As your trusted resource for animal welfare, SPCA Monterey County urges animal lovers to take some simple precautions to safeguard all their pets this Halloween:

• Pets should be kept indoors and preferably confined to an area of the home where they cannot escape. Multiple strangers in costume at your door can be very stressful for your pet, leading to fear and potentially unexpected bites or them slipping out the front door.
• Pets should always have a current license, ID tag, and microchip so they can be returned in the event they escape from your home.
• If you plan to dress your pet up for Halloween, practice first to get your pet used to the costume. Some pets simply don’t like costumes, so don’t force it. Make sure it’s easy to take off if your pet becomes scared and has breakaway parts (like velcro). Always keep your pet under your control when he is in costume.
• Do not use the stretchy cotton or polyester spiderweb decoration outside, as they are a serious hazard to wildlife that we often rescue and rehabilitate. They trap and injure or kill hummingbirds, bats, raptors, and small songbirds, and recently even tangled around a local buck. This is a good indoor-only decoration.
• Keep lit pumpkins, candles, and decorations away from companion animals. They can knock them over and cause fires or injure themselves.
• Candy should be kept away from curious pets and should never be given to animals.  Chocolate can be deadly to pets and tin foil and cellophane wrappers can be hazardous if swallowed.

Don’t miss our Halloween Tricks and Treats event, taking place at the SPCA Learning Center on Saturday, October 24 from 11 am to 1 pm!