Halloween pet safety tips

Spooky Season is here! The leadup to Halloween is always exciting. For many of us, it’s an excuse to get festive, decorating our homes and yards, and throwing costume parties. But how do we get our pets in on the fun? Here are a few tips and tricks to ensure that your pet is stylish and safe this halloween season.

​​Costumes are a great way to include your pet in Halloween fun. Here are a few things to consider when choosing a costume:

• Check the fit. It’s important to make sure that your pet’s costume fits well and doesn't pose any choking hazards, visibility issues, or mobility restrictions.
• Noise. Costumes that have sound effects or have noisy components, such as bells, can be scary, so try to avoid them.
• Vibe check. Just like people, not all pets are excited to wear a costume. You know your pet best and should always check in to make sure that they’re having fun too.
• Safety first. Always make sure that your pet is supervised when wearing their costume.

Whether it’s a crate, a bed, or even a specific room in your home, make sure that your pet has a safe space where they can go if things get too scary. With doors opening and closing at a party or for trick-or-treaters,secure your pet so it can't bolt through the door when things get going. Make sure that your pet is wearing an ID tag and that the information is up to date and easy to read. The safest place for your pet on Halloween night is in your home. Having a plan for what to do if your pet starts to get spooked will help keep your evening fun and stress free for everyone. You know your pet best and are their advocate when things get scary. Don’t be afraid to say no if strangers ask to touch your pet. Respect everyone's space to keep us all safe on Halloween.

Decorating is a fun part of every holiday. But, it’s important to consider your pet’s safety when introducing anything new. There are a few types of decorations that you should pay special attention to this Halloween;

• Candles are commonly used inside jack-o-lanterns and are often left at pet-level. Never leave candles unattended and keep them out of reach of children or pets. Battery powered lights are a great safe alternative.

• Spider webs are a go-to for Halloween. But, they’re made out of materials that can be toxic if ingested by your pet. Keep an eye on your pet if you hang webs and other decorations. Practicing commands such as “leave it” with your pet will help set you both up for success in avoiding potentially dangerous decorations.

• Your scary motion-activated decorations can be a bit too spooky for skittish pets. We recommend putting these types of decorations higher up or turning them off when your pet is around. Always make sure that electrical cords are out of the way and secured in place. Excited pets can get tangled or trip on loose cords.

Get ready for the monster mash! Halloween parties mean lots of new spooky people and sweet treats. Here are some things to keep in mind to make sure that your pet is safe and happy while you celebrate.

All great parties have food, snacks, and candy. But keep in mind that some Halloween candy and foods can be toxic for your pet. It’s always best to keep sweets out of reach of your pet so that your guests can enjoy them worry-free. If you are attending a party, always ask before feeding anyone else’s pet human foods.

Parties can be overstimulating for pets. Make sure that your pet has a safe space to go to and something to keep them busy so that they don’t get overwhelmed. Frozen kongs, treat balls, toys, and chews are great items to have on hand to occupy your pet if they need to be away from the action for a while.

Also, remember that a tired pet is a well-behaved pet! A nice long walk or an exciting play session before the party starts can make the main event more fun for everyone.

Have a spooktacular (and safe) Halloween!