Halloween is full of fun for humans — costumes, candy, and decorations galore — but for our pets, the night can be confusing and even frightening. With constant doorbell rings, strange visitors in masks, and tempting treats within reach, it’s no surprise that the number of pet emergency room visits spikes every Halloween. 

That’s why we’re reminding our community to plan ahead and take a few simple steps to keep your furry family members safe and stress-free this holiday. 

Why Halloween Can Be Scary for Pets

While we might love a good scare, our pets don’t understand what’s happening. To them, flashing lights, eerie sounds, and people in costumes can feel threatening. Add in candy and decorations that are dangerous if chewed or swallowed, and it’s clear why Halloween can be a tricky night for pets.

Even confident animals may react fearfully to the constant doorbell ringing, costumed visitors, and noisy activity outside. And because the front door opens so often, it’s easy for a startled pet to slip out unnoticed.

How to Keep Pets Safe This Spooky Season

A little preparation goes a long way toward preventing accidents and anxiety. Here are some easy ways to protect your pets during the holiday:

• • Designate a safe space. Set up a quiet room away from the front door where your pet can feel secure. Include their favorite bed, toys, food, and water. If your pet is crate-trained, make it a cozy den for them to relax in.
  • Mask the spooky sounds. Play soft music, the TV, or a white noise machine to help muffle doorbells and knocks.
  • Keep pets indoors. During peak trick-or-treating hours, keep all pets inside to prevent them from escaping or being harmed by pranksters.
  • Double-check ID and microchips. Ensure your pet’s ID tags are up to date, and confirm that microchip information is current. This dramatically increases your chances of a reunion if your pet gets loose.
  • Keep candy far out of reach. Chocolate, raisins, and sugar-free candies (especially those containing xylitol) are toxic to pets. Store all treats in sealed containers or high cabinets.
  • Be mindful with decorations. Keep lit candles, costume accessories, jack-o’-lanterns, fake cobwebs, and other small or electrical items where pets can’t reach them. These can burn, choke, or poison curious animals.
  • Watch out for costume hazards. If you dress up your pet, make sure their costume fits properly and doesn’t restrict vision, movement, or breathing. Remove it immediately if they seem stressed or uncomfortable.

If Your Pet Slips Out During Trick-or-Treating

If your pet goes missing or if you find a stray, don’t panic. Visit spcawake.org/helpline for guidance on what to do next. Our free Pet Helpline provides tips and tricks for ensuring the best chance of a happy reunion.

Help Spread the Word

Share these tips with your fellow pet-loving friends and neighbors so everyone can enjoy a safe and happy Halloween. With a bit of preparation and awareness, we can keep all of our pets out of harm's way while we enjoy the festivities.

Wishing you and your pets a safe, fun, and paws-itively happy Halloween!