Hyderabad: As the city gears up for nights filled with fireworks, many pet parents are already bracing for the anxiety and restlessness their furry companions experience during the festival of lights.With the city’s skies set to crackle, pet owners are turning to boarding centres and professional sitters offering soundproof rooms, calming music, and round the clock supervision to help their pets cope. Most such facilities are reporting full bookings well before the festive week.“My dog gets squirmy, anxious, and even tries to run away whenever he hears loud noises. Not many understand how distressing this time can be for animals,” said Aarna Ketika, an IT professional from LB Nagar.For others, Diwali is also travel time. “It’s expensive to take our two dogs and a cat everywhere we go. These boarding centres are a big help as our pets stay safe and comfortable while we travel without worry,” said Madan M Krant from Narsingi.Pet boarders say demand spikes every festive season. “We can house about 25 pets, and our slots fill up at least two weeks before Diwali,” said Manjeet Kumar, owner of M&M Waggy Tales in Kondapur. “The festival means travel, guests, and constant noise, all of which can overwhelm pets. Parents prefer leaving them in a calm, secure environment.”He added that animals are much more sensitive to sound than humans. “Pets have nearly 30% higher sound sensitivity. Unlike us, they can’t block their ears, so you’ll often see them shivering or panting out of stress. It’s especially hard for new pet parents to handle.”At a Secunderabad-based centre, caretaker Jyotis Narayan said preparations are in full swing. “We’ve arranged quiet rooms with soft lighting and have vets on call round the clock. For some pets, we even use calming jackets or earmuffs to make them stay relaxed during the fireworks,” she said.
