Halloween Safety Tips for Pets (and Wildlife)

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Ghost, goblins and ghouls are the only spooky things you should have to encounter on Halloween – not a pet safety emergency. Keep these tips in mind to make sure your four-legged family members (and neighborhood wildlife) stay safe during your Halloween festivities. 

Costumes 

Not all animals want to wear Halloween costumes. Only dress your pet up if they enjoy it, and never force your pet to wear something they don’t like. If you do decide to dress up your pet, make sure their costume doesn’t impair their ability to breathe, move or see, and if you notice any signs of stress, remove the costume immediately. 

Halloween Treats 

Chocolate is toxic to dogs and cats, and other types of candy can cause stomach upset. Always keep Halloween candy in a place your pet can’t access. If you believe your pet may have eaten chocolate, call your veterinarian, an emergency vet or the Animal Poison Control Hotline. 

Decorations 

Candles can be a staple of spooky décor, but they can also pose a safety hazard to animals, who can singe their fur or even knock them over. For a safer alternative, choose flameless candles for your jack-o-lanterns. And if you have any decorations that plug into an electrical outlet, make sure the cords are out-of-reach so they can’t be chewed on. 

Trick-or-Treat

It’s best not to take your pets trick-or-treating with you, as the crowds, costumes, and noises can be stressful – not to mention the dangers of dropped candy. If you’re staying home but expect trick-or-treaters at your door, keep your pet in a separate room of the house so they don’t escape.

Tag and Chip 

Make sure your pet is microchipped and is wearing an ID tag, and double check that your contact information on your pet’s microchip is up-to-date prior to Halloween. If you lose your pet, post on social media, Nextdoor, Pawboost, Petco Love Lost and more to try to locate them. For more tips on finding lost pets and to view all stray animals brought to our shelter, visit pasadenahumane.org/lost. 

Don’t Forget About Wildlife 

Keep your wild neighbors safe this Halloween! Avoid using fake spiderwebs for decorations, as birds and other small animals can become caught in them. And don’t leave bowls of candy out where wildlife can snack on them. 

Have a happy, festive and safe Halloween celebration!