TORONTO, ON / AGILITYPR.NEWS / October 28, 2025 / TORONTO, ON – October 28, 2025 - Halloween is a time for costumes, candy, and community fun—but for pets, it can also bring unexpected stress and hazards. Toronto Humane Society is reminding pet guardians to keep their furry friends safe, comfortable, and calm this Halloween season while finding festive ways to include them in the celebration.

“Not every pet enjoys the excitement of Halloween—some love to join the fun, while others prefer a quiet night in,” says Lauralee Dorst, Director, Community Animal Welfare at Toronto Humane Society. “The best thing we can do as pet parents is to recognize what makes our animals happiest and ensure their safety and comfort come first.” 

Toronto Humane Society encourages guardians to celebrate responsibly with a few simple safety reminders:

1. Dress pets comfortably: Ensure costumes fit properly and do not restrict movement, breathing, or vision. Try a festive bandana or accessory that is easy to put on.

2. Keep candy out of reach: Chocolate, xylitol, raisins, and other human sweets can be toxic to pets. Have some pet-friendly treats ready for furry friends. 

3. Decorate safely: Avoid open flames, small or sharp decorations, and anything a pet might chew or swallow.

4. Create a quiet space: Provide a calm area for pets who may be anxious about visitors or loud noises.

5. Use reflective gear: If taking pets trick-or-treating, ensure they are securely leashed and visible in the dark. 

To help make Halloween a little brighter for shelter animals, Toronto Humane Society has also launched its Boo Basket campaign. Each Boo Basket is a donation that brings festive treats, toys, and even lifesaving veterinary care to pets at the shelter and in the community. 

“Boo Baskets are a fun and meaningful way to give back,” adds Lauralee Dorst. “Every donation brings comfort and care to animals waiting for a new home.”

To learn more or purchase a Boo Basket, visit torontohumanesociety.com/halloween