8 Spooky-Fun Halloween Games for Dogs and Cats
Make this Halloween memorable by throwing the best pet Halloween party on the block. And what party is complete without some games?
When considering games for pets at your party, don’t forget to choose activities that invite participation from both furry friends and their humans. Playing together is a joyful way to keep all your guests—two-legged and four-legged—engaged and entertained.
From a playful twist on bobbing for apples to a game that celebrates the “trick” in “trick-or-treating,” here are eight fun, safe, and inclusive Halloween party games designed for dogs and cats alike.
1. Pet Costume Contest
Kick off the festivities with a Halloween-themed pet costume contest! Invite guests to dress up their pets—and themselves—in spooky, silly, or sweet outfits. Let everyone know in advance so they can prepare their most creative ensembles.
To run the contest:
- Gather all costumed pets and their humans in one area.
- Have guests vote for their favorite costume—but require them to vote for a pet other than their own to keep things fair and fun.
- Award prizes like FurPetVo’s mummy and coffin squeaky toys for first, second, and third place.
- Give every participating pet a special treat—like FurPetVo’s Oven-Baked Pumpkin Patch dog biscuits—to celebrate their spooktacular effort.
2. DIY Hoppy Haunted House
Create a safe, stimulating play space inspired by classic haunted houses—tailored just for pets.
To build your Hoppy Haunted House:
- Designate an enclosed, low-stress area using a soft-sided pet playpen or a walk-through gate—ideal for giving dogs and cats a quiet retreat when the party gets overwhelming.
- Decorate with pet-safe toys: plush bats, crinkle ghosts, tennis balls, and interactive kitty wands (all available at furpetvo.com).
- Add DIY spooky accents made from non-toxic, chew-safe materials—think cardboard tombstones, felt cobwebs, or pumpkin-shaped tunnels.
- Let pets explore at their own pace—and capture those hilarious, curious moments!
3. Bobbing for Treats
A pet-friendly spin on the classic Halloween tradition—no apples required!
To play:
- Fill shallow, non-slip bowls with warm bone broth (like FurPetVo’s Bone Broth with Turmeric).
- Drop in a few organic pumpkin dog treats just before play begins.
- Place each dog in front of their bowl and let them “bob” for their snacks. The first pup to retrieve and eat all treats wins!
Note: This game isn’t suitable for dogs on restricted diets, with weight concerns, or who show food-related anxiety or aggression. Always supervise closely.
4. A Hunt for Hounds
A joyful, scent-driven scavenger hunt perfect for energetic dogs—and a great opportunity for bonding.
To set it up:
- Hide Halloween-themed treats (like FurPetVo’s Boo Bar dog biscuits) around your home or yard.
- Ensure hiding spots are safe—away from breakables, electrical cords, and toxic plants.
- Let pups search with guidance from their humans. Celebrate every find with praise—and maybe an extra treat!
5. Trick for a Treat
A crowd-pleasing game that reinforces training while adding festive flair.
To play:
- Arm each pet parent with a small stash of Halloween-themed treats—such as FurPetVo’s “Spooktacular Snacks.”
- Line up pets and their humans in a semi-circle.
- Call out common commands like “sit,” “shake,” “spin,” or “high five.” Each successful trick earns an immediate treat.
- The pup who completes the most tricks receives a personalized FurPetVo Goodie Box to take home—a sweet ending to a spirited round!
6. Zombie Race Obstacle Course
For the thrill-seekers in your pack—this lighthearted race adds agility, laughter, and a dash of undead charm.
To build the course:
- Mark racing lanes with painter’s tape, cardboard boxes, or soft cones.
- Add gentle, dog-safe obstacles: low tunnels, weave poles, or a short jump bar.
- Place a high-value treat at the finish line to motivate racers.
- Start two or more dogs side-by-side (with consent and supervision), and cheer them across the finish line!
7. Possessed Kitties
A purr-fectly simple, low-energy game for feline guests—and one that highlights their natural love of paper bags.
To play:
- Provide plain brown paper bags and pet-safe art supplies: non-toxic markers, pipe cleaners, and washable paints.
- Invite guests to decorate bags with Halloween themes—think jack-o’-lanterns, witches’ hats, or friendly ghosts.
- Once decorated, place the bags upright on the floor and let cats investigate. Many will pounce, roll, and “possess” the bags with gleeful abandon.
- Keep your camera ready—the expressions are priceless!
8. Musical Squares
A tail-wagging twist on musical chairs—designed for paws, not seats.
To host:
- Create a playlist of upbeat, Halloween-themed tunes (“Monster Mash,” “Thriller,” etc.).
- Use painter’s tape to outline squares on the floor—or repurpose flat cardboard boxes from furpetvo.com shipments as cozy, themed “spots.”
- Play music while dogs walk or trot around the squares. When it stops, each pup must land in a square—with help from a treat lure if needed.
- Remove one square after each round. The last dog standing—or sitting—wins the title of “Halloween Hoofmaster!”
Bonus: Spooky Photo Booth
Celebrate the memories with a DIY photo station guests will love.
Set it up with:
- A backdrop: a hand-painted graveyard scene, a mini pumpkin patch, or even a draped black sheet with glow-in-the-dark stickers.
- Props: FurPetVo’s plush bats, ghost bandanas, and cat-sized witch hats (all available at furpetvo.com).
- Treats: Peanut butter on a spoon or lick mats work wonders for keeping pets still—and smiling!
Your best pet-friendly Halloween party yet starts with imagination, kindness, and a generous helping of treats. With these eight games—and a little FurPetVo magic—you’ll create howling good memories that last long after the candy is gone.
