HONOLULU (KHON2) — Halloween in Hawaiʻi can be exciting for people; but the sights, sounds and sweets of the season can frighten or harm pets.
The Hawaiian Humane Society is urging families to prepare early to keep their animals calm and safe.
Here’s a guide they have provided that is easy to follow and will help your furry family members feel safe and loved as the chaos of Halloween reigns.
1. Keep candy away from pets
Store candy and human treats where pets cannot reach them. Chocolate and foods that contain xylitol are dangerous and can be toxic to animals.
2. Prepare for fireworks and visitors
Along with trick-or-treaters and noisy doorbells, illegal fireworks may appear throughout the evening. These sounds and surprises can stress even the most social pets.
To help them feel secure:
- Create a quiet space with closed windows and curtains.
- Play calming music or white noise.
- Keep pets indoors before sunset.
- Exercise pets earlier in the day to ease anxiety later.
- Try ThunderShirts for dogs and cats, or pheromone sprays like ThunderEase and Feliway.
3. Dress-up isn’t for every pet
Costumes can be fun for people, but not all pets enjoy them. If your animal seems uneasy, a festive collar or bandana is a better choice.
When dressing up a willing pet, check that the outfit is comfortable and allows normal movement.
4. Watch the decorations
Keep pets away from Halloween décor. Wires, candles and hanging objects can tempt curious animals and lead to accidents.
5. Keep them indoors and secure
Loud noises and crowds can cause pets to panic and run away. Keep them inside with familiar sounds from a TV or radio.
If you must leave, ensure they stay in a safe, enclosed area such as a garage. Even fenced yards may not hold a frightened animal.
6. Microchips and ID tags matter
Hawaiʻi law requires pets to be microchipped. Collars with ID tags showing a current phone number help too. For pets already microchipped, confirm your contact details are up to date with the chip company or through a free registry such as sites like 24 Pet Watch.
7. If your pet goes missing
File a Lost Pet Report right away at their website or call 808-356-2250. Have clear photos, your pet’s microchip number, proof of ownership and the location where they were last seen.
8. If you find a stray pet
Report the found animal at this Hawaiian Humane Society link. Take them to a veterinarian to be scanned for a microchip.
If you can safely care for them, the Hawaiian Humane Society will assist in reuniting them with their owner. Those unable to keep the pet may bring them to the Pet Kōkua Admissions Center at the Mōʻiliʻili or Kosasa Family campus.
9. Ask your veterinarian for help
If your pet reacts badly to noise, strangers or fireworks, talk with your veterinarian about safe ways to manage fear. Never give tranquilizers or sedatives without professional advice.
For more information on keeping pets safe this Halloween, click here.
Halloween is lots of fun for humans, so be sure to make the holiday fun for your pet as well.