Plus, view the Halloween shelter live cams through October 31!
October 26, 2021 — The San Francisco SPCA has tips for keeping pets safe during Halloween. With the right preparation and common sense precautions, both you and your pet can safely enjoy the spooky season together.
“Keep pets inside the house whether you’re out trick-o-treating or at home passing out candy,” advises Dr. Jennifer Scarlett, SF SPCA President. “Pets are safest indoors, away from frightening noises and potential hazards. If you’re passing out candy, consider putting your pet in a separate room so they don’t accidentally slip out the door.”
If the constant influx of strangers to the door spooks your pet, keep them in a quiet and comfortable room with a bed or crate, favorite toy, treat, or food puzzle. Some pets can benefit from having the TV or radio on. Calming pheromone products like Adaptil spray and collars work well for both dogs and cats. If anxiety is still a problem, talk to your veterinarian or contact the SF SPCA’s Behavior Specialty Clinic.
“This is also a good time to ensure that your pets are microchipped and wearing an identification tag,” said Dr. Scarlett. “Lost animals who end up at a shelter are far more likely to find their way home if they’re microchipped.”
The microchip should be registered with a universal microchip registration database such as petlink.net. Take a current picture of your pet as an added precaution.
Additional safety tips:
- Keep pets far way from fog machines. If you opt to use one, ensure your home has plenty of ventilation as the fumes can be toxic.
- Keep your pets away from harmful or toxic foods and items, like chocolate, raisins, and gum or candy containing xylitol. Candy wrappers, corn, candles, cords, and glow-stick decorations can also be dangerous. Signs of toxicity include drooling, vomiting, or trouble breathing. Contact your veterinarian right away if you see these signs.
- Keep your pets from playing with motorized decorations that could cause injury.
- Use jack-o-lanterns with battery-operated candles and cord covers.
HOWL-O-Ween Live Cams: Celebrate Halloween by watching adorable, adoptable puppies and kittens doing what they do best: act like adorable puppies and kittens! Tune in daily 10am to 5pm through October 31. Plus, download the free SF SPCA Halloween Pet Safety Guide. sfspca.org/halloween
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About the San Francisco SPCA
The San Francisco SPCA is an independent, community-supported, nonprofit animal welfare organization dedicated to saving, protecting and providing immediate care for cats and dogs who are homeless, ill or in need of an advocate. The SF SPCA also works long-term to educate the community, reduce the number of unwanted kittens and puppies through spaying and neutering, and improve the quality of life for animals and their human companions. The organization does not receive government funding.
For more information, visit sfspca.org.