Step One: Venue

This party needs a venue! Choosing the right location sets the stage for a memorable Howl-o-ween Pawty. Look for a dog-friendly park, or consider hosting the bash at your own home.

Keep in mind that you'll have multiple dogs (and their owners) coming over, so space is definitely needed! You can hold the bash outside (weather permitting) or inside, whatever works best for you.

Step Two: Invitations and Guest List

Now it's time to figure out the guest list. Decide how many dogs you are comfortable hosting and then think about who you would want to come celebrate the holiday with you. Start with any friends you have who have dogs, and then consider reaching out even further! Facebook groups and local dog parks are a great place to meet other pet parents!

Once you've got your guest list confirmed, it's time to send out invitations. Digital invites are easy, cost-effective, and beneficial for the environment!

Feel free to use our example for your Howl-o-ween bash!

Step Three: Dress to Impress

What would a Halloween party be without costumes? Encourage guests to dress their dogs up for the occasion. You can make it extra fun by offering prizes for the most creative costume, the cutest costume, spookiest, etc!

Make sure your own dog is dressed to impress, too! You can typically find some dog-friendly costumes at your local pet store and even on Amazon. Or, if you're feeling extra creative, try making your pup's outfit yourself!

Step Five: A Haunted House for Hounds

We don't want to scare our furry guests, but a "haunted house" for dogs is an excellent idea to help keep the party going and keep your furry guests entertained.

Set up a mini maze in your backyard or even in your living room, complete with spooky decorations and hidden treats. Guide the dogs through the haunted maze, rewarding them with treats at each successful stage. This "haunted house" is all treats, no tricks!

Step Six: More Ghoulish Games

Organize dog-friendly Halloween games, such as bobbing for goodies. Fill up a decorative cauldron with water and add some fun toys to float on top. Each dog can take a turn "bobbing" to score a prize.

Other games include a spooky agility course, haunted hide 'n seek, and "trick for treats." In this game, each owner and their dog must complete a list of commands. For each successful command, the dog earns a treat! It's a race to see who can complete their list of commands the fastest.

Step Seven: Set The Vibe With Halloween Music

It's not a pawty without some music to keep everyone in the right mood! Let us provide the music to set the perfect soundtrack for all the spooky fun!

Listen to our FREE Howl-o-ween Pawty playlist here 👻

Step Eight: Spooky Photo Booth

Pics or it didn't happen! Create a photo booth area with Halloween-themed props and backdrops for your guests to snap some pics. Fake cobwebs, jack-o'-lanterns, and spooky spiders could all make for some fang-tastic photos!

Capture the moment with plenty of group photos of all the pups in their costumes, as well as individual pics and of course, photos of the doggy guests and their owners.

Step Nine: Doggie Bags

Sadly, all parties must come to an end. And the perfect way to cap off a monster mash of fun is with goodie bags! Or should we say, doggie bags?

As a parting gift, provide guests with bags filled with treats and small toys to commemorate their time at the party. For an extra special treat, consider adding a personalized thank-you note from your dog who certainly appreciated them coming to their Howl-o-ween bash!

With a little creativity and a lot of love, you can throw a Halloween party that both you and your dog will cherish. It's a fun way to celebrate the season and create lasting memories with your furry best friend. So, get your pup's costume ready and let the Howl-o-ween festivities begin!