Gathering with friends and family to ring in the new year with fireworks is a tradition many look forward to on New Years Eve, but it can be an especially stressful time for pets.

Dr. Heather Hillier, a veterinarian with the City of St. John’s, says it is important to preparing your animals for tonight’s festivities early giving them lots of exercise so they are good and tired by the time the fireworks start.

From there, Hillier continues, it is about preparing your home.

Situate your animal in an area of the home where they can be comfortable, and where you can block out a lot of the bright lights that may be flashing in the windows.

As well, she recommends turning up the TV or radio to help drown out the loud noises.