Halloween Pet Safety Tips: Keep Your Dog & Cat Calm, Happy & Safe
Halloween in Aotearoa might not come with the snow or pumpkins on every doorstep like overseas, but it still brings its fair share of spooks, sweets and celebrations. It’s a fun time for the whānau, but our furry friends? Not always on board. Bright lights, doorbell rings and costumes can quickly turn a good time into a scary situation for pets. That’s why we’ve put together this Halloween safety checklist for pet parents to help your dog or cat sail through the season without a fright.
Trick-Or-Treat Treats Are For Humans Only
Chocolate, raisins, sugar-free lollies and other festive goodies might be tasty for people, but they’re toxic for pets. Even small amounts can cause serious health issues.
- Keep all Halloween confectionery well out of reach of curious paws
- Let friends and whānau know not to feed pets any people treats
- Stock up on pet-safe treats so your furry mate can still join in the fun
Bonus tip: If you’re handing out sweets at the door, make sure your pet stays safely inside so they’re not tempted to sneak out or snatch snacks.
Make Costumes Safe (And Optional)
We love an adorable bat-winged pup or a wizarding whiskered cat, but not every pet enjoys playing dress-up. If your pet seems irritated, uncomfortable or stressed, it’s best to skip the costume altogether. If they’re happy to participate, follow these safety tips:
- Check for ease of movement and breathing
- Never leave your pet unsupervised while wearing a costume
If your pet seems nervous in new outfits, you can also look for calming essentials to support their confidence through the spooky evening.
Support Anxious Pets With Calming Solutions
Halloween night might include sudden bangs, costumed strangers and unfamiliar scents. These changes can be overwhelming for sensitive or reactive pets. If your furry friend needs a little help relaxing, there are lots of calming care options tailored to both cats and dogs, such as:
- Soothing pheromone sprays and diffusers
- Natural calming supplements and chews
- Supportive devices like ThunderShirt that help dogs feel secure
Creating a quiet retreat space in your home—complete with their favourite bed, toys and water—is another great way to keep your pet feeling safe and sound.
Prevent Door Dashes And Escapes
With the doorbell ringing and trick-or-treaters coming and going, Halloween night is primed for unintentional pet escapes. Help keep your pet safe and secure with these simple steps:
- Ensure your pet is wearing an ID tag and their microchip details are up to date
- Use secure collars or harnesses if taking your pet outside
- Consider keeping pets in a calm, closed room with toys and treats while the door is in frequent use
And if you’re using costume pieces like glow sticks, be sure they’re well out of reach—chewing on them can be harmful.
Decorations Can Be Delightful... Or Dangerous
From jack-o’-lanterns to fake cobwebs, Halloween décor adds a festive flair. But many decorations can be tempting hazards for pets who like to chew, bat or sniff at new objects.
- Keep candles, fairy lights and cords out of reach
- Secure loose decorations that your pet might pull down or ingest
- Skip real pumpkins if your pet has a sensitive tum—especially if they’re moulding after a few days
If you’ve got curious kittens or playful pups, stick to safer options like interactive pet-safe toys to keep them entertained instead.
Keep Halloween Happy, Not Hair-Raising
With a bit of planning and some spook-busting essentials from Petdirect, Halloween can be just as fun for our furry friends as it is for us humans. After all, We Get Pet, and that means helping you keep your cat or dog safe, calm and included during every celebration. Whether you’re after smart accessories, health support or festive toys and treats, Petdirect has everything you need in one easy place.
Ready to prepare your pet for Halloween? Explore our top-rated picks and festive essentials with Autodeliver, earn Airpoints, and unlock pawsome rewards with Pet Perks.