Fireworks Season is Coming, Let’s Keep All Animals in Mind

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Animals don’t understand the loud bangs, bright lights and funny smells that come along with fireworks. Let’s stick to the rules and keep them safe.

South Africa (15 October 2025) – The happiest time of year has come a-knocking! The last leg of 2025 will be filled with celebrations. Diwali, Guy Fawkes, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve are coming up, and we’ve already got one foot in the Dezemba vibes.

When the time comes to celebrate, fireworks are part of the tradition, but for pets, we need to remember that it’s the scariest time of the year.

Animals don’t understand why there are sudden blasts of light and sound. They perceive sound much louder than humans do and become stressed out and react unpredictably. In fact, more dogs and cats go missing on firework nights than on any other day.

If lucky, missing pets are then picked up by animal rescue shelters, which are tasked with an uptick of calls while trying to keep current shelter animals feeling safe and secure. It’s a nightmare, and that’s the best-case scenario after pets have escaped.

And it’s not limited only to domesticated and sheltered animals.

Birds and wildlife are also affected, sometimes abandoning nests or colliding with windows in fright. Unlike thunderstorms, fireworks come without warning, and animals can’t prepare for them. They are also closer to the ground and come with acrid smells that animals may be sensitive to.

South Africa does have strict rules.

In Cape Town, there are no longer any designated fireworks sites for Diwali, Guy Fawkes or New Year’s Eve. Unless a permit has been obtained to host a fireworks display, no fireworks are allowed.

In Johannesburg, fireworks are only allowed at designated areas on six dates: Diwali (31 October), Guy Fawkes (5 November), Christmas Eve (24 December), Day of Goodwill (26 December), New Year’s Eve (31 December) and New Year’s Day (1 January).

Using fireworks outside, or in between these days, in residential areas without permission is illegal and can result in fines. These rules exist for good reason.

As pet owners, there are also things one can do to make these occasions less stressful for pets.

Make sure pets are microchipped and that details are up to date – it’s the fastest way to bring them home if they escape.
On firework nights, keep them indoors. Close windows and curtains, turn on the TV or radio, and give them a quiet and familiar spot to retreat to. Some pets prefer hiding under a table or in a cupboard. Let them.
Dogs should be walked early in the day so they’re settled by evening.
If your pet struggles badly, speak to your vet ahead of time about safe calming aids.

Celebrations and compassion for animals can exist side by side. Stick to the rules and take steps to keep your four-legged babies calm. That way, we can all enjoy this time of year and keep things lekker without any fights or frightened pets!