5 Tips for New Year's Eve Pet Safety

New Year’s Eve is a time for celebration, fireworks, and ringing in a fresh start—but for many pets, the noise and excitement can be stressful or even dangerous. Fireworks are a leading cause of anxiety in pets and often result in pets escaping homes or yards, becoming

lost, or injuring themselves while trying to flee.

“At Creekside Critters Pet Sitters, we see firsthand how overwhelming holiday celebrations can be for pets,” says Ken Botts, founder of Creekside Critters Pet Sitters. “With a little preparation, pet parents can greatly reduce stress and keep their pets safe.”

To help keep your pets safe, calm, and secure during New Year’s Eve celebrations, here are 5 New Year's Eve Pet Safety tips

Keep Pets Secure Indoors

If you’re hosting a party or expect fireworks in your area, keep pets safely indoors in a quiet, secure room. Close windows, blinds, and curtains to minimize noise and flashing lights. Make the space comfortable with familiar bedding, food, and water. Playing soft music, a television, or white noise can help mask outside sounds. For pets with severe anxiety, talk to your veterinarian ahead of time about calming aids or prescribed medication.

Ensure Pets Wear Proper Identification

Even indoor pets can slip out unexpectedly when doors are opened. Make sure your pet wears a secure collar with a legible ID tag that includes your current phone number and address. Microchipping provides an additional layer of protection if a collar or tag is lost. Be sure all contact information is up to date, especially if you’ve recently moved.

Keep Pets Away From Alcohol

Alcohol can be extremely dangerous for pets. According to the Pet Poison Helpline, ingesting alcohol can cause dangerous drops in blood sugar, blood pressure, and body temperature. In severe cases, pets may experience seizures, respiratory failure, or worse. Keep all alcoholic beverages and party leftovers well out of reach, and contact your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your pet has ingested alcohol.

Skip the Walk During Fireworks

Avoid taking pets outside while fireworks are active. Sudden loud noises can cause pets to bolt, even if they’re normally well-behaved or securely leashed. Fireworks also pose a risk of burns, hearing damage, or eye injuries. Even pets in outdoor kennels or fenced yards may attempt to escape when frightened, so it’s safest to keep them indoors until celebrations have ended.

Distract and Comfort Nervous Pets

If your pet shows signs of anxiety—such as whining, pacing, shaking, or hiding—try offering comfort and distraction. Engage them with a favorite toy, puzzle, game, or gentle playtime. Staying calm yourself can also help reassure anxious pets and reduce stress.

By planning ahead and taking a few simple precautions, you can help ensure your pets stay safe and comfortable while you celebrate the New Year. A little extra care goes a long way in making the holiday enjoyable for everyone—two-legged and four-legged alike.

About Creekside Critters Pet Sitters Creekside Critters Pet Sitters is the trusted choice for professional in-home pet care across Tarrant and Parker counties, proudly serving Fort Worth, Benbrook, White Settlement, River Oaks, Lake Worth, Azle, Aledo, and parts of Weatherford. We know your pets are family, and our mission is to provide you with peace of mind when you can’t be there.

Our experienced and compassionate team cares for all types of pets—including dogs, cats, small animals, birds, fish, horses, and other farm animals—with services tailored to their unique needs. Whether it’s daily visits, playtime, or specialized care, we make sure your pets receive the love, attention, and exercise they deserve.

Contact us today and discover why Creekside Critters Pet Sitters is the premier choice for pet sitting in your community.