Animal welfare organizations issue safety advice for holiday noise and hazards

Animal welfare organizations are providing guidance to protect pets and wildlife during holidays involving loud noises and seasonal hazards.

The Ottawa Humane Society has advised pet owners in Ottawa to prepare for potential spikes in lost animals during Canada Day celebrations. To mitigate the stress caused by fireworks, the organization recommends securing pets in quiet, enclosed spaces such as basements or bathrooms, using white noise like fans or televisions to mask sounds, and ensuring dogs are on secure leashes if attending outdoor events.

Similarly, the BC SPCA has issued warnings regarding Halloween, noting that loud noises from fireworks and doorbells can cause anxiety and a spike in emergency calls. They advise keeping toxic human candies and wrappers away from animals and ensuring pet identification, such as microchips, is up to date to prevent pets from escaping during frequent door activity.