Fireworks on New Year's Eve: a Calm Checklist for Dog and Cat Owners
2026-10-31 · Pawsome Nordic
For many dogs and cats, New Year's Eve is the most stressful night of the year. In Sweden, fireworks often start days before midnight and go on after. You can't stop the noise – but you can prepare so the night is calmer and safer for everyone.
This is general practical advice, not veterinary advice. If your pet is very frightened of loud noises, talk to your vet well before December – they can give advice for your specific animal.
In December: prepare early
- Check ID. Make sure your pet's microchip is registered with your current phone number and address, and that the collar tag is readable. Frightened pets are more likely to run.
- Take a recent photo. One clear photo from the side and one of the face, saved on your phone. If your pet goes missing, you'll want it immediately.
- Talk to your vet in good time if your pet has struggled before. Don't wait until 30 December.
- Plan who is home. If you are going out, arrange for someone your pet knows to stay with them, and leave clear written instructions.
Set up a "safe room"
Pick the quietest room in your home – often one with few or no windows – and make it cosy a few days in advance so it doesn't feel new on the night.
- A bed or blanket that smells familiar, and a hiding place (a covered crate for a dog, a box or the space under a bed for a cat).
- Water, and for cats a litter box in the same room.
- Close curtains or blinds to hide the flashes.
- Soft background sound – radio, TV or calm music – to soften sudden bangs.
Let your pet choose where to hide. Many cats prefer to disappear under the bed – that's fine. Don't pull them out.
On the day
- Walk your dog early, while it is still light and quiet, and keep the dog on a lead even in places where you normally let it off.
- Keep cats indoors from the afternoon, and check that windows, cat flaps and balcony doors are closed.
- Feed a normal meal a little earlier than usual.
- Be careful when guests arrive and leave – that is when a frightened pet slips out of the door.
- Stay calm and act normal. It's fine to comfort a pet that comes to you for it.
If your pet runs away
- Search your close neighbourhood straight away – scared animals often hide nearby.
- Contact the registry where your pet is ID-registered, local vets and animal shelters.
- Post the photo and your phone number in local social media groups.
- Leave something that smells of home (a blanket) by the door.
Have the important info in one place
When something goes wrong, it's hard to think clearly. A sheet on the fridge with your vet's number, the nearest emergency clinic, microchip number and any medication saves precious minutes – for you and for anyone looking after your pet.
Our Pet Emergency Cards & Fridge Sheet (English + Swedish) gives you "I have pets at home" wallet cards, a fridge sheet for your pets', vet and backup contacts, and a "pets inside" door sign. Going away over the holidays? The fillable Pet Sitter Instructions helps you leave clear notes for whoever is looking after your pet.
