SPCA guidelines for pet safety during Halloween

The Santa Cruz SPCA has put out guidelines to make sure pets are safe during Halloween.

Animal experts say Halloween can be a time of fear, anxiety and even tragedy for animals and pet owners alike.

Loud noises on the street and strangers knocking on the door may frighten animals. Shelter managers point out people may know ghoulish faces aren’t real, but animals don’t.

Here are some tips to keep animal’s safe during Halloween:

-Keep all animals inside and away from the front door. The safest place for them is inside. If your pet tends to take advantage of open doors or is nervous of strangers, keeping them in a separate room is best. Cats should be kept inside for several days before and several days after Halloween.

-Make sure ID tags are securely fastened and the information on them is current. Spooked pets can run away very easily. Making sure all pets are wearing current ID tags
or have a microchip is very helpful if lost.

-Keep lit pumpkins and candles away from animals. Animal might knock them over and cause fires, or burn themselves.

-Candies are not for animals. Keep all candies up and away from pets. Chocolate is poisonous to many animals and some cadies can cause vomiting or diarrhea. Also, candy wrappers can be harmful if swallowed.

-Animal costumes should be safe and comfortable. Making sure that moment or breathing does not restrain the pet is important. Beware of tiny decorations that the animal can choke on. Finally a costume should not obstruct the vision of the pet.