ASPCA Halloween Safety Tips for Pets & Pet Owners

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American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

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NEW YORK, Oct. 3, 1997 -- Halloween can be a traumatic and even dangerous time for your pet. Ms. Jacque Schultz, ASPCA Director of Companion Animal Services, offers some common-sense tips to protect your pet on Halloween:

• Don't leave your pet out in the yard on Halloween: There are plenty of stories of vicious pranksters who have teased, injured, stolen, even killed pets on this night.
• Trick-or-treat candies are not for pets: Chocolate is poisonous to a lot of animals, and tin foil and cellophane candy wrappers can be hazardous if swallowed.
• Be careful of pets around a lit pumpkin: Pets may knock it over and cause a fire. Curious kittens especially run the risk of getting burned.
• Don't dress the dog in costume unless you know he loves it. Otherwise, it puts a lot of stress on the animal.
• If you do dress up your dog, make sure the costume isn't constricting, annoying or unsafe. Be careful not to obstruct her vision
• even the sweetest dogs can get snappy when they can't see what's going on around them.
• All but the most social dogs should be kept in a separate room during trick-or-treat visiting hours; too many strangers in strange garb can be scary for a dog.
• Be careful your cat or dog doesn't dart out through the open door.

While this can be a fun time for people and pets alike, remember that your pets are depending on you to keep them safe from the more dangerous goblins and ghouls that this holiday brings.

Further questions about animal safety and behavior, can be directed to the Animal Behavior Helpline, 212-876-7700, ext. 4357 (HELP), Monday through Friday 1-5 p.m.

The ASPCA, the first humane organization, was founded in 1866 to alleviate pain, fear and suffering in all animals. The organization provides hands-on services for animals such as adoption, low-cost spay-neuter and veterinary care and humane law enforcement. With headquarters in New York City and offices around the nation, the ASPCA provides national educational programs, shelter outreach services and performs advocacy on behalf of animals.

CONTACT: Annie Mechautan, Public Relations of Rubenstein Associates, 212-843-8022