The Best Pet-Friendly Halloween Costumes, Activities and More

1 Avoid Dangerous Decor

Many common Halloween decorations pose a threat to your pet, including:

• Candles (they’re easily knocked over—use battery-powered candles or glow sticks instead)
• Electrical wires (pets are prone to chew them)
• Fog machines (the fog fluid can be toxic to pets)
• Fake spiders and other small plastic items (these can be choking hazards)

2Hide the Candy

The No. 1 pet hazard this spooky season? Halloween candy. It’s a sweet treat for you, but it’s a whole package of bad ideas for your pet, from cellophane and candy wrappers that can cause gastrointestinal blockage to sweeteners like xylitol and other ingredients like chocolate that can make your pet sick. Make sure to keep any trick-or-treat bags far out of your pet’s reach.

3Keep Your Pet Inside

Many pets go missing on and around Halloween each year, and it’s easy to understand why: The front door opening to trick-or-treaters all night long presents a tempting opportunity for pets to sneak out. Keep pets in a safe, comfortable and, most importantly, inescapable area during trick-or-treat hours, as well as during any Halloween parties you’re hosting where people will be coming and going.

4Double-Check Their ID

It’s a good idea to make sure the information on your pet’s ID tag is up-to-date, as well as that their microchip is active. That way, if they do manage to sneak out for a little Halloween mischief, they’ll have a good chance of returning to you safe and sound. Not microchipped yet? Find out more about the process.

Get more important Halloween pet safety tips.