Halloween falls on a Saturday this year (and if you are looking for a dog-friendly outing before then, see our guide to Woofstock 2026 in Columbia), which means a long evening of doorbells, costumes, and candy bowls in neighborhoods all over Columbia. For most of us it is a fun night. For a lot of dogs and cats, it is one of the most stressful and risky nights of the year.
As a pet sitter here in Columbia, I see the same Halloween problems come up again and again: a dog who slips out the front door while you are handing out candy, a cat who chews on a decoration, or a pup who gets into a bag of sugar-free gum. The good news is that almost all of it is preventable with a little planning. Here is what I recommend to every client before October 31.
Keep Halloween Candy Completely Out of Reach
The American Veterinary Medical Association warns pet owners not to share Halloween treats, especially anything containing chocolate or xylitol. Xylitol is a sugar substitute found in many sugar-free candies and gums, and it can be dangerous for dogs even in small amounts. Raisins, which show up in some “healthy” trick-or-treat packs, are another food dogs should never eat. The ASPCA’s list of people foods to avoid feeding pets is a helpful reference to bookmark.
- Keep the candy bowl on a high counter or inside a closed cabinet, not on a low table by the door.
- Ask kids to store their trick-or-treat bags in a closed room or high closet.
- Check purses, backpacks, and coat pockets that guests set down. Gum is a common culprit.
- Throw wrappers away in a lidded trash can. Many dogs will eat the wrapper along with whatever is left inside.
If you think your pet ate something toxic, do not wait for symptoms. Call your veterinarian or a poison hotline right away. The numbers are listed at the end of this post so you can save them now.
Choose Pet Costumes Carefully
A costume can make for adorable photos, but it should never come at the cost of your pet’s comfort or safety. The AVMA recommends costumes that fit well and do not restrict your pet’s sight, hearing, breathing, mouth, or movement, and that have no small pieces your pet could chew off and swallow.
- Let your pet try the costume on for short periods in the days before Halloween, with plenty of treats and praise.
- Watch body language. Freezing, lip licking, a tucked tail, or trying to back out of the costume all mean “no thanks.”
- Never leave your pet alone while wearing a costume.
- Senior pets and pets with mobility issues may be more comfortable without one. Our post on senior dog care has more on keeping older dogs comfortable.
- A festive bandana is a great low-stress alternative for dogs who do not love clothing.
Prevent Door Dashing on Trick-or-Treat Night
The most common Halloween emergency I hear about is not candy at all. It is a pet who slips out the open door. Between the constant knocking, kids in masks, and the door opening every few minutes, even a calm dog can bolt.
- Set up a quiet room. Put your pet in a back bedroom or office with a bed, water, a long-lasting chew, and some background music or white noise before trick-or-treaters arrive.
- Use a baby gate or crate as a second barrier if your dog is used to one.
- Hand out candy outside. Sitting on the porch or driveway keeps the front door closed all evening.
- Keep cats inside for the night, and keep all pets indoors after dark.
If your dog gets worked up when guests arrive, our post on teaching your pet to calm down when guests arrive has practice exercises you can start this week.
Double-Check Your Pet’s ID and License
Before Halloween night, make sure your pet is wearing a collar with a current ID tag and that the microchip registration has your up-to-date phone number. In the City of Columbia, dogs and cats over three months old must also have a current pet license, which requires proof of rabies vaccination. According to the City of Columbia, a license helps identify your pet so they can be returned if lost, and Columbia/Boone County Animal Control offers free rides home for animals with a microchip, city license, or other ID.
Watch Out for Decorations
- Keep candles and lit jack-o’-lanterns well out of reach of curious noses and wagging tails. Battery-operated candles are a safer choice.
- Keep glow sticks and glow jewelry away from pets. The AVMA notes the liquid is not likely toxic, but it tastes bad and can cause drooling and unusual behavior.
- Secure electrical cords for lights and animated decorations so pets cannot chew them.
- Fake spider webs, small plastic props, and string lights can all be swallowed.
Help Anxious Pets Through the Evening
Some pets simply do not enjoy Halloween, and that is okay. The AVMA recommends giving wary pets a separate room or a safe hiding place during trick-or-treating. A long walk or play session earlier in the day can help your dog settle, and a puzzle feeder or frozen lick mat at dusk gives them something calming to focus on while the doorbell rings. Our guide to pet enrichment and The CoMo Pet Care Enrichment Starter have more calming activity ideas.
If you will be out at a Halloween party, a drop-in visit in the early evening can make a big difference. I can let your dog out, set up their quiet room, and send you photo and text updates so you can enjoy your night. Learn more about drop-in visits in Columbia, or in-home pet sitting if you are traveling for the weekend.
Save These Columbia Emergency Numbers Now
- Your regular veterinarian. Call them first during business hours.
- MU Veterinary Health Center, Small Animal Emergency Service: 900 E. Campus Drive, Columbia. The VHC lists 573-882-7821 during weekday business hours and 573-882-4589 after hours. They ask that you call ahead when you can, and they currently prioritize the most urgent cases, so calling first is especially important.
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435, available 24 hours a day. A consultation fee may apply, according to the ASPCA.
- Columbia/Boone County Animal Control: 573-449-1888 if your pet goes missing.
Halloween Pet Safety FAQs
What should I do if my dog ate Halloween candy?
Figure out what and how much they ate if you can, keep the wrapper, and call your veterinarian, an emergency clinic, or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center right away. Do not try to make your dog vomit unless a veterinary professional tells you to.
Is my puppy ready for Halloween?
Young puppies are still learning about the world, so keep Halloween low-key: a quiet room, calm praise, and short, positive exposure to costumes from a distance. See our puppy first week guide for more on helping new puppies settle in.
Is it safe to take my dog trick-or-treating?
Only if your dog is truly relaxed around crowds, costumes, and strangers. If you do, keep them on a short leash, add a light or reflective gear, and head home at the first sign of stress.
Should cats stay inside on Halloween?
Yes. Keep all cats indoors on Halloween night, and give them a quiet room away from the front door.
Enjoy a Safe, Happy Halloween
A little preparation keeps Halloween fun for everyone, including the four-legged members of your family. If you need help with your pet on Halloween weekend in The Brooks, Old Hawthorne, The Vineyards, or anywhere in Columbia, MO, book online or call or text me at (573) 206-9497.
This post is for general information and is not a substitute for advice from your veterinarian.
