As Diwali and Bonfire Night approach, we should ask ourselves: are our traditions worth the toll they take on our four-legged companions?
At Petpals, the UK’s longest-running multi-service pet care franchise, the team believes it’s time to do things differently. That’s why they have launched Paws The Bangs, a nationwide awareness campaign offering practical advice to pet owners while also calling for change in how communities celebrate. Here, Kevin Thackrah, Director of Petpals, explains why the initiative matters and what it says about the role of franchisors today.
With the support of in-house vet, Dr Sophie Bell, we’ve created resources that combine expert knowledge with simple, effective strategies. From building safe spaces at home to calming techniques that reassure nervous pets, the goal is to help families feel prepared before the first rocket lights up the sky.
But the campaign goes beyond practical tips – it is about shifting mindsets. The RSPCA’s Fireworks Impact Report underlines the scale of the issue: 95% of pet owners dread fireworks season, 30% feel isolated in their concerns and 40% feel uncomfortable raising the subject with neighbours. Yet 75% said they would switch to a firework alternative if asked by a neighbour with pets. The demand for change is there; people just need guidance and encouragement to act.
For us at Petpals, caring for pets goes hand in hand with being a responsible franchisor. Franchise networks are uniquely placed to drive social change because they combine national reach with deep local roots. With more than 150 territories across the UK, Petpals can share resources widely while enabling franchisees to deliver them directly into their communities.
This is where franchising shows its real strength. It’s not only about systems and support; it’s also about giving franchisees the chance to stand for something bigger than the business itself. By championing Paws The Bangs, we’re helping our network to be seen not just as trusted pet carers but as community leaders advocating for a more compassionate approach to celebration. In a franchise landscape where consumers increasingly expect brands to reflect their values, this kind of purpose-led leadership strengthens reputation and builds long-term trust.
Encouragingly, kinder alternatives already exist. Drone and laser displays offer the same spectacle without the fear, and more communities are beginning to adopt them. Petpals is urging event organisers and local authorities to embrace these options, proving that traditions can evolve without losing their magic. At the same time, we’re backing the RSPCA’s Out with the Bang initiative, which helps pet owners push for tighter regulation by contacting their MP.
Franchisees are already playing their part by sharing campaign materials, engaging customers and preparing families for the season ahead. For many of them, Petpals is more than a business – it’s a way to make a positive impact in the communities they serve. Campaigns like Paws The Bangs give them the platform to do exactly that.
Fireworks season is one of the most distressing times of year for pets, and it is heartbreaking for owners to watch. But it doesn’t have to be this way. By raising awareness, offering solutions and encouraging alternatives, we can all help build a future where celebrations are kinder to animals. Petpals is proud to lead that change – because no moment of joy should come at the expense of the animals who share our homes and our hearts.
