Protect Pets During Holiday Fireworks and Pilgrimages

Cancún, QRoo — With the start of the Guadalupan pilgrimages and increased use of fireworks in December, animal protection organizations and municipal authorities have called on the population of Quintana Roo to reinforce care for dogs and cats, due to a rise in reported incidents during this period.

According to rescue groups in Cancún, Playa del Carmen, and Chetumal, there is an annual increase in reports of lost or injured pets due to the stress caused by fireworks, as well as heavy traffic during religious processions.

Veterinary specialists explained that the noise from fireworks can cause severe anxiety episodes in animals, leading them to flee, hide, or suffer accidents. In some cases, stress levels can result in heart problems, seizures, or aggressive behavior.

In Chetumal, the Animal Welfare Directorate reported that during the December season, reports of lost pets increase by up to 40 percent, primarily on nights with higher religious or festive activity.

Authorities recommended keeping pets indoors, closing windows and doors, using collars with identification tags, and avoiding leaving them on rooftops or patios unsupervised. They also suggested consulting a veterinarian to consider containment measures such as pheromones, desensitization therapy, or medication in severe cases.

Furthermore, they called on the public to avoid excessive use of fireworks, especially near residential areas, schools, or animal shelters, and reminded that the Quintana Roo Animal Protection and Welfare Regulation includes penalties for actions that endanger the integrity of pets.