  • Test your dog's puzzle-solving skills with a new puzzle toy
  • Practice training cues

For cats:

  • Play a game of chase the laser
  • Give them a new cat toy
  • Entice your cat with a game of bat the teaser
  • Hide treats around the house for your cat to find

Remember, treats should not exceed 10% of their daily calorie intake.

2. Keep dangerous food and alcohol out of reach

As you celebrate from home or as you get ready for an evening out, you might have an abundance of fun snacks and drinks on hand.

Make sure that you and any guests keep food and alcohol out of reach of your pets. While a glass of sparkling wine might be a treat for you, dogs and cats should never consume alcohol. Alcohol can cause vomiting, unsteadiness and a drop in blood pressure and temperature. For small pets, even one cocktail can be extremely dangerous.

Additionally, be sure to remind guests that your pets shouldn't be fed snacks from the table. Instead, have a few healthy treats on hand for your pup or cat. This can be a great way to help reinforce a positive experience for your furry family member. Allow guests to periodically share a treat with your pet.

3. Be prepared for fireworks

In many places, the New Year is celebrated with a literal bang. Fireworks are a beautiful sight to behold, but the loud sounds can be unnerving for our pets.

For dogs scared of fireworks or cats who dislike the unexpected sounds, taking steps ahead of New Year's Eve can help.

How to help your dog

There are a few different approaches you can take to help calm your dog. Darris Cooper, CPDT-KA, FFCP, Manager, Pet Services Dog Training Education, shares his tips: "In the months and weeks leading up to New Year's Eve, you can begin to slowly expose your dog to low-level sounds of firework works on your phone or computer quietly. You can also utilize counter-conditioning by offering your dog treats when the sounds are present to help create positive experiences before the big day."

Additionally, on the evening of New Year's Eve, make sure your dog has a comfortable place to go if they are feeling uncertain.

Check out further advice in our Tips for Dogs Scared of Fireworks Guide.

How to help your cat

If your cat is afraid of the loud bangs and pops associated with New Year's Eve, be sure they have a safe spot in the home where they can escape. You can also play the radio or a favorite music channel in the room where your pet tends to hide.

4. Consult your vet about calming supplements and aids

For some pets, the stress of New Year's Eve can be overwhelming. If you have a dog or cat who shakes, whines excessively, trembles during holiday events or is anxious around loud noises, consider scheduling a vet visit before the 31st. Your vet can help recommend possible calming supplements, aids or prescription medication to help soothe your animal's nerves.

5. Give them a safe and secure space

Dog in Crate on New Year's Eve

On New Year's Eve, there is a heightened risk that your pet might try to dash out of a door or window. Sometimes a loud firework can spook your pet into running. In other cases, the constant arrival of guests might put your pet on edge.

The best way to prevent an unexpected escape is to ensure that your pets have a secure location within your home. For example, a familiar crate and their favorite blanket or bed can be the perfect place to hunker down during a fireworks show.

Additionally, make sure to secure all outdoor gates, close windows and keep an eye on the doors your guests will be using.

6. Microchip your pet and join Petco Love Lost

While ideally your pet will spend New Year's Eve nestled cozily in your home, it is always best to prepare for anything that could happen. Make sure prior to New Year's Eve you microchip your pet and register their information, if you haven't already. A microchip will contain all of your contact information. Should your pet become lost, a vet or shelter can quickly scan this microchip and reunite you with your furry family member.

If you find a lost pet or become separated from your own, you can also use Petco Love Lost. Through the Petco Love Lost database, you can find out if someone else in the area has found your pet or you can upload photos of a pet you found to help facilitate a happy reunion.

7. Consider your pet's needs when choosing where to celebrate

As you think about your New Year's Eve plans and whether you will celebrate at home or out on the town away from your pet, consider what will be best for your furry family member.

For a particularly nervous dog or cat, if you are going to leave them home alone for the night, it can help to enlist a friend or family member—or hire a sitter—to stay with your pet and help keep them calm and safe. Another option is to kennel your pet while you’re away. Whatever you choose, make sure your pet will be comfortable with the situation.

If you plan to stay in but are going to invite guests, consider whether or not your pet will enjoy a big crowd. In some situations, it might be better to keep your guest list small to prevent undue anxiety for your pet. However, if your dog or cat loves the company of others, inviting over family and friends might be a perfect celebration.

Perhaps you and your pet prefer a quieter evening together. At the end of the day, there is nothing your pet will love more than spending New Year's Eve hanging out with you. Ideas for a pet-focused New Year's Eve include the following:

  • A movie marathon snuggling on the couch
  • Sharing a special, nutritious treat with your dog or cat while the ball drops
  • Picking out cute clothes to snap the perfect New Year's Eve photos with your pet
  • An evening of playing your pet's favorite games
  • Inviting over your dog's canine friends if they are all vaccinated and in good health

While holidays like New Year's Eve can be stressful for our pets, they don't have to be. By being proactive and preparing, your pet can celebrate new beginnings in a safe and comfortable way.

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