Keeping pets safe during fireworks

Published on 12 December 2025

Hume City Council is reminding dog and cat owners to take extra precautions to ensure the safety of their pets during public firework displays that may occur during the festive period.

While Council isn't hosting any fireworks this year, you can still hear them in surrounding areas. Fireworks can distress and frighten pets, causing them to flee their homes and properties.

Throughout the Summer celebrations, many pets are found by Council wandering the streets or taking shelter in someone else’s property after being spooked by fireworks.

Here are just some of the ways you can keep your pets safe during fireworks and other festivities:

exercise your pet before so they have less energy to get excited or anxious
contain your animal in your house or garage overnight
ensure there is a comfortable bed, plenty of water and some food available if you are not home during the festive season
leave your pet with a friend or family member who is not going out
ensure your pet is microchipped, and wears appropriate identification and registration, in case they do escape.

If you see a stray animal wandering the streets, please contact Council on 9205 2200.

It is illegal for anyone other than licensed pyrotechnicians to be in possession of fireworks or to use them in Victoria.

If you see illegal fireworks in use, call triple zero.

Information about the sale or ownership of illegal fireworks can be reported to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or on the Crime Stoppers' website.