Something wicked (fun) this way comes! That’s right, it’s Spooky Season y’all! And nothing says Halloween like scaring up some sweet treats and fun frights with friends. So why not throw a spooktacular dog-friendly Halloween party so your pups can join in on the spirited fun? Call on your pack to get spooky and howl at the moon in celebration of the most fun holiday ever! It’s easy – we’ll tell you how.
VENUE
When it comes to hosting the perfect doggo-friendly Halloween party, it’s important to consider the venue. You’ll want to choose a space that will comfortably accommodate the number of people and pups who will be in attendance. A house with a large fenced-in yard is ideal, but there are other options that can work just as well.
If your living space isn’t large enough, you might want to consider having your party at a dog-friendly park or beach. An off-leash public space will allow your pups to roam free and socialize with other dogs through play. Just be sure to check with your local park’s management to ensure that you can use or rent the space for a party.
Your local canine event center can also provide a fun-filled doggo party experience. Many dog-centric facilities will even handle all the specifics – from toys, treats, and party favors to decorations and music. Zoom Room is one such company that has locations across the United States.
INVITATIONS
Once you’ve chosen your celebration destination, you’ll need to send out invites to your party guests. Whether you choose to buy ready-made or make your own, invitations are a great way to convey important details and set the tone for the party. And what dog doesn’t enjoy receiving mail – or at least barking at the mail carrier?
For ready-made options that you can easily personalize, check with your local independent printer, or visit your local stationary store. Sites like Minted sell cards designed by independent artists that can be personalized – including cards you can add a personal photo of your dog to.
If you choose to go the DIY route, user-friendly design apps like Adobe Express or Canva are great tools for novice designers to use to create invitations. But for the quickest and easiest invitation designs, browse Etsy’s many listings of editable invitation templates you can easily print at home.
DECORATIONS
Halloween decorations are arguably the best part of Spooky Season – and they are essential to creating a spooky vibe for your Halloween party. Think black cats, bats, ghosts, ghouls, spiders, skeletons, and witches. You know, the usual spooky suspects. Target’s Hyde & EEK! Boutique has some frightfully fangtastic options – everything from indoor and outdoor decorations to string lights and party supplies.
Since you will be hosting a party with dogs in attendance, you’ll want to consider the safety of your four-legged guests. Follow basic Halloween dog safety tips, and do your best to keep decorations, lights, candles, and candy out of your furry partygoers’ reach to prevent them from having to make a scary visit to the emergency vet clinic.
ACTIVITIES
Party games and activities are essential to any Halloween party. Keep your ghoulish guests entertained and tire out those furry little monsters at the same time with some interactive fun. Many of the same Halloween games and activities you usually partake in can be tweaked so dogs can join in. Encourage your guest’s participation, but don’t force it. Some dogs (and people) are simply wallflowers who like to observe before considering joining in.
Since it is a Halloween party, having a costume contest is a must. Encourage your guests to costume up their pups and have a Halloween mini parade that ends with judges choosing a winner. If you truly want to be the host with the most, ensure that every participant gets a prize regardless of where they place. Also, consider having this event first so that the dogs can remove their costumes if they are uncomfortable.
When it comes to Halloween-themed party games for pups, keep it simple. Try a twist on Apple Bobbing by filling a tub or small dog pool with water and using tennis balls in place of apples. Or give your guests a chance to show off their dog’s ability to perform tricks by playing “Tricks for Treats” where each dog can perform a trick for a treat. Again, it’s more fun if everyone is a winner, so make sure each dog is rewarded with a prize.
FOOD & DRINK
No Halloween party is complete without spooky appetizers and treats. Make sure your party is a real scream by summoning up some dreadfully delicious treats for your guests. And of course, some creepy cocktails for the humans to enjoy. There are plenty of recipes lurking on the internet for you to choose from, but if you are pressed for time there are also many pre-made treat options. Many of our dogs’ favorite store-bought treats are offered in spooky variations. And, your local dog bakery will certainly have Halloween themed cookies, treats and cakes as well.
Most importantly, make sure you have plenty of water bowls filled with fresh water for the doggos. Pick up some stainless-steel non-slip bowls and place them around your party. Trust us, nothing is scarier than hosting a dog-friendly event and forgetting to have water bowls on hand. To put a spooky twist on the water, freeze up some ice cubes using a Halloween silicone mold tray, and toss them into your bowls.
PARTY FAVORS
Lastly, don’t forget the party favors! A bag of Halloween goodies for your guests to take home with them will ensure that everyone will be raving about your party until next year – when you outdo yourself again! Fill the ghostly goodie bags with Halloween themed items like treats, toys, bandanas, collars, etc. You know, fun stuff. Check out ZippyPaws’ creepy cute assortment of Halloween toys, including Cheeky Chumz, Colossal Buddies, Happy Hour Crusherz, and more!
Now, go scare up some fun with your furry friends and be sure to tag us on social media so we can see how you celebrated Spooky Season! Be safe, and have a Happy Halloween!
