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Trick-or-treat trouble: The hidden Halloween hazards for animals

Halloween fun can pose hidden risks for pets and native wildlife. Keep animals safe by avoiding hazardous decorations, securing treats and wrappers, and making sure costumes and lighting don’t cause stress or harm.

RSPCA Australia
Tuesday, 20 October 2026

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As Halloween continues to grow in popularity, the RSPCA is reminding Australians to be mindful of the dangers it can pose to our pets and native animals.

The sometimes elaborate and spooky decorations, costumes and treats involved in Halloween can create real risks for our beloved animals, but the dangers can be easily managed or eliminated.

RSPCA Australia Chief Science Officer, Dr Suzie Fowler, says: “The main risks to our native animals come from things like getting entangled in spider web decorations, ingesting lollies or chocolates, or their wrappers, and fires caused by unattended candles in pumpkins.

“The risks to our pets are a little different. Our cats and dogs can be spooked by Halloween decorations, and some are uncomfortable being forced into costumes – a little like some humans!

“Other things to watch out for with our pets are making sure they can’t get stuck into our Halloween treats, especially chocolate. Chocolate contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs and other animals.”

According to Brad Smith, CEO of RSPCA Pet Insurance, claims data shows how quickly an accidental ingestion can become a serious and costly veterinary emergency. In the past year alone, poisoning and toxicity claims increased by 36.4% compared with the previous year.

“We are seeing more poisoning and accidental ingestion claims, and the consequences can be significant for both pets and their owners,” says Smith. “Halloween is a timely reminder to take a fresh look at what pets can access around the home, particularly when chocolate, treats, wrappers and unfamiliar items are more readily available.”

“We’ve seen a foreign-object ingestion claim involving a cat reach $14,474, but most Halloween hazards are preventable,” says Smith.

RSPCA Australia’s advice to keep our animals safe this Halloween

Entanglement:

Fake spider webs can become deadly traps for birds, bats and other wildlife, with fledgling birds particularly vulnerable during Australia’s spring nesting season.
Fishing line, string, rope, cotton wool, balloons, tree netting and tinsel can also entangle or be swallowed by native animals.
If you find entangled wildlife, contact your local wildlife rescue organisation immediately rather than attempting a rescue that could cause further harm.

Food & Packaging:

Halloween chocolates and lollies should be kept away from wildlife and pets because foods that are safe for people can be harmful or even deadly to animals.
Chocolate contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs and can also poison cats and other animals.
If your pet eats any chocolate, contact a veterinarian immediately, as prompt treatment gives them the best chance of recovery.
Discarded wrappers, plastic debris and small decorations can become choking or ingestion hazards for wildlife and companion animals.
Choose natural decorations where possible and dispose of wrappers, ornaments and pumpkins properly and promptly after Halloween.

Decorations & Costumes:

Spooky decorations that seem entertaining to people can appear large, unfamiliar and threatening to pets. Consider decorations from your pet’s eye level and move or remove anything that causes them discomfort, as every animal will respond differently.
Before dressing a pet for Halloween, consider whether the experience is enjoyable for the animal rather than simply entertaining for people.
Pets wearing costumes must be closely supervised and should only remain dressed for a short period. Remove a costume immediately if a pet freezes, struggles to move, tries to escape it or shows signs of discomfort such as panting.
If there is any doubt about whether a pet is comfortable wearing a costume, the safest choice is to leave it off.
A festive collar, harness or bandana may be a more comfortable alternative for dogs, while cats generally should not be dressed in costumes.

Fire & Lighting:

Candles can ignite costumes and decorations, presenting an added danger during Australia’s bushfire season, so use battery-operated tealights which conform to Australian safety standards instead.
Bright and extensive decorative lighting can disrupt wildlife, but a few simple choices can help reduce its impact: choose warm-coloured lights, which are less disruptive to wildlife, place them indoors and switch them off before bed.
Avoid placing lights in trees, where they can disturb animals that rely on branches and foliage for shelter and safety.

About RSPCA Pet Insurance

RSPCA Pet Insurance is a partnership between RSPCA Australia and Pacific International Insurance, offering customisable pet insurance informed by more than 150 years of RSPCA animal welfare experience.

Premiums help support RSPCA animal welfare programs nationwide. RSPCA Pet Insurance also offers Direct2Vet, a free payment solution for veterinary clinics that streamlines claims and can reduce upfront costs for pet owners. For more information, visit www.rspcapetinsurance.org.au.

Disclaimer

Claims insights are based on aggregated Australian pet insurance claims data from Pacific International Insurance, underwriting partner of RSPCA Pet Insurance.

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Trick-or-treat trouble: The hidden Halloween hazards for animals

RSPCA Australia’s advice to keep our animals safe this Halloween

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