The Best Pet-Friendly Halloween Costumes, Activities, and More
Photo by Chewy Studios
This Halloween, you’re ready to make a statement with your pet by your side. So, what costume will have heads turning and tails wagging? What are the best pet-friendly places to debut your furry friend’s epic look? And how will you keep them safe and happy all season long? Start planning with our essential guide to spooky season for pets and their people.
Key Takeaways
- Dogs and cats can enjoy Halloween with safe costumes, treats, and activities tailored to their comfort levels.
- Choose pet costumes that fit well and don’t restrict movement; accessories like bandanas are a good alternative for sensitive pets.
- Keep pets away from Halloween hazards like chocolate, candy wrappers, and decorations.
- Update ID tags and microchips to prevent lost pet scenarios during trick-or-treating or parties.
Halloween for Dogs
When it comes to spooky season, there’s no such thing as extra. Here’s how to prep your pup for all the fun festivities.
Dog Costumes That Slay
From fur-rocious to frighteningly cute, these dog Halloween costumes are the best of the year.
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When it comes to dog costumes, size matters. Measure your dog to get the perfect fit.
Spoil Your Pup With Seasonal Treats
More Tasty Dog Treats
Halloween for Cats
Find everything you need to let out your kitty’s dark side. (Not that they’re great at hiding it to begin with.)
These Cat Costumes Are Killer
From full-on getups to simple accessories, there’s something spooky for every kitty this season. Check out some of the best cat costumes as selected by our editors:
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Do Costumes Spook Your Kitty?
Some kitties just aren’t into wearing cat costumes. Instead, try an accessory like a Halloween bandana to help them get into the spirit.
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Pet-Inspired Pumpkin Stencils
Dedicate this year’s jack-o-lantern to your pet with these easy-to-use printable pumpkin stencils inspired by cats (the spookiest pets), as well as the animals of Disney and “Hocus Pocus.”
Keeping Halloween Spooky and Safe
An emergency visit to the vet on Halloween night? Now, that’s scary. Follow these Halloween safety tips to keep the festivities frightfully fun:
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)
2. Hide 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.
3. Keep 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.
4. Double-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.
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