October brings pumpkins, costumes, and candy—but also plenty of risks for pets in shelters and foster homes. As a shelter manager, you’re already balancing staff, volunteers, and community events. Planning ahead for seasonal hazards can prevent emergencies, reduce stress for animals, and keep adoption opportunities on track.

Chocolate, Candy, and Curious Paws

Halloween candy is one of the top toxic hazards for dogs and cats. Chocolate and xylitol (a sugar substitute found in sugar-free gum, mints, and baked goods) can cause severe illness or death. Even candy wrappers can create blockages if swallowed.

• In foster homes: Encourage families to treat candy the same way they would medicine, locked away and out of reach.
• In the shelter: Remind staff and volunteers to store personal candy in sealed containers and keep break rooms separate from animal spaces.

A quick candy-safety reminder in October adoption packets shows families you’re thinking ahead about their new pet’s wellbeing, and it may prevent a scary and costly trip to the emergency vet.

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	National Black Cat Day!	Black cats are often passed by in the kennels and in photos. Today we’re fixing that. Drop your black-cat glow-ups in the comments and meet our adopta…   Oh, no! This content requires a higher membership level to view. Not a member? Join for Free Today or Upgrade Your Account to Pro.   …	Access

Costumes and Dress-Up Days for Pets

Costumes can help pets stand out in photos and grab adopter attention. But they shouldn’t come at the cost of comfort or safety. Ill-fitting costumes can restrict breathing or movement, while dangling decorations or buttons can become chewable hazards.

Tips for safe dress-up events:

• Do a quick trial before photo day to check fit and comfort.
• Skip costumes for shy or anxious animals—stress shows up in adoption photos.
• Keep sessions short to reduce stress and prevent overheating.

Sometimes a festive bandana or themed backdrop is enough. A relaxed pet looking comfortable and happy in a photo is far more likely to catch an adopter’s heart than a stressed animal in an elaborate costume.

Decorations and Shelter Safety

Decorations may brighten the lobby, but many items pose hidden dangers. Cats often see fake cobwebs as climbing material, while dogs chew cords, plastic décor, or even carved pumpkins (yuck). Candles and open flames pose obvious risks in a kennel environment.

• Use LED candles instead of real flames.
• Keep all décor at human height or higher to prevent chewing or climbing.
• Choose durable, non-toxic materials for lobby displays.

Decorations that feel festive but not overwhelming also create a more welcoming space for adopters. When families walk into a calm, safe environment, they’re more likely to linger and connect with the animals.

Increased Traffic and Noise

October often means extra activity—school tours, adoption events, or themed fundraisers. Noise, costumes, and crowds can be overwhelming for many animals. Stress behaviors like pacing, hiding, or barking can make pets appear unadoptable.

Practical steps:

• Designate a quiet room for sensitive animals.
• Post reminders asking visitors to approach kennels calmly, especially if in costume.
• Rotate animals out of high-traffic areas if they seem stressed.

The calmer the animals, the better they’ll show. Helping pets stay relaxed during busy days not only supports their wellbeing but also makes them more appealing to potential adopters.

A little planning now can prevent bigger problems later. Stay safe!

🐱 Download our October Pet Safety Checklist