El Paso Animal Services Shares Halloween Safety Tips for Pets

Halloween costumes, candy, decorations and trick-or-treaters can create risks for pets, but El Paso Animal Services says a few simple precautions can help keep animals safe and reduce the chance of them getting lost.

During trick-or-treating hours, keep pets in a quiet, secure room away from frequent door openings, unfamiliar visitors and loud noises. Household members should close doors and gates promptly, secure windows and other escape routes, and avoid leaving pets unattended in the yard.

Pet owners should also check collars and identification tags before Halloween. Make sure the tag is readable and includes a current phone number. Microchip registration should be updated if contact information has changed. Residents can visit PetMicrochipLookup.com to find the registry associated with a pet’s microchip. Unregistered microchips can be registered for free through Petco Love Lost.

Candy should be kept in closed containers or cabinets. Chocolate and sugar-free candy containing xylitol are toxic to dogs, while wrappers can cause choking or intestinal blockages. Children should not share treats with pets, and dropped candy and wrappers should be picked up quickly.

Candles, glowing pumpkins, electrical cords and small decorations should remain out of pets’ reach. El Paso Animal Services recommends considering flameless candles and securing decorations to prevent pets from knocking them over or chewing on cords.

Walking dogs earlier in the day, before trick-or-treating begins, can help avoid crowds, costumes and unfamiliar noises. Dogs should remain on secure leashes with properly fitted collars or harnesses.

If a pet goes missing, residents can visit the El Paso Animal Services Center at 5001 Fred Wilson Ave. to look for and reclaim the animal. Current identification and microchip information can help staff contact an owner if a pet is found.