Halloween holiday safety

Halloween is "spook-tacular" for kids of all ages, but the holiday can be pretty scary for our pets. Regional Animal Services of King County would like to remind pet owners of a few safety tips before the ghosts and goblins come begging on October 31.

• Never feed candy to your pet, especially chocolate. If you suspect your dog or cat has gotten into Halloween treats, contact your veterinarian right away.
• Costumes can be scary to some pets. If your pet is easily spooked by strangers or loud noises, consider keeping them safe in a pet crate or confined to a quiet room while trick-or-treaters are out. Also, if your pet is normally kept outside, consider bringing them inside on Halloween, or keep them in your garage or basement during the festivities.
• Although they look cute, many pets don't enjoy being dressed up for Halloween. If you do put your pet in a costume, make sure it doesn't interfere with their vision, breathing, or movement, and remove any parts that could be chewed off and present a hazard.
• Since they can escape when you open the door for trick-or-treaters, be sure your pet is wearing a collar with a license and ID tag securely attached. You may also consider microchipping your cat or dog. Check with your veterinarian about this service.
• If your pet does get loose, check with all local shelters and animal rescue groups, as scared pets can sometimes travel long distances. You can file a report at kingcounty.gov/LostAPet. If you find a pet wandering in your neighborhood, you can find tips and information at kingcounty.gov/FoundAPet.

RASKC is pleased to share these behavior and wellness resources from nationally recognized animal welfare organizations. You can also find more resources on our Pet Assistance Program page.