To keep your pets safe on Halloween, keep candy out of reach, keep pets indoors in a quiet room during trick-or-treating, choose comfortable costumes (or skip them), keep candles and decorations away from curious paws, and make sure ID tags and microchip info are up to date. Chocolate alone made up 13.6% of the pet exposures reported to ASPCA Animal Poison Control in 2025.¹ And October is the second-highest month for lost-and-found pet reports, according to Pet Poison Helpline, citing AKC Reunite.²
Halloween Pet Safety Checklist
Use this quick checklist to plan for the biggest Halloween risks, based on guidance from the American Kennel Club and VCA Animal Hospitals:³˒⁴
Halloween hazard | Why it's risky | What to do |
|---|---|---|
Candy and treats | Chocolate, xylitol, and raisins can be toxic | Store candy up high and never share it |
Candy wrappers | Can cause blockages if swallowed | Toss wrappers in a covered trash can |
Costumes | Can restrict movement or be chewed | Pick simple, comfortable outfits |
Trick-or-treaters | Open doors and strangers can trigger escapes | Keep pets in a closed room |
Candles and jack-o'-lanterns | Can cause burns or knock over | Use flameless candles |
Decorative corn and pumpkins | Can cause intestinal blockages | Keep them out of reach |
Which Halloween Candy Is Dangerous for Pets?
Candy is one of the biggest Halloween dangers. According to the AKC's chief veterinarian, chocolate is probably the most common danger pets encounter on Halloween.³ Sugar-free candy and gum with xylitol can be life-threatening for dogs, and even canned pumpkin pie filling may contain xylitol.³
Other treats are risky too. VCA notes that even natural treats like caramel apples and raisins should be off limits, and that cellophane or foil wrappers are big trouble when swallowed.⁴
Keep candy out of reach and remind everyone not to share. If you'd like to include your pet in the fun, try these pet-safe Halloween treats instead.
Are Halloween Costumes Safe for Pets?
Costumes can be adorable, but your pet's comfort comes first. Avoid anything that restricts movement, vision, hearing, or breathing, and skip small, dangling parts that can be chewed off and swallowed. The AKC's Dr. Klein advises that fastenings should only be made of Velcro, not buttons, drawstrings, or elastic.³
Choosing and Introducing Costumes the Right Way
Here are a few tips on how to choose a costume for your pet:
Prioritize fit and function. Your dog should be able to sit, lie down, walk, see, hear, breathe, drink, and potty without impediment. Avoid tight elastic, restrictive sleeves, and anything that blocks vision or hearing.
Watch for stress signals. Lip-licking, pawing at the outfit, freezing, persistent scratching, or trying to bite the material mean you should step back a level or choose a simpler costume.
Skip chewable add-ons. Loose strings, bells, pom-poms, and plastic bits are ingestion risks. Simple is safer.
Pro tip: "Think of the costume as just something to wear. Fit comes first. If your pup really dislikes the headpiece, skip it," adds Kerry Lemerise, Puppy Program Manager - East at Guiding Eyes for the Blind. "Most importantly, have fun and respect your dog's comfort level."
How to Get Your Dog Used to a Costume
"Try the costume on before the big day. Let your pup walk around the house and then the yard or driveway. If they turn to bite it or show concern, keep sessions short, pair it with something they enjoy, and build up gradually." — Leslie Stephens, Puppy Program Manager – West at Guiding Eyes for the Blind
A quick, positive plan:
Break it into pieces. Start with one easy item, like a bandana or the body piece without fasteners.
Pair with rewards. Put the item on for up to 30 seconds while offering a favorite tug game or treats, then remove it. End the session before your dog gets fidgety.
Build duration. Repeat short sessions over 2 to 4 days, adding time in small steps and then adding the next piece.
Do a movement check. Walk a quiet loop indoors, then a short loop outside. Confirm your dog can perform simple cues and move freely.
How Can You Keep Pets Calm on Halloween?
The doorbell, strangers in costumes, and loud noises can be stressful. The AKC suggests keeping pets indoors during trick-or-treating hours so they don't get spooked.³ Set up a quiet room with familiar toys, a cozy bed, and water, and play the TV or white noise to soften the sound of the doorbell.⁴
If your pet gets very anxious, talk to your vet ahead of time about calming options. Our guide to dog anxiety explains common signs and ways to help.
How Do You Keep Pets From Escaping on Halloween?
Every time you open the door, your pet has a chance to slip out, and a loose pet at night is hard for drivers to see.² Before Halloween night:
Check ID. The AKC advises making sure your pet has an ID tag, is microchipped, and that all contact information is current.³ If your pet isn't chipped yet, here's how to get your pet microchipped.
Close the door behind you. Keep pets in a closed room, or hand out candy from the porch.
Use a sturdy leash for walks. If you take your dog trick-or-treating, VCA advises against retractable leashes.⁴ Reflective gear helps drivers see you both.
What Halloween Decorations Are Dangerous for Pets?
Watch out for these decorations:
Candles and jack-o'-lanterns. Candles can cause serious burns, so try flameless candles instead.³
Decorative corn and pumpkins. These can break into pieces and cause blockages that may need surgery.³˒⁴
Glow sticks and glow jewelry. They're usually not life-threatening, but the liquid inside tastes bitter and can cause drooling and mouth irritation if chewed.
Cords and fake cobwebs. Tuck away light cords, and skip stretchy webbing that pets could swallow or get tangled in.
Halloween Safety Tips for Cats
Cats face many of the same risks, plus a few of their own. Keep cats indoors around Halloween, especially black cats, and give them a quiet room away from the front door, since cats are quick to dart outside. Cats are also curious chewers, so keep glow sticks, string, and fake cobwebs well out of reach. Most cats don't enjoy costumes, so a festive collar or bandana is a gentler choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if my pet eats Halloween candy?
Call your vet, an emergency vet, or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 right away.¹ Save the wrapper so you know what your pet ate and how much is missing. Don't try to make your pet vomit unless a vet tells you to. Signs can be delayed, so call even if your pet seems fine.
Should I take my dog trick-or-treating?
Only if your dog is calm, confident, and comfortable with crowds and costumes. Keep them on a sturdy, non-retractable leash, add reflective gear, and stay away from busy areas. For most dogs, staying home in a quiet room is the safer and less stressful choice, especially if they're nervous around strangers.
Are glow sticks toxic to pets?
Glow sticks usually aren't life-threatening, but chewing one can cause drooling, foaming at the mouth, and mouth irritation, and cats are especially likely to bite them. If your pet chews a glow stick, rinse their mouth with water and call your vet if symptoms don't improve quickly or you're worried.
Should I keep my cat inside on Halloween?
Yes. Keeping your cat indoors helps protect them from traffic, pranks, and getting spooked by trick-or-treaters. Set up a quiet room with food, water, a litter box, and a hiding spot so your cat feels safe. It's also a good time to make sure their microchip contact details are current.
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I’m Charlie: canine enthusiast with a knack for figuring out why my dog, Dallas, is more infatuated with tennis balls than me. My lifelong passion for dogs has created a dedication to help other pet parents better understands their furry family members!
ASPCA. "The Top 10 Toxins of 2025." ASPCA, March 15, 2026. https://www.aspca.org/news/top-10-toxins-2025
Pet Poison Helpline. "A Poisonous Halloween for Pets." PR Newswire, October 8, 2025. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/a-poisonous-halloween-for-pets-302577451.html
American Kennel Club. "Do Dogs Like Halloween? Safety Tips for Costumes, Candy & More." AKC, updated September 14, 2026. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/what-do-dogs-really-think-about-halloween/
VCA Animal Hospitals. "Halloween Safety for Pets." VCA, last updated March 24, 2025. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/halloween-safety-for-pets
