No Tricks, Just Treats: A Halloween Safety Guide for Pets

Costumes? Check. Candy? Stocked. Porch light? On. You’re ready for Halloween! But is your pet?

The hustle and bustle of the night can be a little overwhelming for our four-legged friends. Whether they’re a social butterfly or a scaredy cat, these safety tips will help them enjoy the night safely, stress-free, and without a fright in sight.

Keep Candy Out of Paw’s Reach

Chocolate and other common Halloween candy can be extremely toxic to pets. Store candy in a high, secure spot, and remind little trick-or-treaters not to share their treats with your pet.

ID Is a Must

Costumes, doorbells, and unfamiliar front door visitors can startle pets, increasing the risk of them slipping out. Make sure your pet is wearing a properly fitting collar with an updated ID tag (including your address and phone number). 

Keep Them Indoors

Even if your pet is usually comfortable outside, Halloween night can have unexpected thrills, pranks, fireworks, or unfamiliar foot traffic. Keeping your pet calm and cozy indoors, in a quiet room away from the front door, helps prevent accidents, escapes, and unsafe interactions.

Walk Before the Witching Hour

Try to get your pet’s walk in earlier in the day and stick to a quiet, familiar route. Costumed crowds, loud noises, and spooky decorations can be overwhelming and frightening, especially after dark.

Watch for Cords and Candles

Halloween decorations often include candles, string lights, and electrical cords around the house that pets may chew on or knock over, leading to burns, shocks, and fires. Keep cords tucked away and use battery-operated candles when possible.

Jack-O-Lantern Scare

They may look festive, but moldy and rotting pumpkins can lead to upset stomachs, or worse, if eaten. Keep carved pumpkins out of reach from your pet and discard them after Fright Night.

Now that your furry friend is prepped for the tricks (and mostly the treats), happy haunting!