Halloween is a great time for thrills, chills and ghoulish fun. But for pets and their owners, this celebration can be scary, harmful and hazardous.

Halloween is a great holiday for kids and adults, alike. Unfortunately, it is not one to really enjoy with your pets. Although we all want to share everything with our pets, but this is one time that we should take measures to secure our pets from the festivities.

Pet owners should remember the following when planning their Halloween activities.

* Candy treats are great for kids (and grown-ups), but not dogs and cats. Sugary foods are unhealthy for most animals and their wrappers are a hazardous as well. Chocolate, even small amounts can be poisonous. Keep all of your treats well out of reach of your pets. Give your dog or cat a special goody made just for them.

* Get creative with costumes for yourself, not your pets. Unless you know that your dog or cat really enjoys dressing up, don’t do it. Sure, it’s cute to see your pet dressed like Superman or a witch, but in most cases it stresses out the animal. If you must put a costume on your pet, make sure that the animal’s view is not obstructed.

* Keep pets inside on Halloween and Mischief Night. Vicious pranksters have been known to abuse, harm and even kill animals in `celebration' of these two nights. Keep your cats inside. Black cats are particularly preyed upon during this time of year.

* Keep jack-o-lanterns, candles and any other flammable items far out of the way. Curious kitties and wagging tails can knock over items, burning themselves or causing a fire.

* Keep pets away from trick-or-treaters. It’s best to keep your pets in a secured separate room with food and water during trick-or-treat time. Even the mellowest animals can get spooked by the large number of visitors, causing them to attack or try to run away. The same is true if you have a party.

* Make sure your dog or cat is wearing proper identification. In case he or she runs out the door your chances are much better of having your pet safely returned to you.

Pets make the best treats! If you want to treat yourself to something sweeter than candy and that can be shared with your entire family, consider adopting a dog or cat. The two puppies pictured here are part of a litter of eight hoping to be adopted at our Tinton Falls Shelter. Plus there are hundreds of other dogs and cats waiting for adoption at our three shelters in Forked River, Tinton Falls and Newark. To see some of our animals looking for new homes you can visit them on Petfinder.