Report Cruelty Donate

Our role

The state and territory member Societies provide services to animals in need through their shelters and inspectorates. In the national office, RSPCA Australia works to influence animal welfare policy, practice and legislation across the country
Go to Our role

Animal welfare science

Caring for animals

Farm animal welfare

Public education

Advocacy

Enforcing the law

Key issues

The RSPCA advocates for the welfare of animals across a number of industries, issues and platforms. Help from our supporters is important to progress change. Working together is key.
Go to Key issues

Farm animals

Sport, entertainment & work animals

better than live export hero banner
Priority issue
On 1 July 2024, the Federal Government…
Live sheep export

News

Here you'll find the latest news relating to the RSPCA's vital work, press releases on national events, education on animal welfare issues, animal welfare science updates and our very own podcast covering a range of current topics.
Go to News

Blog

Media centre

Podcast

take action live sheep export alternate
Media release: Live sheep export unfixable, unnecessary, unacceptable – and now, soon to be unlawful
Read the media release

Support us

Whether you're an individual or a business, there are multiple ways you can support the RSPCA
Go to Support us

For individuals

For businesses

National events

An animal in the RSPCA care being cared for by an RSPCA vet
Donate now to support your local RSPCA and make a difference to animal welfare across Australia
Donate

Learn

The RSPCA aims to make evidence-based research accessible to the community, so that they can have confidence in the choices made when it comes to animal welfare.
Go to Learn

Knowledgebase Offsite

Animal Welfare Seminar

Animal Welfare Science Update

Education resources

Cage free and proud

Responsible sourcing

Key information

Domesticated animals

Non-domesticated animals

Aquatic animals

RSPCA Approved Standards

AWS2025 Website Image 2000x2000 v2
RSPCA Animal Welfare Seminar 2025
Animal ethics and animal welfare…
Learn more

About

The RSPCA is an independent, community-based charity providing animal care and protection services across the country.
Go to About

Annual reports

Annual statistics

Board & governance

Scholarships

Join our team

Our history

Contact

about us national statistics
Read our National Statistics
Compiled on a national basis by RSPCA…
Annual statistics

Adopt

By choosing adoption, you’ll not only have the chance to make a friend for life, but you’ll be giving an animal a second chance and helping support the RSPCA.
Go to Adopt

Adopting a dog or puppy

Adopting a cat or kitten

Adopting other animals

Responsible pet ownership

adopt a pet logo
Visit the Adopt A Pet website
Make a difference to a pet’s life today.
Search Adoptapet
Contact Us
RSPCA Approved Farming
Report Cruelty Donate
Report Cruelty Donate
Subscribe now! Keep up to date with the latest animal welfare news
  1. Home
  2. News
  3. Blog
  4. Keeping your dog calm this New Year’s…
Blog

Keeping your dog calm this New Year’s Eve

Generic Avatar
  • RSPCA Australia
  • Friday, 30 December 2016
Subscribe to our blog

The end of 2016 is nigh and most of the world will be celebrating with fireworks. But while these colourful displays might be pleasing to the eye, the loud noises can be very frightening for pets. Dogs have even been known to jump through glass windows and dig under fences in an effort to escape the noise.

If you’ve got a canine companion at home, here are six ways to look out for them this New Year’s Eve:

-          Make sure your furry friend is microchipped and wearing an ID tag so that they can be easily returned if they do make a break for it. Make sure your details on the microchip registry are also up to date!

-          Take your dog out for a nice long walk in the afternoon. Later, give them their dinner. They are less likely to be anxious during the night if they’re feeling tired and well-fed.

-          We recommend staying home with your pet on the night if you can, but if you do have plans, consider making alternative arrangements for your pup so they’re being watched by someone you trust.

-          When it gets dark, close the blinds and create a comfortable hiding place/safe space for your dog.

-          Don’t tie your dog up ahead of or during the fireworks. If they start panicking, they may choke or injure themselves.

-          While the fireworks are taking place (often there are 9pm and midnight sessions on New Year’s Eve), keep your pet by your side but don’t fuss over them. If they sense you’re anxious, they may become more anxious too. Instead, reward them for calm behaviour by giving them treats or beloved toys. Putting music or the TV on can also help to mask the noise outside.

Tips for other pets:

Cats, rabbits and other small animals should be safely housed indoors during fireworks displays. Horses can find fireworks particularly frightening and should be securely stabled or even moved to a different location far from the fireworks if possible. Remove any sharp objects that could cause injury to a panicking animal and cover stable windows to hide the sight of the fireworks and muffle the sound.  

subscribe box

Stay informed on big issues and how you can help improve animal welfare across Australia.

Subscribe today and we’ll keep you updated on all the latest campaigns, events and news.

We care about your data in our privacy policy.