Have a hauntless Halloween with spcaLA Pet safety tips

Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles (spcaLA) wants all members of the family to be safe this Halloween and offers these Halloween safety tips for your pets.

The biggest dangers for pets on Halloween are chocolate, pets dressed in costumes that are not meant for them, an frequently opened door, and guests in terrifying costumes. Your pet could become stressed, run away and get lost, lash out in an aggressive manner, or he could ingest something that lands you both in the emergency veterinary waiting room.

For a recently adopted pet, these dangers are magnified because he is still adjusting to his new home. spcaLA is offering a safe haven for all newly adopted spcaLA pets who were scheduled to go home on Halloween night. Adopters can safely celebrate and opt to pick their pets up on Nov. 1.

spcaLA recommends all pet owners set up a safe haven in their homes for their pets on Halloween, and take the following safety measures.

• Keep pets indoors.
• Make sure your pet is wearing a collar with an ID tag with current info at all times, even inside. 90% of lost pets are found by neighbors — a collar with ID can lead to a quicker reunion if your pet escapes.
• Make sure your pet is microchipped with registered up-to-date info.
• Confine your pet to a safe, quiet area on Halloween night and during parties. Give him his favorite bed, toys, soothing music, and if possible, a human companion.
• Do not take the family pet trick-or-treating.
• Never dress your pet in a costume that was not made for pets.  Make sure the costume fits comfortably and is not too small or large.  Some pets don’t enjoy wearing a costume, so don’t force them. 
• Keep your pets away from lit candles.
• Remember, candy is not for pets! Keep pets away from toxic treats and their wrappers.
• Program the number for poison control, and your pet’s veterinarian, into your phone.
• Teach your dog to “come when called” — a fail-safe should he get loose when trick-or-treaters come calling. spcaLA offers a Come When Called class.

spcaLA reminds Halloween tricksters that a costume does not excuse animal cruelty. Targeting a dog, cat, or other animal in a prank can lead to serious consequences for both the perpetrator and the animal, no matter how benign the actions may seem. If you see animal cruelty, report it by calling 1-800-540-SPCA.

For more information, please contact Ana Bustilloz at 323-730-5300 x252, cell 323-353-4658 or abustilloz@spcaLA.com.

Since 1877, spcaLA has been the premiere independent, nonprofit animal welfare organization serving Southern California. There is no national SPCA, parent organization, or umbrella group that provides financial support to spcaLA. Donations run programs and services including Cruelty Investigation, Disaster Animal Response Team, Humane Education, and a variety of shelter services.