With just six days until fireworks night, Battersea Dogs & Cats Home is urging the public to follow its 10-step plan to keep their pets safe.

Fireworks weekend is one of the most stressful times of the year for dogs and cats, who can easily become scared and run away. Last year Battersea accepted 219 stray dogs in the two weeks around fireworks night, up 18% compared to an average fortnight.

Jane Ellison MP for Battersea has backed Battersea’s calls for owners to take precautions. She explained: “While fireworks are great fun for us, it is imperative to think about your dog or cat, as this can be a very difficult time for them. Battersea has some fantastic tips which will help pet owners ensure their pets feel safe and calm.”

To ensure your pet doesn’t get lost or scared on fireworks night, follow Battersea’s 10-step plan: Animals will hide or run away when scared, so ensure your pet has a collar with an ID tag. Remember, it is a legal requirement for your dog to wear this. Cats should have easy release collars, in case they get caught.

Ensure your pet is microchipped1, so you can be contacted if it goes missing. Battersea is offering discounted microchipping for just £15 this firework’s season. Just bring your dog or cat to the London or Brands Hatch sites between 10.30am and 4pm, Sunday 31 October to Saturday 6 November. The Old Windsor centre will offer microchipping during the same period from 12pm – 4pm on weekdays and 10.30am – 4pm on the weekend.

If you have already chipped your animal, ensure your details are up-to-date with your chip provider, in case you have moved home or changed your mobile phone number.

Make sure your house is escape-proof by closing windows and doors and block off any dangerous or unsuitable areas, in case your pet tries to hide there.

Give your pet a den to hide in, such as a box for a cat or a table covered with a cloth for a dog. Never force them to use it, but fill it with comfortable blankets, treats and toys. Introduce it before fireworks night so your pet is comfortable there.

Never shut your pet in a confined area as it will injure itself if it tries to escape. Allow it access to all safe areas of the house.

The flashing lights of fireworks can scare pets, so keep your curtains drawn, and give them the option of rooms with both the lights on and off.

Fireworks make sudden sounds, so reduce their impact by keeping a radio or TV switched on.

Don’t let your pet outside when fireworks are likely to be let off, which is normally until 11pm. Cats should be kept inside overnight during the firework season, so remember to provide a litter tray and lock the cat flap.

Remember to stay calm. Don’t comfort your pets too much, as this will make them think you are anxious. If your pet is destructive or messes in the house just ignore it, as punishing them will only heighten their stress. Don’t be tempted to interact with your cat if she is upset, as she may lash out.

If your pet has shown a reaction to the fireworks, consider consulting Battersea’s Advice Line once the firework season is over in January, and they will be able to advise on what precautions you can take for next year. Call 0905 020 0222 or email behaviouradvice@battersea.org.uk for details.

If a dog or cat does go missing, Battersea should be an owners’ first port of call. The Home’s online Lost Dog & Cat Kits guide owners through the necessary steps to help find their pet. It includes reporting the incident to Battersea’s Lost Dogs & Cats Line3, so the Home can check if the animal has been brought to one of its centres.

Other information: Microchipping is one of the best ways to ensure you are reunited with your pet if it goes missing. The chip is tiny and inserted by a vet in a simple procedure which is quick and painless. The chip has a unique code which when scanned with a special reader can be matched to the owner's details on a central database. Rescue centres, animal wardens and vets are all able to scan for this permanent form of identification.

Calls to Battersea’s Lost Dogs & Cats Line cost 25p per minute from a BT landline, other networks may vary. Lines are open from 12pm to 5pm, Monday to Friday with messages taken at other times.

If a dog or cat goes missing call Battersea’s Lost Dogs & Cats Line on 0901 477 8477. Calls cost 60p per minute from a BT landline, other networks may vary. Contact times - Monday to Sunday 8am to 8pm.

Based on information supplied by Battersea Dogs & Cats Home.