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Pet tips and resources

Halloween holiday safety tips

A dog and a cat sitting behind a Halloween jack-o-lantern

Halloween is "spook-tacular" for kids of all ages, but the holiday can be pretty scary for our pets. Regional Animal Services of King County would like to remind pet owners of a few safety tips before the ghosts and goblins come begging on October 31.

  • Never feed candy to your pet, especially chocolate. If you suspect your dog or cat has gotten into Halloween treats, contact your veterinarian right away.
  • Costumes can be scary to some pets. If your pet is easily spooked by strangers or loud noises, consider keeping them safe in a pet crate or confined to a quiet room while trick-or-treaters are out. Also, if your pet is normally kept outside, consider bringing them inside on Halloween, or keep them in your garage or basement during the festivities.
  • Although they look cute, many pets don't enjoy being dressed up for Halloween. If you do put your pet in a costume, make sure it doesn't interfere with their vision, breathing, or movement, and remove any parts that could be chewed off and present a hazard.
  • Since they can escape when you open the door for trick-or-treaters, be sure your pet is wearing a collar with a license and ID tag securely attached. You may also consider microchipping your cat or dog. Check with your veterinarian about this service.
  • If your pet does get loose, check with all local shelters and animal rescue groups, as scared pets can sometimes travel long distances. You can file a report at kingcounty.gov/LostAPet. If you find a pet wandering in your neighborhood, you can find tips and information at kingcounty.gov/FoundAPet.

Winter weather tips

It's important to make sure your pet is safe and warm no matter what the weather.

  • Keep your pet inside when it's cold and wet outside. Of course, dogs do have to go out to do their "business," but limit the time they spend in the elements.
  • Provide outdoor animals with a warm, dry, secure shelter out of the wind, such as a garage, barn, or insulated pet house.
  • Always have fresh, clean, unfrozen water available for pets. Your dog or cat is just as likely to get dehydrated in the winter as in the summer. Snow is not a satisfactory substitute for water.
  • Ice melting chemicals can injure your pet's paws. They could also get sick from licking the residue off their feet or the floor. After pets have been outside, clean their paws well, making sure to check between the pads for clumps of ice, snow, or ice melting chemicals. Wipe up any melted snow or ice you may have tracked indoors.
  • Gently towel or blow-dry your dog or cat if they get wet.
  • Outdoor animals often nap on warm car engines and hoods. Knock on the hood or honk the car horn before starting the engine.
  • Pets like the smell and taste of antifreeze, but even a small amount can kill them. Clean up spills at once, and store antifreeze securely away from pets.
  • Groom your pets. Pets need well-groomed coats to keep them properly insulated.
  • If you do suspect your pet has become sick or injured, contact your veterinarian immediately. If you see an animal in distress due to the cold, call 9-1-1 or your area's animal control agency. To reach Regional Animal Services of King County, call 206-296-7387 (PETS).

Animal resources

RASKC is pleased to share these behavior and wellness resources from nationally recognized animal welfare organizations. You can also find more resources on our Pet Assistance Program page.

Cats

Cat Extras

Dogs

Dog Extras

Wildlife

RASKC values our animal welfare partner, Progressive Animal Welfare Society (PAWS). We work closely with PAWS on issues related to pet adoption, animal rehabilitation, and wildlife.

For more information, please visit the PAWS Wildlife Resource Library. You can also visit the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife for information.

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