When Daylight Saving Time ends on Sunday, November 1, evening walks instantly change. A recent release from the NYC Department of Transportation warned that as clocks fall back, the hours around sunset become the most dangerous of the year for pedestrians. That 6 p.m. loop around the neighborhood—bathed in golden light just last week—suddenly takes place in complete darkness. Shorter days mean reduced visibility, unfamiliar shadows, and heightened safety risks for both dog owners and their pets.
The Data Behind the Dark
Fi tracks hundreds of thousands of dogs around the world, and our data shows exactly how Daylight Saving Time reshapes daily walks:
Evening walks in the dark jump by over 20% in the week after the clocks change, as dog owners navigate daily routines after the sun has set. More darkness, more time outside, more reasons to be prepared.
Your dog still needs daily exercise, sniff breaks, and outdoor time, no matter when the sun sets. Instead of cutting your evening walks short, you can step out with complete confidence all season long.
That is why Fi and She’s Birdie have joined forces around one core mission: total safety on both ends of the leash.
Protecting One End of the Leash: Your Dog
Darker evenings make it harder for drivers to see pets and increase the chance of a startled dog slipping their collar or bolting into the shadows. In those critical moments, fast location tracking is essential.
Fi is a smart GPS dog collar and wearable that helps you track your dog’s real-time location instantly if they ever get away. Beyond live GPS tracking, Fi monitors your dog’s daily activity levels and sleep patterns, helping you adjust their routine as shorter autumn and winter days set in.
Protecting the Other End of the Leash: You
Darker evenings also change how many of us feel about heading out at all. According to Gallup’s 2025 Global Safety Report, 71% of U.S. adults say they feel safe walking alone at night, but that drops to 58% of women, compared with 84% of men. Gallup’s U.S. Crime poll points the same way: 53% of women say there’s an area near home where they’d be afraid to walk alone at night, compared with 26% of men.
Birdie is a personal safety alarm designed to keep you protected wherever you go. Pull the top and Birdie sets off a loud siren and a flashing strobe light to draw attention and help deter a threat. It clips right onto your leash, your keys or your bag, so it’s always within reach, whether you’re on a quiet street after dark or an early morning walk before sunrise.
Better Together
Combining She’s Birdie’s personal safety alarm with Fi’s GPS dog collar creates the ultimate night-walking setup. She’s Birdie looks out for you, while Fi protects your pup – delivering total peace of mind every time you step out the door.
Essential Night Walk Safety Tips for Dog Owners
- Increase Visibility: Wear reflective clothing and attach an LED clip light to your dog’s harness or leash so oncoming drivers can spot you clearly. If your dog wears the Fi Series 3+, you’re already a step ahead: its built-in LED light makes it easy to keep eyes on your dog in the dark.
- Stick to Well-Lit Routes: Choose familiar, brightly lit paths while you and your dog adapt to the earlier sunset.
- Stay Connected: Keep your phone charged and share your walk route with a friend or family member.
- Be Patient with Your Dog: Unfamiliar nighttime sights and sounds can make dogs jumpy, so offer extra reassurance along the way.
Exclusive Offers
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Shorter days shouldn’t limit your daily adventures! Keep both ends of the leash protected this daylight saving season!
