(Image Credit: Facebook / @BC SPCA)
Halloween Safety

‘Keep them away from the door’: Kamloops SPCA highlighting importance of Halloween pet safety

Oct 29, 2026 | 5:20 PM

KAMLOOPS — The ghosts and goblins might be make believe, but for some pets the fright is real. With the B.C. SPCA saying days after Halloween bring a familiar concern.


“The most noticeable thing is that in the days after Halloween, we get a huge uptick in the number of calls that we get about lost pets because the pets are getting spooked, running out of open doors, loud noises, stuff like that,” says Dana Coulter, the animal care supervisor at the Kamloops S.P.C.A.

While trick or treaters head for the front door, pets should have a quiet place away from it. A familiar room can provide them comfort away from the evening’s excitement.

“Our main recommendation is to just keep them away from the door. So, if you have a small space in your house, maybe a bathroom or a bedroom that they’re comfortable in, put on some music to cover up the noises. You can also put some familiar scents in there… blankets that smell like the pet, blankets that smell like you,” adds Coulter.

It goes without saying that the treat should also stay out of reach of every animal inside the house.

Additionally, owners should make sure their pet is microchipped in case it does manage an unplanned Halloween outing.

“It’s very important that if your pet does get out, you’re able to be reunited with them. If an animal comes in to a vet clinic, or to a shelter as a stray, they’ll always scan for a microchip and try to reconnect with the owner.” says Coulter.

While owners might enjoy a Halloween makeover, their pets may not share the enthusiasm. The SPCA says skipping the costume can help keep your animal comfortable.

“We don’t recommend that anybody puts on costumes for their pets. That’s just because a lot of animals are extremely uncomfortable with it. The more uncomfortable they are, the more likely they are to run. We also don’t want to be putting animals in unnecessary distress just for human entertainment,” adds Coulter.

Ultimately, a familiar blanket and a quiet spot may be all the Halloween spirit our companions need, leaving the scares to the other side of the front door.