Trick-or-Treating with Pets
As Halloween approaches, many pet parents in St. Louis are eager to include their furry companions in the festive fun. If you consider your pets 4-legged kids like we do, here are some tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable trick-or-treating experience for your four-legged family members. Trick-or-treating with pets can be loads of fun, but it must be done right!
Costume Considerations
When dressing up your pet, prioritize comfort and safety. Choose costumes that don’t restrict movement or vision. Avoid small, dangling parts that could be choking hazards. Always do multiple test runs at home to ensure your pet is comfortable in their costume before heading out.
Remember, the best way to introduce costumes is to sweeten the pot by using positive reinforcement with delicious, high-value treats like these recommended by St. Louis-based dog trainers, The Persuaded Pooch.
If your pet isn’t a fan of costumes, choose a cute Halloween bandana like our friend, Tucker (left.)
Safety First
Identification
Ensure your pet wears an appropriately-sized collar with up-to-date ID tags. Bonus points if the collar is Halloween themed or festive like our kitty friend Lola’s bowtie collar!
We also recommend pets be microchipped, as microchipping provides an extra – and permanent – layer of protection.
Visibility
Attach reflective strips or LED lights to your pet’s costume or leash to increase visibility in the dark. We like these fun and festive rechargeable LED collars that are affordable and easy to match to your pet’s signature colors or costumes. The lights are visible from up to 350 yards and have three different modes – on, strobe and blink – for customizable visibility.
Leash Control & Cat Strollers
Always keep your pet on a a standard 6-foot leash. The excitement and crowds can be overwhelming, potentially causing your pet to bolt if off-leash. Avoid using retractable leashes as they can snap, can fall out of your hand, and can be a safety hazard for those around you if they get tangled around them.
See how Scruffy and Pepper (left) stay safe?! Very demure, very mindful.
Don’t forget your kitty friends! Cats may enjoy trick-or-treating too but we recommend taking them in a stroller to ensure they get the space they need and are supervised at all times.
Pet-Specific Halloween Precautions
While you or your human children are collecting candy, remember that many Halloween treats can be highly toxic to pets. Keep all candy and chocolate out of reach and bring pet-friendly treats for your furry trick-or-treater. Store all goodies away from your pets to ensure you don’t lose track of them once you’re home.
Also, keep your Halloween accessories like vampire fangs and make-up pallets out of your pets’ reach. Make-up, including fake blood, can be toxic and plastic accessories can cause choking or intestinal blockage if ingested.
Neighborhood Trick-or-Treating Tips
If you’re planning to hit the streets of St. Louis with your pet follow these tips to ensure everyone has a great time:
Gauge Your Pet’s Comfort
We all know that Halloween Eve can get a bit scary with noisy decor, scary costumes, and crowds. For this reason, if your pet is highly sensitive or isn’t accustomed to spooky celebrations, they may be better off staying home. If your pet is comfortable around Frankenstein and enthusiastic little goblins, however, still consider the following tips.
Feed Prior
Even if it’s a bit earlier than usual, feed your pet before heading out on your adventures. That way, your pet will be less likely to pick up treats while out and about. A hungry trick-or-treater can get themselves into trouble – no matter the species!
Choose Pet-Friendly Areas
Stick to neighborhoods known for being pet-friendly or stay close to home so you can head back once things get too festive.
Consider the Timing
Plan your trick-or-treating adventures during daylight hours when it’s less crowded and easier for your pet to navigate. Early evening is a great time for photos too!
Take Breaks
Find quiet spots away from the crowds where your pet can rest and rehydrate.
Watch for Signs of Stress
If your pet shows signs of anxiety, be prepared to cut the outing short and head home.
Post Trick-or-Treating Care
After your Halloween adventure:
Remove Costumes
Take off your pet’s costume as soon as you get home to prevent overheating or discomfort. Check the costume for anything your pet may have picked up. Ideally, wash the costume before the next use.
Check for Injuries & Pests
Inspect your pet’s paws and body for any cuts or scrapes they might have gotten while out and about. While you’re at it, do a thorough search to make sure nobody brought home ticks. Ticks can be active in St. Louis through November.
Offer Water and Rest
Provide fresh water and a quiet space for your pet to decompress after the excitement.
Alternative Celebrations
If trick-or-treating proves too stressful, consider these pet-friendly alternatives:
Halloween Movie Night
Host a pet-friendly Halloween movie night at home. Your pets will love snuggling on the couch or in their cozy beds while you toss a piece of popcorn or two their way.
Pumpkin Patch Visit
Take your pet to a local pumpkin patch for some festive photo ops. If you can’t find a pet-friendly venue, look around your neighborhood for a house that’s beautifully decorated and snap a photo during a dog walk.
Halloween Pet Parade
Organize or participate in a Halloween pet parade in your neighborhood or local park. Many pet rescues plan such events this time of year. Visit Eventbrite to keep up with the latest pet-friendly happenings in St. Louis.
Remember, while it’s fun to include your pets in Halloween festivities, their safety and comfort should always be the top priority. By following our tips, you can create a memorable and safe Halloween experience for your entire furry family!
At 4-Legged Kids, Inc., our award-winning dog walking and pet sitting services are tailor-made to meet your and your pets’ needs. Call 636-405-0400 or email ask@4leggedkids.com to register. Existing clients, please request services here.
We look forward to welcoming your pets into the 4-Legged Kids Inc. family!
Janie founded 4-Legged Kids, Inc in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1997 and provides education through her PetBizHIVE podcast and her PetBizMBA membership and courses. She is a Certified Professional Animal Care Operator, Fear Free certified and a Certified Professional Pet Sitter. Learn more about the Founder, Janie Budnick.