TORONTO, ON. – June 26, 2024 – While they can be exciting and pretty, fireworks are terrifying for many of our pets. Just in time for Canada Day, Toronto Humane Society has prepared some guidelines to help keep your furry family members safe while reducing their fear and stress.

“Sadly, it is impossible to explain to your pets that the loud noises and bright flashes fireworks cause are nothing to fear. To them, it can feel like the end of the world. This feeling can last much longer than the display itself, and if they have a particularly bad reaction that means that they are likely to have an even worse reaction next time. Fortunately, with a little preparation (and a lot of love and treats), we can help reduce the fear, anxiety, and stress they are likely to experience during firework shows,” explains Dr. Jacklyn Ellis, MRes, PhD, CAAB, CSB-C, Director, Behaviour at Toronto Humane Society.

For the Special Species Animals:

Move enclosures to a quieter area, such as the basement. Provide burrowing pets (hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, rabbits, mice) with extra bedding. Cover bird enclosures with a blanket or towel to reduce noise and light disturbances.

For Dogs and Cats:

• Keep pets indoors during fireworks to prevent them from running away or hiding. Close windows and secure escape routes. Ensure pets wear collars with updated information or consider microchipping. Confirm the microchip company has your current contact details.
• Walk dogs before dark to avoid bathroom breaks during fireworks.
• Create a safe space with snacks, a bed, and a cozy blanket for pets to feel secure. Stay close to reassure them if they show signs of stress like restlessness or hiding.
• Be calm to reassure pets that the noise is not a threat. Avoid taking pets to firework events and ensure someone stays with them at home if you have reason to believe they may have a bad reaction. Use TV or radio to mask firework noise.
• Consult your vet about anti-anxiety medication for pets prone to severe fireworks reactions.

About Toronto Humane Society
Toronto Humane Society’s mission is to improve the lives of animals. The organization excels in all ways an animal shelter should, with industry-leading shelter care, veterinary services, animal training and behaviour consultations. Toronto Humane Society believes in the importance of the human-animal bond, finds new homes for thousands of animals and helps keep families together.

Toronto Humane Society is more than an animal shelter. They are an educational resource and support system, a leading voice in animal welfare and accessible care. The organization is also a centre of excellence, a space where best practices and boundary-pushing knowledge meet with unyielding optimism and a love for animals to create something special. Toronto Humane Society is like no other. For more information, visit www.torontohumanesociety.com.

For more information, or to arrange an interview please contact Lucas Solowey at communications@torontohumanesociety.com or call 416-392-2273 ext. 2196