How to Keep Your Pet Safe on Halloween
Halloween is a time for costumes, candy, and festive fun—but for our furry family members, it can also bring new sights, sounds, and smells that might be a little too spooky. With a few precautions, you can make sure your pets stay safe, comfortable, and happy while enjoying the holiday alongside you.
Dressing Up Your Pet – Comfort Comes First
Costumes can be adorable, but not every pet enjoys wearing them—and that’s okay! Your pet’s comfort and safety should always be the priority.
- Introduce the Costume Early – A few days before Halloween, let your pet sniff and explore the costume before trying it on.
- Choose Pet-Safe Materials – Soft, breathable fabrics are best to prevent skin irritation or overheating.
- Check the Fit – Costumes should never restrict movement, breathing, or vision. Avoid anything too tight or with dangling pieces that could be chewed off.
- Practice in Small Steps – Let your pet wear the costume for short periods, gradually increasing the time.
- Reward & Praise – Give treats and praise so your pet associates the costume with something fun and positive.
- Don’t Force It – If your pet shows signs of stress or discomfort, skip the costume altogether. A festive bandana or collar is a safe alternative.
- Always Supervise – Never leave a costumed pet unattended to prevent accidents or choking hazards.
Watch Out for Halloween Décor
Halloween decorations can be exciting for us but confusing or even frightening for pets.
- Glow Sticks & Glow Jewelry – While the liquid inside glow sticks is generally non-toxic, it tastes awful and can cause drooling, foaming, and stomach upset if chewed. Keep them out of your pet’s reach.
- Inflatable Décor & Animatronics – Big, moving decorations can scare pets or trigger barking. Introduce your pet to these decorations slowly, or avoid areas where they’re set up.
- Candles & Jack-o’-Lanterns – Curious tails and open flames don’t mix. Use battery-operated candles to prevent burns or fires.
Giving Your Pet Safe Treats
Your pet deserves something special too—but keep human candy far away from curious noses.
- No Human Candy – Chocolate, raisins, and xylitol (a sugar substitute) are toxic to pets. Even candy wrappers can be dangerous if swallowed.
- Make Pet-Friendly Treats – Try baking homemade dog treats or filling a Kong with sugar-free canned pumpkin and freezing it for a festive snack.
Chew Toys Over Candy – Keep your pet busy with a safe chew or toy during trick-or-treating hours.
Training Tips for a Safe Halloween Night
Lots of knocks at the door can be overwhelming for pets. These commands can help keep things calm and controlled:
- Go to Place – Train your pet to wait in a safe, quiet spot when the doorbell rings.
- Wait / Stay – Helpful for anxious pets or those prone to dashing out the door.
- Drop It – Essential if your pet picks up something they shouldn’t—like a candy wrapper or treat.
Create a Calm Environment
If your pet gets nervous, consider setting them up in a quiet room with:
- A cozy bed or blanket
- A favorite toy or treat
- Soft, soothing music – Try our Peaceful Pet Music YouTube Channel for calming tunes
This keeps pets safe, away from the door, and helps reduce stress from all the Halloween excitement.
Extra Safety Reminders for Pet Parents
- Make sure ID tags and microchip info are up to date.
- Use a baby gate or leash to prevent door-dashing accidents.
- Keep candy bowls and treat bags far out of reach.
- Check for dropped candy or wrappers on the ground before letting your pet sniff around the next day.
- Avoid areas with large inflatables or loud decorations if your pet is easily spooked.
- Switch to flameless candles to avoid fire risks with curious tails.
A Safe & Happy Halloween for Everyone
With these simple steps, you can ensure Halloween is full of fun, not fright, for your pets. From safe treats to calm spaces, a little preparation goes a long way toward keeping your furry family members happy and healthy.
About the Author:
Savanna Westwood
Savanna Westwood is the Owner and Founder of The Savvy Sitter, Pet Sitting and Dog Walking, LLC. She has grown up with animals all her life and enjoys spending time with them. Savanna has lived in the Winter Garden and Windermere Area for over 30 years. When she is not taking care of Fur Friends, one can find her reading, practicing archery, riding, and devising ways to provide additional and excellent services to clients. Savanna is a Certified Professional Pet Sitter with Pet Sitter International's CPPS certification and also holds certification in Pet First Aid and CPCR for Pet-Care Professionals.
