UK survey finds Manchester worst for pets during fireworks season

Manchester has been identified as the most stressful city in the United Kingdom for pets during the fireworks season. The finding comes from a survey of 2,000 pet owners conducted by the pet retailer Pets at Home.

The disruption extends far beyond the traditional Bonfire Night celebration on November 5. Data from the survey indicates that 35% of owners hear fireworks at least every two to three days in October. That figure rises to 64% during November. Additionally, 48% of respondents report hearing explosions after 11 p.m., while 14% hear them after 1 a.m.

In terms of specific locations, Manchester recorded an average of 18 nights of fireworks in November, the highest number among all cities surveyed. More than a third of residents there, specifically 36.7%, heard fireworks after midnight. Meanwhile, 75.9% of owners in the city reported that their pets exhibited signs of stress or anxiety. Glasgow recorded the highest proportion of affected pets at 85.5%, while Birmingham and Leeds also featured in the top five for overall impact.

Dr Samantha Butler-Davies, the veterinary director at Pets at Home, noted that animals hear different frequencies than humans, making the sudden and unpredictable nature of fireworks particularly distressing. She stated, “Fireworks can be frightening for pets because the bangs and flashes are sudden and unpredictable.” Common reactions include trembling, hiding, and seeking reassurance, with 32% of owners reporting trembling and 30% reporting hiding behavior.

Pet owners are advised to prepare before darkness falls. Recommendations include completing walks and feeding routines earlier in the day and securing doors and windows. Butler-Davies suggested using familiar background sounds to soften the impact of loud noises. For pets with severe fear, she urged owners to speak with a veterinarian well in advance to establish an individual plan.

Neighbours are also being asked to adjust their habits. The campaign encourages people to give advance warning, choose lower-noise fireworks, and keep displays shorter. Owners can also display a free A4 window poster to alert neighbors that a pet in the household is frightened by the noise. The goal is to make the timing and intensity of displays more predictable for animals living in the vicinity.