• black and orange cat laying on pumpkin table cloth

The Anti-Cruelty Society’s Halloween Safety Tips for Pets and People

  • black and orange cat laying on pumpkin table cloth

The Anti-Cruelty Society’s Halloween Safety Tips for Pets and People
Keep your pet safe on Halloween

Halloween can be a fun-filled event for humans and pets alike. Even though your doorbell may not ring as often this year with pandemic precautions in place, it’s important to consider some safety precautions to keep your pets calm and protected. By keeping these tricks in mind, you’ll be sure to make this Halloween a real treat for both you and your pet. 

  • Use caution with costumes

If your pet can tolerate a costume, make sure that it is entirely pet-safe. Be certain it's made of non-toxic and non-flammable material and remove any chewable parts that may pose a choking hazard to your pet. Remember, pets can’t talk, so it’s important to keep an eye on their body language. If your pet is trying to bite at or remove the costume, resolve the issue by removing the costume yourself.  

  • Keep the human treats out of reach

Less trick-or-treaters mean more sugary goodies in your home to tempt humans, as well as pets. To avoid the possibility of your four-legged friend getting into the candy, keep it up and out of your pets’ reach at all times. Many popular Halloween candies are toxic to pets. Chocolate can be extremely dangerous for your pet and should  be kept out of reach. Sugar-free treats should also be avoided as they contain Xylitol, an artificial sweetener that is poisonous to pets. If you want to celebrate with your pet, stick to specialty treats crafted for animals. 

  • Harness the Halloween hype

Even though there may be less trick-or-treaters ringing your doorbell , your furry friends may still become a little uneasy and anxious. Consider the situation from their view- small strangers coming to the door dressed in masks and costumes is unusual. To keep your pets from dashing for the door, place them in a quiet room with toys and a few pet-approved treats. Think ahead and make sure your pet is microchipped and has an up-to-date ID tag so that they can be properly identified if it slips out the door. 

As responsible and loving pet-parents, we want to make our pets’ experiences as positive as possible. Be sure to remain calm throughout the night and remember to give your devoted companion all the extra love and attention they undoubtedly deserve.