October 12, 2009 (Port Washington, NY) - For many of us, Halloween can be a monstrously good time. Candy, costumes, and frights in the night can be spook-tacular fun. Unfortunately, our pets don't necessarily agree. For them, it can be a scary and stressful night. The experts at North Shore Animal League America, the world's largest no-kill animal rescue and adoption organization, offer pet owners some important tips and advice for treats NOT tricks on Halloween.

• Make sure your pets have on identification at all times. With the front door continuously opening and closing for trick-or-treaters, there is a chance they could run out, especially if they are spooked.
• Give your pets a quiet, safe place on Halloween. Scary parties, constant doorbell ringing or too many strangers in your home can be stressful to your four-legged friends, and can even make them physically ill.
• Halloween candy, wrappers, and decorations should be kept out of your pets' reach. Chocolate can be toxic to animals, and tinfoil, cellophane, plastic candy wrappers and party supplies can be hazardous if swallowed.
• Keep lighted pumpkins out of your pets' reach. Pets can knock them over, and curious kittens in particular, run the risk of being burned.
• Unfortunately, there can be tricks in addition to treats on Halloween. Keep your pet inside so that they will not be the target of pranksters who might tease, injure, steal and even seriously harm innocent pets on this night.
• Costumes are funny for people, but not necessarily for your pets. Don't dress them up unless you know they enjoy it. Make sure the costume isn't annoying or unsafe, and doesn't restrict movement, vision, hearing or their ability to breath or bark. Avoid costumes with small dangling accessories that the pet could chew off and possibly choke on. Make sure that costumed pets are supervised at all times!
• It is never a good idea to take your pet trick-or-treating. Dogs may become excited and uncontrollable, and if frightened may bite. For their protection, cats should be kept indoors at all times.

For more information about pet health care and how you can help North Shore Animal League America's mission to rescue, nurture, and adopt approximately 20,000 animals each year, visit www.AnimalLeague.org.