The American Pet Products and Manufacturers Association states that over 3.7 million dog owners purchase gifts or costumes for pets specifically for Halloween festivities. These beastly celebrations are becoming mainstream according to author and animal expert, Diana L. Guerrero who says that pet friendly Halloween parties and parades are a just part of a larger big trend.

Guerrero, the author of BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS: A GUIDE TO PRAYERS & CEREMONIES CELEBRATING PETS AND OTHER CREATURES (ISBN 1402729677) is an animal behavior consultant based in southern California.

She said, “Today pet families include their dogs in ‘Howl-o-ween’ celebrations and cats participate in ‘Yowl-o-ween’ events. Not too long ago there were only a half a dozen pet costumes available. Today Rubie’s Costumes of New York, the world’s largest costume manufacturer, has a pet collection that offers over 40 different designs.”

According to Guerrero’s BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS, the pet costume market comprises about six percent of their total costume sales—or about 40 million dollars. In the past the top commercial canine costumes included the Star Wars™ characters, Yoda™ and Darth Vader™, followed closely by Superman™ Dog.

Guerrero states that across the United States animal shelters and rescue agencies hold parties, parades, or meow mixers around Halloween and defer any adoptions just prior to the date since there are still those who harm animals through pranks--or who intentionally adopt animals for rituals.

“Halloween can be a frightening and risky holiday for pets but Halloween celebrations can be safe and fun for pets if people are prepared. There are choices today that didn’t exist ten years ago.” She said.

In the research for her new book, Guerrero discovered that equine lovers tend to celebrate with trail rides and other festivities. However those who really want to horse around hit the trail and head over to Parker, Colorado for the annual “Halloween with Horses.”

"Although some pets might like to dress up and participate in events, many more have adverse reactions. Pets can get very frightened by costumes and other unusual activities surrounding the Halloween celebrations. Constant door knocking, bell ringing, and unusual appearing guests can stress pets or spook them. This can contribute to escape or aggression." Guerrero said.

Need some Halloween Pet Safety Tips? Guerrero suggests:

-Keep animals confined on Halloween. Seclude them safely in a room away from the door and distractions.

-Walk pets before dark to avoid any altercations with costumed characters.

-House animals indoors just before and during Halloween. This protects pets from pranksters who tease, injure, steal, or kill animals.

-Make sure pets are wearing current identification. Many pets get spooked and escape. Unfortunately they end up in shelters without identification.

-Keep pets away from costumed ghouls and goblins. Halloween bites are not uncommon. Even friendly animals may bite due to stress, fear, or protective aggression.

-Store and dispense candy so that it is not accessible to pets. Many treats are toxic and even lethal to pets.

-Avoid the liability that comes from dressing up your pet and sending the critter out trick-or-treating with kids.

-Don't dress up pets unless they love it. If you do dress them up make sure the costume isn't annoying or unsafe. Avoid restriction of movement, vision, hearing or the ability to breathe or vocalize. Costumes should not contain small dangling accessories that could be consumed or cause choking.

-Restrict your pet's access to decorations. Jack o'lanterns with candles are obvious fire hazards, but cats can also get tangled in streamers. Pets can also become ill from eating holiday decor.

Guerrero concluded, "Halloween can be fun for all members of your family but avoid scary stories by using pet precautions—and make it a Happy Howl-o-ween instead of a ghoulish experience for pets!"