Halloween Fun for Pets & Their People - Spokane, WA
Paws, Treats & Spooky Beats
Halloween isn’t just for kids running around in costumes — it’s a holiday that often includes our pets, too. Some pups love the excitement (hello, extra treats and belly rubs from neighbors!), while others would much rather curl up under a blanket until the last doorbell has rung. Cats… well, they usually cast judgment from a safe distance.
At Creekside Pet Lodge, we’re all about helping pets and their people enjoy holidays stress-free. While we aren’t open just yet — we’re still in the middle of our Conditional Use Permit (CUP) process before construction begins — we’re already thinking ahead to spooky season and how to support families like yours. Halloween brings both fun and potential stress for animals, so let’s talk costumes, candy, and how to keep everyone safe.
Costume Fun (With Comfort First)
We’ll admit it: there’s nothing cuter than a golden retriever in a cowboy hat or a dachshund dressed as a hotdog. Olive, our deaf and blind Catahoula, once wore a pumpkin sweater and strutted proudly as if she’d just won Best in Show. Bella, our pitbull, however… ate hers. (Lesson learned: costumes aren’t for every pet.)
Costumes are fun, but they need to be safe and comfortable. Here are some golden rules for dressing up your furry goblin:
Breathing, vision, movement. Nothing should block these essentials. If the costume interferes, it’s a no-go.
Keep it simple. Soft fabrics that don’t restrict movement are best. Avoid strings or dangling pieces that could be chewed or tangled.
Ease them in. Let your pet sniff, paw, and adjust before putting the whole outfit on. Treats help!
Sometimes, the best “costume” is a festive bandana or collar. It’s easy, safe, and still lets them be part of the fun without stress.
Trick-or-Treating With Pets
Some dogs love to join the trick-or-treat parade, sniffing around and soaking up attention. But keep in mind: Halloween is full of overstimulation. Strangers in costumes, constant doorbell rings, bowls of candy, and nighttime noises can overwhelm even the calmest pets.
Candy is dangerous. Chocolate, raisins, and sugar-free candies with xylitol are toxic to pets. Keep those treat bowls out of reach.
Noise and strangers. Repeated door knocks and spooky costumes can make pets anxious.
Escape risk. A startled pet can bolt out the door faster than you can say “boo.”
If you do take your dog trick-or-treating, stick to quieter neighborhoods, keep them leashed, and bring water and treats. For cats? Honestly, it’s best they enjoy a cozy evening indoors.
Creating a Calm Space
Halloween night is often the noisiest night of the year. For pets, it can feel like chaos: the doorbell rings every two minutes, kids squeal in the driveway, and strangers in masks pop up on the porch. No wonder many pets feel spooked.
Here are a few tricks for keeping them calm:
Safe retreat. Set up a quiet room away from the door. Add a crate, favorite toys, and a blanket.
Sound buffer. Play calming background music or turn on the TV to mask noise.
Treat distraction. Long-lasting chews or stuffed Kongs can give them something positive to focus on.
When Creekside Pet Lodge opens, one of our priorities will be designing low-stimulation spaces for pets who need extra calm. Our plans include acoustic wall panels, supervised play groups, and noise buffers that help animals relax even during high-energy times. It’s all part of our vision to create a boarding lodge that feels more like a retreat than a kennel.
Seasonal Safety Checklist
To make Halloween less “scary” for your pets, here’s a quick safety checklist:
Secure all doors and gates.
Keep glow sticks, candles, and decorations out of reach.
Double-check ID tags and microchips in case of escape.
Have a “pet sitter” role in your family — someone dedicated to checking on them regularly during the night.
Why Halloween Matters to Us
For us, the holidays aren’t just about decorations and candy — they’re about connection and family. Pets are family, and we know how stressful it can be when they’re uncomfortable or unsafe during busy times like Halloween.
Olive’s story is a big reason why Creekside Pet Lodge exists. Because of her disabilities, she can’t be boarded in traditional facilities. That gap — not just for her but for countless other “country dogs” — inspired us to create a space that’s inclusive, flexible, and stress-free. We want every pet to feel welcome here, even if they wouldn’t fit into typical kennel routines.
The Future of Spooky Seasons
By next Halloween, we hope Creekside Pet Lodge will be open and ready to welcome pets during the spookiest night of the year. Imagine a place where instead of being stressed by constant doorbells, your dog is romping in a quiet play yard, or your cat is curled up in a cozy condo with soft background music. That’s the dream we’re working toward.
Until then, we’ll keep sharing tips and updates as we navigate permitting and construction. We can’t wait to open our doors and help families enjoy holidays — Halloween and beyond — without worrying about their pets.
Yours Truly,
The Hulls of Creekside Pet Lodge🐾
Disclaimer: We are not veterinarians, and the information shared in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be taken as medical advice for your pets. Always consult with a licensed veterinarian regarding your pet’s health, diet, or specific care needs.
