Concert for Animals was broadcast nationwide on Tuesday 5 November to comfort and entertain companion animals and their humans on Guy Fawkes night.
Sophie (pictured) and I miaowssively appreciate and look forward to your Guy Fawkes sonic sanctuary of calm. Thank you for the great idea to counter the world's madness out there. We love RNZ Concert. Kindest, Sophie & Alta. Photo: RNZ Concert listeners
In collaboration with SPCA, RNZ Concert offered a radio show of music chosen to be gentle for pets during fireworks.
Both organisations are keen to help improve the wellbeing of their communities. We know music is a positive part of many people’s lives, and we know many RNZ Concert listeners have beloved pets. Now we’re completing that circle with the SPCA’s expertise to provide an enjoyable listening experience for people and their furry friends on a night we know can be challenging for both.
Thousands of New Zealanders – fur and skin – settled down and tuned in to RNZ Concert on Guy Fawkes night!
To listen to RNZ Concert tune in on the radio, or stream us from rnz.co.nz, the RNZ App, SKY TV channel 422, or Freeview Channel 51. Text us on 8824, texts cost 20 cents.
Meet some of the fluffier listeners to Concert for Animals on RNZ Concert
Tanya's dogs Latke and Lox prefer baroque music. Photo: RNZ Concert listeners
Cappy the Arapawa Goat (who is cared for by Phillip) Photo: An RNZ Concert listener
Pixie from Te Atatu South (L) and Cadence's cat Hebe (R). "My mum and dad and human sister Nina think the concert for animals is the best thing since sliced turkey. Even Nana Lola is going to be listening as the fireworks make us all anxious. Thanks very much for the lovely music - Pixie xx" Photo: RNZ Concert listeners
Rufus, a member of RNZ Concert Mornings producer Anna's family. Photo: An RNZ Concert listener
Napoleon Bunaparte and Sophie doe Bundorset are very partial to snuggling up to some soothing Chopin nocturnes, so will definitely be ears-up for Concert for Animals! Ngā mihi nui, Jo and the bunnies. Photo: RNZ Concert listeners
Clarissa (host of Music Alive on RNZ Concert) is dog-auntie to Carbon who loves to cuddle at night after a big day of running around! Photo: An RNZ Concert listener
Darth Chewie Cornflake Lucifer McCat, first of his name and ruler of all he surveys commands "fetch me my blanket, minion, for soon I shall feel the need to hide myself." Photo: An RNZ Concert listener
Chai will be tuning in on Tuesday night. Photo: An RNZ Concert listener
Alfie is hoping RNZ can add to this self-made sanctuary he created the other night. He spends a LOT of time listening to RNZ Concert (especially when mum, Deborah, is out), so he probably likes most works (except the birds before the news in the mornings). Photo: An RNZ Concert listener
Vanessa's doggo, chilling out on the couch. Photo: An RNZ Concert listener
May Quinn (pictured) and Liesl love Mozart's Clarinet Concerto in A major. Photo: An RNZ Concert listener
George the cat who lives with RNZ Concert host Bryan Crump. Photo: Bryan Curmp
Rangi and Toto enjoying Concert for Animals Photo: RNZ Concert listeners
Lilly in a happy place Photo: RNZ Concert listeners
SPCA’s top tips to prepare pets and farmed animals ahead of fireworks
RNZ Concert Mornings host Andrew Clark with Charlie. Photo: An RNZ Concert listener
- Both cats and dogs should be microchipped with up-to-date contact details and have a collar and identification tag with your contact details on it.
- Exercise your dog early in the day to avoid being out during dusk when fireworks could be set off.
- If your cat has outside access, make sure they are safe in your home before dusk.
- Have small pets like rabbits, guinea pigs or chickens tucked away safely or even inside for the night.
- Stay home with your pet – they will be less stressed with someone they trust close by.
- Keep them indoors – they won’t see the flashes and the bangs will be muffled. Close doors and windows and draw the curtains.
- Make sure that your cat or dog has somewhere comforting to hide such as an igloo bed, covered crate or making a bed wherever they feel safe to retreat to.
- Try a compression wrap for dogs. animals feel secure with gentle pressure on them (like you would swaddle a baby)
- If your pet seeks you out, comfort them. If they prefer to retreat and be left alone, let them.
Farm Animals:
- To minimise stress, keep horses and farmed animals in their familiar paddocks and with their usual companions unless a firework display is planned close by.
- Make sure all fences are secure and check paddocks and stables thoroughly for anything that could cause injury, such as protruding nails.
- If you need to stable or move animals, do this in advance so that the animals have a chance to get used to their new surroundings.
Photo: RNZ Design
