Wondering what to do on New Year’s Eve with your dog or cat? You’ve come to the right place. The end of year can be a great time with fun, music and fireworks. Who doesn’t love it? Well… sad to say, but your pets. Celebrations like New Year’s Eve can be dangerous and even cause your dog to get majorly spooked or your cat to hide away from the stress of it all. So if you’re wondering what to do on New Year’s Eve – safely – with your pets, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive right in.

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Why New Year’s Eve can be dangerous for your pets

According to the German animal welfare organization TASSO¹, New Year’s Eve is the day of the year when more furry friends are reported lost than any other. In the United States, the only other day on which more pets go missing is the Fourth of July. Fireworks, noise, and loud music can be an intense, frightening experience for your dog or cat. Which is a prime reason why dogs run away or cats hide. I.e., they have the natural instinct to go and find shelter.

And on a night like New Year’s Eve, you might find your pet missing because:

  • They were frightened by loud noises, like parties, fireworks, music
  • They were overwhelmed by large crowds of people they don’t know (like your guests)
  • They got spooked from unfamiliar surroundings and scents (which can overwhelm them and cause them to run away in a panic)
  • They were stressed from a change to their normal routine

Under these unusual circumstances, your pets may run away or hide at the first opportunity they get. Which is why it’s a good idea to prevent them from getting scared in the first place…but also planning ahead for what to do if they do escape.

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What to do on New Year’s Eve with your dog or cat (or both!)

1. Tire out your pet before the festivities begin

On 31st morning, make sure to get in an extra long walk or tire out your dog or cat with some vigorous playtime. A tired pet is more likely to chill out on New Year’s Eve. (And less likely to run away.)

2. Keep your pets away from dangerous substances.

Candy, cigarettes, alcohol – there’s no end to substances toxic to dogs or poisonous to cats. So this New Year’s Eve, make sure to avoid dangerous substances like:

  • Alcohol
  • Chocolate
  • Cigarettes and drugs, including second hand marijuana smoke²
  • Chemicals
  • Toxic houseplants
  • Salty snacks
  • Meat with bones

Many foods that are harmless (and even healthy) for humans might be fatally toxic to dogs and cats. Like, for example, onions, mushrooms, garlic, and chocolate. So make sure to feed your pets their regular dog food or cat food before your big evening. Keep them away from the kitchen if you’re hosting guests over (and cooking a big meal.) Finally, inform your guests (especially your younger ones) which foods are off-limits for pets. Dogs or cats who have consumed alcohol may become lethargic, vomit, have difficulty walking, or even experience drops to blood pressure and body temperature³.

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Especially if you’re at a friend’s house or away from home, there might be unknown dangerous substances around. You don’t want to have to take an emergency visit to the vet on what could be one of the most fun days of the year.

3. Be extra careful during walks outdoors.

Your neighbors might test out fireworks ahead of New Year’s Eve – or set them off even before it’s dark out. And like we’ve mentioned, sudden loud noises can majorly spook your pet. (Even triggering their instinct to run away.) So keep your pet on a leash, and make sure their collar ID tag is properly attached. But besides these, we’d also recommend:

  • Microchipping your dog or cat.
    A microchip is a tiny electronic device a vet can implant into your pet’s shoulder blades. It functions like a permanent ID card for your pet. So if they go missing, a helpful stranger can take them to a vet or local animal shelter. Who can scan your pet for a microchip, find your contact details, and inform you they’ve found your pet.
  • Investing in a pet GPS tracker.
    So if your dog or cat bolts from their leash or from your backyard, you can immediately track them in real-time – and over an unlimited range. Or set up a “safe zone” in your home and get an alert from your pet’s tracker if they’ve escaped it.
A cat wearing a Tractive GPS tracker

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4. Create a safe space for your pets indoors.

As a general rule, try and keep your pets indoors. (Or at the very most, your backyard.) If you’re having guests over on New Year’s Eve, think ahead and dedicate a room or a confined space for your pets. Fill the space with their bed sheets – some food, if you wish – and other familiar items. This room will be your pet’s safe place during the evening.

Besides, try and keep your pets busy: a new toy or puzzle feeder can help keep them occupied while you’re away.

5. Spend quality time together.

  • Play some quick fetch to tire them out. (Or tug of war if you’ve got a teething puppy at home.)
  • Have a movie marathon. (Maybe Beethoven, K9, or Turner & Hooch.)
  • Host a small, dog-friendly gathering – invite your dog friends!
  • Bake dog (and human) treats together.
  • Build a fort together.
  • Listen to calming music. Dogs tend to chill out best with reggae and soft rock. Cats, on the other hand, are a tad more sophisticated and relax best to classical music.

6. Keep up routines involving sleep, food and water.

Do your best to follow your pet’s daily routine when it comes to feeding and sleep time. Feed them around the same time as most days and make sure to tire them out with some playtime before you head out for the evening. This routine can help your dog or cat feel safe – and less likely to run away from fear.

7. Don’t leave your pet home alone

If you have plans to be somewhere, don’t leave your pet home alone. Both dogs and cats are more vulnerable to pet thieves during the holiday season, when most folks aren’t at home. Make sure to get a friend or neighbor to check up on your pet during New Year’s Eve. Better yet, drop them over at a loved one’s for the evening. Together, they can watch TV or listen to some relaxing music (see the video below), and enjoy a peaceful New Year’s Eve together.

So…what to do on New Year’s Eve with your pets?

Here’s a summary of what we’ve covered, in one helpful checklist:

  • Tire out your pets in advance. A ton of exercise can help your dog or cat sleep better – and be less likely to run away if they get spooked by fireworks or loud noises.
  • Stay informed on what’s toxic to dogs and cats. Besides some human foods (like onions and garlic), pets are vulnerable to common household items, like some houseplants and also alcohol. So keep these away – and inform your guests as well.
  • Be extra careful during walks outdoors. The sound of pre-New Year’s Even fireworks can spook your pets and make them more likely to run away.
  • Create a safe space for your pet indoors. Ideally, leave behind an item with your scent (like a shirt) and a toy to keep them engaged.
  • Spend some quality time together with your pet. This can help both tire them out before the evening festivities – or feel happy and safe, knowing you’ve got their back.
  • Keep up the same feeding and sleep time routines. These can help your pets feel calmer and more secure. (A change in routine can stress them out instead.)
  • Don’t leave your pets home alone. Pets in empty homes are prime targets for pet thieves. Rather, get a friend or family member to take them in for the evening.

And finally…

Stay on top of your pet’s escape attempts with a GPS tracker

Dog wearing the tractive dog tracker standing in a field of flowers. live tracking app screenshot in the foreground.

Because the stress of coming home to find your buddy missing is never worth it – but the peace of mind knowing you can follow their every step always is. That way, you can ensure a smooth and successful New Year’s Eve for both you and your furry friend.

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