Ottawa Humane Society says not to dress up pets for Halloween

The Ottawa Humane Society (OHS) is advising pet owners not to dress up their pets for Halloween. 

According to the OHS, a costume can stress or injure an animal.

“Putting an animal in costume is entirely for the entertainment of people,” said Bruce Roney, OHS president and chief executive officer CEO. “Animals don’t know what costumes are, and a costume only has risks and no benefits for the animal.”

Pets can get tangled in or even choke on straps and pieces of a costume. Costumes can restrict a pet’s movement which can create stress for your pet. Some costume materials can irritate a pet’s skin and cause uncomfortable itchiness.

The OHS has suggestions to safely include your pet in seasonal celebrations without dressing them up:

• Get a Halloween-themed collar or bandana;
• Use Halloween filters on social media;
• If you bring your dog trick-or-treating, make sure they are comfortable around groups of excited people, keep your dog on a secure leash and harness, and bring water and dog treats along; and,
• Dress up as a character who has a dog sidekick. That way you can include your dog in your costume without dressing them up.