EUGENE, Ore. – Animal shelters see an influx of lost pets every year on Halloween, and the staff at Greenhill Humane Society offers a number of tips to keep pets safe on what can be a very stressful night for them.
For pets that may become frightened by the constant knocking on the door, Greenhill recommends turning on some soft music or leaving a note on the front porch asking trick-or-treaters not to knock. If possible, keeping pets in a closed room where they can relax is also recommended, Greenhill’s staff said.
“It’s a very spooky time of year, so things look very out of the ordinary for pets, so you’re going to want to keep well-lit areas, keep your pets indoors, even if they’re free-roaming cats outdoors,” said Sarah Bouzad, an events manager for Greenhill Humane Society.
For those who do lose pets, a lost pet report can be filed on Greenhill’s website. Greenhill staff also recommends putting away Halloween candy, especially chocolate, as it can be toxic to many pets. Glow sticks should also be kept out of reach of pets because they like to bite into them, but they leave a bitter taste in their mouths, Greenhill said.
Many pet owners like to dress up their furry family members for Halloween, but Greenhill said it’s important to make sure the fit of the costume doesn’t restrict their ability to breathe, bark or meow. If they look uncomfortable, they probably are, Greenhill said.
