Dog-friendly Bonfire Night 2026: fireworks tips and calm days out with your dog

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Bonfire Night is on Thursday 5 November this year. As Dogs Trust points out, fireworks are unlikely to stay on one night, so plan for the whole period, including the weekends of 31 October to 1 November and 7 to 8 November.

In the PDSA's PAW Report, 41% of dog owners said their dog is afraid of fireworks. Below is practical advice from four UK animal charities, followed by calm, daytime events where you and your dog can get out while it is still light.

Before fireworks week

  • Check when displays are planned near you. The PDSA suggests finding out the dates of nearby displays so you can plan your evenings.
  • Set up a safe den now. The PDSA suggests a spot your dog already goes to when worried, such as behind the sofa or in a crate, with their bed, blankets and favourite toys. Make it a few weeks ahead so your dog gets used to it, and the RSPCA says your dog should be able to reach it at all times. Blue Cross suggests putting some of your clothes inside. Never force your dog in or out.
  • Check your dog's microchip details. All four charities say this. If your dog bolts, up-to-date details give you a better chance of getting them back. Blue Cross also recommends a collar and tag with a readable phone number, even indoors.
  • Talk to your vet early if your dog is very frightened. Your vet can check for medical causes, refer you to a behaviourist and advise on medication, says Dogs Trust. The PDSA says to speak to your vet well before the season, as finding the right medication takes time, and never to give your dog medication your vet has not prescribed. You can also ask about pheromone diffusers, which the PDSA suggests plugging in a few weeks before.

On fireworks nights

  • Walk in daylight. Walk your dog while it is light and get home well before dark, advise the RSPCA, PDSA and Blue Cross. The PDSA suggests a longer walk with plenty of sniffing, which can tire your dog and help them relax. The clocks go back on 25 October, so it gets dark early.
  • Close the curtains and turn on the lights. Shut windows and curtains before dark and leave the lights on to hide the flashes.
  • Use sound to mask the bangs. Music or the TV can help. Dogs Trust's Sound Blanket, a set of sounds designed to mask fireworks, is on YouTube and Spotify. Blue Cross says to keep the volume comfortable, and not to try this if your dog is not used to the TV.
  • Keep your dog in and secure. Check doors, windows and fences. For toilet trips, go into the garden with your dog on a lead and wait for a gap in the fireworks, says the PDSA. Never leave your dog alone in the garden, tied up outside a shop or in a car. Blue Cross adds that worried dogs often drink more, so fill the water bowl to the brim.
  • Stay with your dog and stay calm. Try not to leave them alone. If they want to hide, let them. If they come to you for comfort, give it calmly: Dogs Trust says research shows ignoring them won't help.
  • Never tell your dog off. If fear leads to accidents or chewing, scolding only makes your dog more scared.
  • Don't take your dog to a fireworks display. The RSPCA and Blue Cross both advise against it, even if your dog seems relaxed around noise.

After the season

If your dog struggles, plan ahead for next year. Blue Cross says sound training needs to start three to six months before fireworks season, and never during it. The RSPCA recommends the Sounds Scary therapy pack, and your vet can refer you to a clinical animal behaviourist.

Sources: RSPCA, Dogs Trust, PDSA and Blue Cross. If you are worried about your own dog, ask your vet.

A fireworks-free bonfire night

Dog Friendly Bonfire Night at Brockholes, near Preston, runs on 5 November from 5pm to 8pm. The Lancashire Wildlife Trust holds a bonfire with no fireworks on the reserve's floating visitor village, set away from local displays. There is marshmallow roasting, games and children's entertainment. Dogs cost £1 and must stay on a lead. It runs after dark, so if your dog is nervous in the dark or in crowds, a daytime event below may suit better.

Daytime group walks

A morning walk with other dogs is a good way to tire your dog out before the evening.

Saturday 31 October

Sunday 1 November

Later in the week

Dog cafés and breed meet-ups

Indoor breed sessions run through the daytime on both weekends. Most include off-lead play and treats for dogs, and need a ticket.

Quieter indoor outings

Details can change, so check with the organiser before you go. We add new events every week: see every upcoming dog-friendly event on Pet Event, and filter by date and area to find one near you. Looking further ahead? See our guide to Christmas dog events in the UK 2026.