Growing up, I loved to include my family dogs in our Halloween celebrations. My grandmother fondly recalls that when I was about 4 or 5 years old, I insisted on matching costumes with my pup Shadow.
Shadow was a black pug who followed me around like my very own little shadow, hence his name. That Halloween, I dressed up as a pumpkin and Shadow willingly wore a matching hat.
Fast forward to when I was seven. My family got a rottweiler named Caeser. Caeser was incredibly sweet, but it turned out he did not share my enthusiasm for matching costumes.
My dreams of going as Mario and Luigi that Halloween may have been squashed, but I learned a valuable lesson. It’s always important to listen to what your dog is telling you—whether through their body language or behavior.
Caeser was clearly uncomfortable in his costume and once I took it off, it was like he was back to his old self again. He happily joined us in other Halloween festivities just wearing his normal collar and tag.
Our pets are like family, so of course—like I did with Shadow and Caesar—we want to include them in our festivities and Halloween customs. Sharing traditions such as dressing up in costumes, attending parties, and going to community events are fun, but for some pets it can be stressful.
Here are our top 5 tips to keep pets happy and safe this Halloween:
Costume or Comfort?
Most pets would rather stay cozy in their beds than dress up for a night on the town. For those party animals who do enjoy being the life of the costume party — like Shadow — make sure their outfit doesn’t restrict movement, eyesight, or hearing. For pets who aren’t fans of costume—like Caesar—a festive collar or bandana is a stress-free way to join the celebration.
Keep Your Pet Secure
Halloween can be exciting, but it can also be stressful for pets. Dog bite risks increase when animals are put in unfamiliar situations, and the steady stream of trick-or-treaters raises the chance of an escape. Keep four-legged friends safe behind baby gates, pens, or in a closed room when greeting visitors at the door.
Decorations Can Be Dangerous
The dangers of Halloween décor are lurking all around – not just for our pets, but also for our wildlife neighbors who share the environment with us. Keep pets away from candles, jack-o’-lanterns, and electrical cords. Even the daily neighborhood walk can be unnerving with spooky lawn displays and flashing lights. Help your pet adjust by introducing them to these sights in daylight with plenty of treats and encouragement.
Keep Candy Out of Paw’s Reach
Keeping pets safe doesn’t mean missing out on the fun. Chocolate and other candies can be harmful, so keep them well out of reach and remind party guests not to share people treats. Instead, create pet-friendly traditions like “Trick for a Treat” or bobbing for biscuits. Seasonal goodies—like pumpkin-flavored snacks from your local pet store—are a festive way to include them.
Identification is a Must
With all the commotion of Halloween night, it’s important to be prepared just in case your pet slips out. Make sure your pet is microchipped and wearing an ID tag with your current contact information. If they go missing, search nearby areas right away, post their photo on neighborhood social media, and check your local shelter’s lost and found listings frequently.
Halloween should be fun for the whole family, pets included. By planning ahead and keeping safety in mind, you can make sure your furry friends enjoy the holiday without any frights. A little preparation goes a long way in making Halloween both safe and special for the pets we love.
For more Halloween pet safety tips and tricks, visit pasadenahumane.org/halloween
Chris Ramon is president and CEO of Pasadena Humane. pasadenahumane.org