Pet tips

Some folks tell us they want to help the animals, but they don’t have much time or money and, since they already have a pet (or know now’s not the time to add one) they aren’t interesting in adopting. We understand. We really do. Still, every now and then, we have a match for these people. If you are in this situation and have kids, or if you’re a kid at heart and enjoy getting spooked or doing all things related to Halloween, we have a fantastic option. This Saturday night, neighbors on and near Dekoven Avenue in Belmont are hosting their fifth annual Haunted House for the public at 2527 Dekoven Ave., from dusk until 10 p.m. This year’s theme is a haunted hospital. What started as a little deal for the immediate neighbors has attracted more visitors each year; this, in turn, has inspired the planners to produce something bigger, better and scarier every year. The event is free as always, though the producers are asking guests for a donation this year and have chosen PHS/SPCA and the San Carlos Children’s Theater as their beneficiaries. Get your pants scared off while helping animals and kids! We like the sound of that and even got a few of our volunteers involved as actors in the haunted hospital. Before you hit the best free Halloween event on the Peninsula — which is for people but definitely not pets — go through your pet’s safety checklist at home. Make sure all candy is out of your pet’s reach; ingesting chocolate or gum can be fatal. If you plan to open the door for trick-or-treaters, make sure your pet is secure inside your home. Finally, make sure your pet is wearing ID with up-to-date information. If he or she becomes lost, visit our shelter as soon as you can.