Keeping Pets Safe During Halloween

Halloween is fun for humans but can be stressful or dangerous for pets. Keep candy, especially chocolate and sugar-free treats with xylitol, out of their reach. If your pet gets anxious with visitors or doorbells, create a quiet, safe space for them. Please do not offer black cats and kittens for adoption during Halloween. Unfortunately, this season can attract individuals with harmful intentions, and we want to prioritize the safety and well-being of these animals. Lastly, while pet costumes are adorable, ensure they fit well and don’t restrict movement or breathing. 

And remember! Decorative spider web netting is known to be hazardous to birds and insects.

Help Bettie and Bonito Find Their Forever Home! 🐾

This sweet bonded pair of kitties has been in foster care since last October and is ready for a loving family. Charlene, one of our 2024 Animal Advocates honorees and founder of Pink Paws for the Cause, has been working tirelessly to help them. Could you be the one to give them the life they deserve?

Click here to meet Bettie and click here to meet Bonito.

Please share and help spread the word! 🐱❤️

A Date with Otis

Young twins Eliza and Nolan recently enjoyed a fun-filled visit to Portola Pastures! Janet Fenwick, the highest bidder for “A Date with Otis” at our inaugural event, treated her grandchildren and their parents to a special day with equine specialist and PHK board member Jennifer Ott Cameron and her horse Otis. Although Otis wasn’t available for a meet-and-greet that day because he was under the weather, the kids had the opportunity to interact with other horses and learn about equine behavior and care.

Interested in your own “Date with Otis” and a tour of Portola Pastures? If you can contribute to our humane education work, contact Jennifer by clicking here.

Pet Painters Upcoming Events



“Paws & Paintbrushes with Project HumaneKind” will be offered by the Los Gatos Recreation Department in both January and March. This unique Pet Painter program introduces young artists, ages 8–12, to shelter animals, encouraging empathy and promoting pet adoption through their creative renditions. The program is a collaboration between Project HumaneKind, Silicon Valley Animal Control Authority, and Los Gatos Recreation. Stay tuned for course details and registration information in our next newsletter!

Pet-Friendly Pumpkin Treats

Pumpkin is a great source of fiber and nutrients for pets! You can make simple, pet-safe treats by combining plain canned pumpkin with peanut butter and oats. Scoop the mixture into small balls and bake for 10 minutes at 350°F for a tasty, seasonal snack that both dogs and cats will love!