July 1, 2025 – Fireworks, picnics, and other Fourth of July traditions can be a lot of fun for people, but for animals, these festivities can be frightening and even dangerous. Noisy fireworks and celebrations can startle pets and cause them to run away. Holiday foods may be unhealthy for them, summer heat and travel can pose serious risks, and potentially harmful debris can end up in areas where animals might ingest or play with it.
Whether or not you’re planning your own celebration, it’s important to take steps to keep animals safe both during and after the holiday, says the American Veterinary Medical Association.
Begin by preparing in advance. Ensure that your pets have up-to-date identification tags, and if you have horses, consider leaving a safety (breakaway) halter with contact information on them during this stressful time. If your pets aren’t microchipped, speak to your veterinarian about getting it done, as it greatly increases the chances of being reunited if they get lost. If they already are microchipped, double-check that your contact details are current in the registry. Take recent photos of your pets just in case they go missing. For pets known to experience anxiety during fireworks or loud noises, behavioral therapy or medications—under veterinary guidance—may help reduce their stress. Evaluate the safety of your property as well. Make sure yards and fences are secure enough to contain pets or livestock should unexpected fireworks occur nearby.
On the day of the celebration, it’s best to leave pets at home when attending events like fireworks displays, parades, and parties. Loud noises, unfamiliar environments, and large crowds can cause panic and increase the risk of escape. Keep pets indoors in a secure, escape-proof room or crate, and ensure horses and livestock are kept far from the noise in safely enclosed areas. If you’re hosting, ask guests to help watch doors and gates, and consider placing reminder notes to prevent pets from slipping out.
Keep all fireworks, sparklers, glow sticks, charcoal, and skewers out of reach of curious animals. Also, keep pets away from hot grills, and avoid feeding them table scraps—especially foods that are toxic to animals.
Heat and humidity can also be dangerous, so keep pets inside during extreme temperatures, ensure they have access to water and shade, and never leave them in a parked car. If you’re traveling, it’s often safest to leave pets with a sitter or at a boarding facility. If they must come along, be prepared to protect them from heat, stress, and unfamiliar environments. Practicing safe food handling and hygiene during gatherings is also important for the safety of both people and pets.
After the celebrations are over, thoroughly check your yard and pastures for leftover fireworks debris, which can be hazardous to animals if eaten or played with. Even if you didn’t use fireworks yourself, debris can drift into your space from neighboring celebrations. If you hosted, also check for food scraps, skewers, or other waste that may pose a risk to pets. A little precaution before, during, and after the festivities can help ensure a safe and stress-free holiday for your furry, feathered, or hooved companions.
