October is National Animal Safety and Protection Month (source: Chase's Calendar of Events). In the midst of the Halloween hustle and bustle, it's important that families keep the safety and well being of their pets in mind as they plan for holiday festivities.

The following tips can help ensure a safe and happy Halloween for your precious pets:

- Don't leave pets outdoors near trick-or-treaters on Halloween night. Trick-or-treaters can be frightening to pets and there is a chance that pets could be mistreated by passers-by.

- Do not leave candy within your pet's reach. Chocolate can be deadly to dogs and consuming candy can make many pets ill. Candy wrappersalso dangerous to pets, especially aluminum foil and cellophane.

- Make sure all candle decorations and jack-o-lanterns are out of the reach of all pets. Wagging tails of any kind can cause injury to pets and possibly start an unwanted fire.

- It is better to place your pets in a comfortable room in your home during the hours of trick-or-treating and Halloween parties. Music, guests andcontinuous doorbell ringing can be very stressful for our furry friends.

- Remember that your pets may not understand that these strange, masked, noisy visitors ringing your doorbell, are kids having harmless fun and they may try to "protect" you and your home -- let your pets rest in a room with a closed door until visitors are gone for the evening.

- Alcohol is very dangerous for pets. Leave a fresh bowl of water out for your pets, and save the alcoholic drinks for your responsible, adult guests.

- If you own a cat with black fur, please keep it inside during the Halloween holiday as much as possible. Unfortunately, there are some peoplewho use this holiday as an excuse to abuse and/or kill innocent animals, so make sure your pet stays safe and protected during this time. Keep them indoors a few days before and a few days following Halloween.

- Make sure when you open the door to young trick-or-treaters thatyour pet doesn't bolt through the doorway and toward the street. There will be a lot of cars driving through neighborhoods with their children. Make sure your pets are wearing their identification tags just in case they escape.

- Halloween costumes are cute, but can they be unnecessary stressors for your pet? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, skip the costume: Is the costume uncomfortable for our pet? Does it restrict your pet's vision in any way? Does it cause restrictive movement? Are there pieces that could cause choking or strangulation if caught on something in the home or fence?

The Colorado Humane Society wants to help keep your pets healthy and happy by offering pets and their owners an opportunity to visit the Wags To Whiskers™ Animal Wellness Fair on Oct. 28.

This fair will cater to the needs of your furry, feathered and scaly friends! Proceeds from this event benefit the Colorado Humane Society (CHS), & S.P.C.A., Inc. The wellness fair will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 451 E. 58th Ave. (Denver Merchandise Mart Pavilion Building).

Make sure your four-legged friend is in tip-top shape by signing up for a low-cost, well-pet exam and complete blood profile (provided at the fair), and remember to get your pet micro-chipped, in case your best friend is ever lost. In addition to the health and safety-related services offered, pet owners are encouraged to take advantage of the many educational seminars taught by pet experts from all over Colorado. Some topics include nutrition, behavior and training. Veterinarians will be on hand throughout the day to answer your pet-related questions.

Dozens of exhibitors will be stationed to show off their pet wares -- everything from grooming to gourmet treats, and pet products galore! Remember to visit the Royal Canin booth for a chance to win a one-year supply of dog food (up to 40 pounds and $925 value), delivered to your door each month!

As visitors make their way through the exhibit area and to the main stage, they will surely be amazed at the site of the Halloween Pet Costume Contests and the "Pets & Persons" Look-Alike Contests at 10:30 a.m. and again at 1:30 p.m., sponsored by Petco. All costumed pets are welcome to participate. Denver Broncos Cheerleaders will sign autographs from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. and all donations benefit CHS.

Don't own a pet? Don't let that stop you from joining the fun! The Colorado Humane Society has invited dozens of their cutest, most irresistible, adoption-ready pets of all kinds to the fair and they have their bags packed to come home with the right family! The CHS Mobile Adoption crew will be onsite and have arranged special adoption parades, one at noon and then again at 3 p.m., to show off these amazing animals.

All healthy pets are welcome. If your pet is feeling "under the weather," we ask that you leave it at home and plan to attend the fair and learn how to get your pet healthy. All animals will need to be on a leash or in a carrying case provided by the owner.

Here's to a safe and enjoyable Halloween for ALL!