Three animal welfare charities are joining forces to remind pet owners to take precautions ahead of Bonfire Night, as new figures highlight the impact fireworks can have on animals.
Bath Cats and Dogs Home, Bristol Animal Rescue Centre and Cotswolds Dogs and Cats Home are encouraging owners across the region, including West Wiltshire, to plan ahead and help keep their pets safe during fireworks season.
A recent RSPCA survey found that almost two-thirds (63%) of pet owners said their animals were distressed by fireworks. The charity also receives around 400 calls each year relating to fireworks and animal welfare concerns across England and Wales.
The charities are advising owners to prepare a quiet, safe space where pets can retreat if they become frightened. This could be a covered crate or a comfortable den in an area of the home where they feel secure.
Other steps include finding out when local firework displays are taking place, having treats and toys ready to distract pets and making sure doors, windows and garden gates are secure to prevent frightened animals escaping.
Owners of pets known to become anxious around fireworks are also advised to speak to their vet before the season begins. Pheromone diffusers may also help some animals feel calmer.
On Bonfire Night itself, cats should be kept indoors, with a litter tray provided and plenty of places to hide. Dogs should be walked earlier in the day, before fireworks begin, and accompanied into the garden if they need to go outside later.
Playing music or leaving the television on can help mask the noise of fireworks. Classic FM's Pet Classics programme, produced in partnership with the RSPCA, is another option.
Owners are also encouraged not to force nervous animals out of hiding places, allowing them to come out when they feel ready.
Signs that a pet may be distressed by fireworks include shivering, trembling, panting, excessive barking, hiding, pacing, clinginess and whining.
Denise Laughlin, Head of Animal Welfare at Bath Cats and Dogs Home, said preparation was important, advising owners to provide somewhere quiet for pets to retreat and keep their usual routine as normal as possible.
Damian Pacini, Principal Vet at Bristol Animal Rescue Centre, said every animal reacted differently, with some becoming so frightened they attempted to escape or damaged furniture.
He said preparing a safe den in advance, keeping pets indoors before dusk and maintaining a calm routine could help animals feel more secure.
Shelby Bridges, Fundraising Lead at Cotswolds Dogs and Cats Home, said the charities used quiet spaces, calming diffusers and soothing music to help animals in their care during fireworks season.
The three charities, which are branches of the RSPCA, support thousands of animals across the region each year.
Bath Cats and Dogs Home cares for more than 700 rescue cats and dogs annually from Bath and North-East Somerset, West Wiltshire and North Somerset. Bristol Animal Rescue Centre admitted 718 animals in 2025, while Cotswolds Dogs and Cats Home rehomed 286 animals last year.
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