Plan ahead so pets have a safe and stress-free celebration
For Immediate Release
Contact: Erin Long, Marketing & Development Manager | Humane Society of Harford County | 410-836-1090, x106 | erin@harfordshelter.org
Fallston, MD (October 24, 2025) — All Hallows Eve is almost upon us, and as the darkness sets in and the streets fill with trick or treaters, the spooky spectacles can be downright hair-raising for your pets. Your friends at the Humane Society of Harford County want to remind you of several ways to ensure the family pet stays safe, comfortable and fear-free.
1. Lock Candy Away
Kids love to stash candy in their rooms, but a dog’s keen sense of smell will lead him to even the most cleverly hidden treasure. Contact a veterinary professional right away if your pet does get into Halloween candy, especially if it contains chocolate, raisins, macadamia nuts or xylitol.
2. Ditto the Glow Sticks
Glow sticks are used to help keep kids safe while they are out in the dark. Pets (especially cats) find these glow sticks to be a lot of fun and often puncture them. While most of the sticks are labeled as non-toxic, they do have an extremely bitter taste and pets who bite into them may begin drooling and racing around the house. A little treat or sip of milk will usually stop the taste reaction.
3. Secure the Door
Place pets behind a gate, on a leash, in a crate, or in a pet-proof room to prevent escapes when the doorbell rings and the door opens. Provide plenty of toys, treats and chews. Drown out outside noise with soothing sounds, species-specific music or the music channel on TV. If you take your pet out after dark, make sure he or she wears a reflective collar and is securely leashed. And make sure your pet is microchipped and has proper identification on the collar.
4. Keep Pets Calm
Even pets who are kept indoors may experience intense anxiety over the large number of strangely dressed visitors. Consider handing out candy from your garage, driveway or sidewalk – or set out a self-serve station if your pet is anxious. If you think more will be needed be sure and speak with your vet well in advance about options to help calm your pet and ease their worries.
5. Check Those Costumes
Costumes can be fun for the whole family. However, if you are planning on dressing up your best bud, ensure that the costume fits well and isn’t going to slip and tangle the pet or cause a choking hazard if chewed on. And never leave a costumed pet unattended. For a low-stress alternative, try a bandana, bowtie or themed toy.
In the event that your pet goes missing during the night, file a lost pet report with the Humane Society of Harford County as soon as possible at https://www.harfordshelter.org/lost-found-information.
About the Humane Society of Harford County
The Humane Society of Harford County, Inc., is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to the welfare and well-being of the approximately 3,500 animals that arrive each year. HSHC promotes the kind treatment of homeless, stray and abandoned animals by providing shelter, care, adoptions, and community education. HSHC is not a county agency nor is it affiliated with any national or regional organization. Tax-deductible donations, bequests, and proceeds from events are crucial to its life-saving efforts on behalf of the animals in the community.