New Year’s Eve Pet Safety Tips from the Arizona Humane Society

The days on and around New Year’s Eve are some of the busiest of the year for shelters across the country, and many pets — namely those frightened by the fireworks and festivities — end up wandering away from home. More pets go missing on the days surrounding New Year’s than any other holiday, only second to the Fourth of July.

To help keep community pets in homes as we celebrate the start of 2024 and keep much-needed kennel space open for sick, injured and abused animals, we’re offering the following tips:

Proper Identification
Ensure pets have current ID tags and updated microchips. This will greatly increase the chances that a lost pet will be reunited with their family.

Keep Pets Indoors and Distracted
Fireworks and bursts of bright flashing lights can frighten pets and trigger them to flee or escape. Keep pets away from firework displays and distract them from the loud noises by turning on the radio or TV.

Know Your Pet’s Whereabouts
Do not leave pets unattended while outside as the sound of fireworks can startle them and prompt an escape. When welcoming guests in and out of your home, always make sure your pet is secured so they do not slip out of an open door.

Consider a ThunderShirt
ThunderShirts are a calming wrap that applies gentle, constant pressure to a dog’s torso to help them feel safe and calm. It is best to have a pet test the ThunderShirt a few times prior to the holiday.

Report Pets in Distress
To report signs of animals in distress, please call our Emergency Animal Medical Technicians™ at 602.997.7585 ext. 2073. For more information on lost or found pets, visit azhumane.org/lostpet.

Thank you for helping us keep community pets safe, we’re wishing you a happy New Year!