How Fireworks Effect Pets and People With PTSD?

An interview was done in early 2026 quotes a woman who suffers from PTSD saying, “when firework season came round, and neighbours were setting them off in nearby gardens, the initial ‘whoosh’, the pops and the bangs of fireworks just sent me into a spin of uncontrollable panic attacks, sleepless and tearful nights, and utter exhaustion from being in a state of ‘alert’ all the time”.

PTSD affects thirteen million Americans and even more people worldwide. Of people with PTSD, 93.9% reported fireworks had a direct negative effect on them. Additionally fireworks pose a risk to pet owners due to pets being frightened by fireworks and increasing the chance they may run away or harm themselves. This issue is so widespread that an opposing view naturally arises. There is a current debate between those who enjoy fireworks and believe they have the right to set them off if they want, and people who have PTSD or advocate for those with PTSD who believe fireworks have too much negative impact on people and pets and should not allowed.

The account from the PTSD survivors mentioned in the first paragraph is only one of many stories shaped by the decisions of the federal and state government. Currently, each state is permitted to decide their own laws when it comes to fireworks. New York, like fifteen other states have banned aerial fireworks (but allow firecrackers and small fireworks). Specifically, New York State — Penal Law, Section 270.00 (2023) mandates that "it shall be unlawful for any person to offer or expose for sale, sell or furnish, any fireworks or dangerous fireworks" (CHAPTER 40, PART 3, TITLE P, ARTICLE 270). While other states allow all types of fireworks. For states that have regulations for fireworks the enforcement of these laws fall into the hands of local law enforcement. Although it is against the law, firework violations are rarely enforced because of the process that must happen before an arrest can be made. An officer must get a warrant to search someone's home, which is only possible if they have ´probable cause´ which means there has to be some sort of proof that the specific person has possession of or is setting off illegal fireworks. This is hard to do because by the time the police arrive they are usually not setting off fireworks anymore since this would not be considered an emergency call. If the officer can find probable cause, the officer can search the person and only if they find them to have possession of illegal fireworks can any kind of penalty follow.

Fireworks do not only have a negative effect on those who are living with PTSD, but also affect our very own fluffy friends. According to the AAHA, animal control officers have observed a 30%-60% increase in pets that go missing between July 4th-July 6th. Animals do not understand the concept of fireworks and often are frightened by the sudden, unexplainable loud noises. It is important for dog owners to tag their dogs and do whatever they can to keep them calm, but even these efforts are not guaranteed to bring back someone's missing fuzzy friend.