GSPCA Encourages “Trick or Pet Treat” This Halloween and Shares Pet Safety Advice
As Halloween approaches, the GSPCA is encouraging islanders to make this year's celebrations even more meaningful by turning "Trick or Treat" into "Trick or Pet Treat" and helping raise vital funds for animals in need.
Every year, children across Guernsey head out on 31st October dressed in their favourite costumes to enjoy the Halloween tradition of trick or treating. This year, the GSPCA is inviting families, schools, businesses and community groups to consider collecting spare change, pet food, treats or donations for the animals at the Shelter while enjoying the festivities.
The appeal comes at a particularly important time for the charity, which rescues, rehabilitates, reunites and rehomes thousands of animals each year, whilst continuing construction of its new Wildlife Hospital as part of the #GSPCABiggestBuildAppeal.
Whether using a decorated bucket, collection tin or simply spreading awareness while out and about, every contribution can help support animals in need across the Bailiwick.
Steve Byrne, GSPCA Manager, said:
"Halloween is a wonderful opportunity for families to come together and have fun, but it can also be a chance to make a difference for animals in need."
"Instead of simply saying 'Trick or Treat', why not say 'Trick or Pet Treat' and help raise funds for the animals at the GSPCA?"
"Many children love animals and enjoy helping charities, making Halloween a great opportunity to combine fun with fundraising."
"Every donation, no matter how small, helps us continue caring for animals that arrive at the Shelter needing food, veterinary treatment, rehabilitation and a second chance."
"We are incredibly grateful to everyone who chooses to support us this Halloween."
The GSPCA is also reminding pet owners that Halloween can be a stressful time for many animals. Costumes, visitors, decorations and unusual noises can all cause anxiety, particularly for dogs, cats, rabbits and other companion animals.
Halloween Pet Safety Tips
The GSPCA recommends the following simple precautions to help keep pets safe:
- Keep sweets and chocolate well out of reach, as many confectionery items can be toxic to pets.
- Ensure pets are securely indoors if expecting trick-or-treat visitors.
- Make sure dogs, cats and other pets have up-to-date identification and microchip details.
- Keep lit candles, pumpkins and decorations away from curious animals.
- Provide pets with a quiet, secure space away from callers and Halloween activities.
- Avoid forcing pets to wear costumes if they appear uncomfortable or distressed.
- Be mindful when opening doors to visitors, as frightened pets may try to escape.
- Never leave pets unattended with Halloween decorations, glow sticks or novelty items.
- Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including hedgehogs, bats and birds, when decorating gardens or hosting outdoor events.
Trick or Treat Safety Reminders
The charity is also encouraging families to celebrate responsibly and safely:
- Young children should always be accompanied by a responsible adult.
- Plan routes in advance and stick to well-lit, populated areas.
- Carry a torch, glow stick or wear reflective clothing.
- Respect residents who choose not to participate in Halloween activities.
- Never enter a stranger's home or vehicle.
- Check all treats before they are consumed.
- Take extra care around properties with pets and always close gates behind you.
For those who would prefer not to trick or treat, the GSPCA suggests organising a "Trick or Pet Treat" collection, dress-down day or fundraising event at school, work or within community groups.
Anyone wishing to support the animals at the GSPCA this Halloween can also donate via the charity's Wish List, volunteer programme, fundraising events or the ongoing #GSPCABiggestBuildAppeal.
The GSPCA would like to thank everyone helping animals this Halloween and wishes both people and pets a safe, enjoyable and spook-tacular celebration.
For more information, to obtain a "Trick or Pet Treat" collection poster, or to support the GSPCA's work, please contact the Shelter on 01481 257261, email [email protected], or visit www.gspca.org.gg.
Check out more on the #GSPCABiggestBuildAppeal – https://www.gspca.org.gg/page/gspcabiggestbuildappeal
To donate to our work and the other animals in our care https://giving.gg/donate/charity/2/Guernsey-Society-for-the-Prevention-of-Cruelty-to-Animals-(GSPCA)
To see animals looking for new homes
https://www.gspca.org.gg/animals
To see our youtube channel and lots of videos please visit https://www.youtube.com/@TheGuernseySPCA
To see events, ways to support and animals in need please see our latest blog https://www.gspca.org.gg/blog
Upcoming events
- World Animal Month October 2026
- Feral Cat Day 16th October 2026
- National cat Day 29th October 2026
- Halt Term Spooky Tours October 2026 to be confirmed
- Dog First Aid Course 6.30pm - 8.45pm Thursday 12th November 2026 Ref – Dog11/11 https://www.gspca.org.gg/services/training-courses
- Cat First Aid Course 6.30pm - 8.45pm Thursday 26th November 2026 Ref – Cat2/12 https://www.gspca.org.gg/services/training-courses
- Possible Christmas Themed Animal Discovery Trail November/December 2026 to be confirmed with possible Ball
- World Wildlife Conservation Day 4th December 2026
- Festive Tours December/January 2026/7 to be confirmed
- Sidneys Sponsored Events - Grease and Dirty Dancing Saturday 10th April 2027
Steve continued “There are many ways to support the work of the GSPCA.”
“Our BIGGEST BUILD is now underway and we are desperately looking for support and to help in anyway please do get in touch and check out this link https://www.gspca.org.gg/blog/gspca-biggestbuild-begins-demolition-underway-%E2%80%93-buying-brick-sponsorship-can-you-help .”
“To become an Angel Pen Pal Sponsor donating each month to help the hundreds of animals in our care which you can do by downloading this form - http://www.gspca.org.gg/sites/default/files/Angel%20sponsor%20form%20special%202018%20new.pdf or to become a Corporate Angel Pen Pal form for your business to sponsor animals in our care each year please click here http://www.gspca.org.gg/sites/default/files/Corporate%20Angel%20Pen%20Pal%20sponsor%20formnew.pdf .”
“To think of helping animals and our work in your legacy or will please check out https://www.gspca.org.gg/about/gifts-wills-and-funding .”
“For those from those want to give CSR time and skills to those wanting to help sponsor or support something from our Wish List at the GSPCA http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/our-plans-wish-list .”
“If your group or business would like to find out about spending a day at the Shelter please go to -
http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/corporate-and-group-days “
“For other ways your business can help us here at the GSPCA please go to -
http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/how-your-business-can-help-gspca-corporate-sponsorship “
“If you would like to volunteer then to find out more details here -
http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/volunteers or to complete the volunteer application form please check out https://service.sheltermanager.com/asmservice?account=gspca&method=online_form_html&formid=14 .”
"We also have vacancies at the GSPCA and to find out more please visit https://www.gspca.org.gg/about/vacancies ."
"For lots of ways to support our work please visit https://www.gspca.org.gg/page/gspca-celebrating-150-years ."
“To visit our facebook page check out this link please click here .”
“To visit our x page please click here .”
“Thank you for your support.”
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