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Candy, costumes, trick-or-treating and frighteningly fun times are what most people think of around Halloween. But pets may find strangers coming to the door dressed as ghosts and goblins a little too scary. Here are some tips from the American Humane Association to help you and your pets have a fun and safe Halloween.

Let your pets celebrate Halloween, too — Keep a supply of pet treats handy, and reach for one before you open the door for trick-or-treaters. If your pet sits calmly while the door is open, give her a treat! Try a Halloween-themed collar or bandana to show your pet’s spirit, instead of a costume that may be constricting or unsafe.

Safety first — Put pets in a quiet room away from the commotion to reduce their stress and chance of escape. Make sure your pet is wearing a collar with up-to-date ID and rabies tags in case he does escape with the trick-or-treaters. Microchipping your pet is recommended as an added precaution, since a lost pet with a microchip has a greater chance of being reunited with its owner. Also, it’s best to keep cats indoors and away from people who may be out to play a mean Halloween prank.

Pet-friendly Halloween decorations — Instead of an open flame in the jack-o’-lantern, opt for battery-powered, kid- and pet-friendly pumpkins. Open-flame candles and pumpkins with lit candles are especially dangerous because a pet’s fur can catch fire. Don’t let your pet chew or eat things like crepe-paper streamers; these are often colored with water-soluble dyes that will discolor your pet’s mouth and can cause an upset stomach.

Remember: No chocolate and candy! — Dogs love chocolate as much as humans do, but it is very dangerous for dogs and cats if ingested. Keep all chocolate and candy out of reach of your pets. Have healthy pet treats on hand for your pets, and enjoy the candy and chocolate yourself.

For more information on keeping pets happy and safe during the holidays, go to www.americanhumane.org/petholidays. Find us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/americanhumane and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/americanhumane.

While over five million jobs were lost in the past few months as a result of the recession, Animal Behavior College understands why the pet industry has proven resilient during tough economic times. Are you an animal lover looking for a career change? A pet career might be the perfect transition to get you excited about working again.

Those employed in the pet industry have a unique kind of job security. “Pet services are always going to be in high demand, regardless of the economy,” said Steven Appelbaum, president of Animal Behavior College. “The family dog is just that—part of the family; most people will do anything to make sure he is healthy and well taken care of, even if that means cutting their personal expenses to ensure it. This willingness to spend is best illustrated by the fact that even though the last year has been the most economically challenging time since the great depression, pet business spending increased by billions of dollars.”

According to the American Pet Products Association (APPA), Appelbaum is correct as pet spending reached $43.2 billion in 2008. For 2009 the APPA estimates that Americans will spend $45.5 billion on pet training, grooming, boarding, and veterinary care.

Julie Beller is a Certified Dog Trainer from Animal Behavior College (ABCDT). “Despite the recession, I haven’t felt much of a decline in my business,” said Beller, “Pet parents are always in need of a good trainer. I help make their lives with their pets more enjoyable—from potty training a new puppy to rehabilitating an aggressive dog.” Beller currently teaches 12 obedience classes a week at various locations in Southern California. As a small business owner, she also conducts two-to-five private in-home dog training lessons a week.

Veterinary care has proven to be the most crucial aspect of pet ownership. Regardless of financial constraints, most owners do not neglect preventative and emergency veterinary care for their pets. Failure to seek necessary care leads to costly veterinary bills in the future. Since pet care is a essential, veterinarians, veterinary technicians, veterinary assistants and office personnel are vital aspects of the pet business economy.

Aside from becoming veterinarians and dog trainers, there are a myriad of career options for animal lovers. Groomers, veterinary technicians/assistants, pet sitters, and kennel and shelter workers are just a few of the different kinds of prosperous pet professionals. Many career experts seem to repeat the same dictum about looking for a new career— to look within yourself and do what you love. It may appear to be a simple motto, but for many who are working in the pet industry, it has become their saving grace.

For more information visit Animal Behavior College at this link