Halloween pet costumes for festive fun. Oct. 19-20

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — When you haven’t found the ideal look, it could be challenging to consider getting your dog a fantastic Halloween costume. However, choosing the perfect pet costume for Halloween can be a lot of fun, especially since there are so many simple do-it-yourself and store-bought options that will have everyone giddy on that spooky day. Also, there are a lot of adorable dog-owner combinations that are simply too good to ignore.

Measure your pet before buying it to guarantee the costume will fit comfortably. Measure down the body (from the base of the neck to the base of the tail), around the neck (snug like a collar), and around the chest (at the widest section). It’s best to measure your puppy even if the sizing guidelines include breed examples.

Above all else, avoid putting on the costume if your pet gets frustrated. Take it off right away if your pet has trouble breathing, walking, or using the bathroom. Here are a few of the latest and greatest.

Everyone loves and can quickly identify popular movie outfits. With its pertinent features, this Ghostbusters movie costume is ideal for a Halloween theme.

Ohh la la! Keep your cat cultured with the Ultimate French Cat FASHION wear! Dazzle your friends, say “heck off” to the haters, and say “bonjour monsieur” to the Cat Paris fashion show doorman because your Cat is IN!!!!

Two empty soda pop bottles, tissue paper, and duct tape are used to create this cute do-it-yourself dog costume. Attach your handmade rocket to your dog’s current harness for a fun Halloween and watch them take off! Get some more advice from Costume-Works.com.

Match Matchy

Matching costumes with you and your significant other can turn heads, but matching dog and owner Halloween costumes? There’s no better way to show off your love for your fur baby on Halloween.

Graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows are the perfect match. For the puppy marshmallow, a king-size pillow and some tape and Velcro fasteners will do the trick. Get the complete instructions on Little Sloth.

Adoption Events

If you want to adopt, please remember that there are loving senior and disabled pets who need your care and attention, too. If you cannot adopt, please consider fostering or sharing the information with someone who could use some good company.

Oct. 19

• Louie’s Legacy will be at PetSmart, 1525 Forest Ave., from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
• Best Friends Pet Lifesaving Center in NYC hosts a two-day Halloween-themed event at 307 West Broadway from 12 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. All adoptions will be fee-waived.

Oct. 20

• Louie’s Legacy will be at Howl-O-Ween Paw-ty Adoption Event for cats and dogs courtesy of LLAR and Puppy University. Puppy University, 2111 Bergenline Avenue, (Between 21st & 22nd Streets), Union City, NJ 07078, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
• Best Friends Pet Lifesaving Center in NYC hosts a two-day Halloween-themed event at 307 West Broadway from 12 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. All adoptions will be fee-waived.
• Staten Island Animal Hope Rescue will be at Petco, 165 Bricktown Way, from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Gifts for animal lovers

Julie Forlenza, a former teacher at I.S. 7, PS 62, and manager at Woof and Tails Lodge , took action after Hurricane Ian to help animals in shelters. She is the owner of Black Dog Portrait. Check her out on Facebook or Instagram.

Stellar Villa is a New York City-based artist who recently raised over $11,500 for pet shelters after she single-handedly created 1,252 custom pieces of art of people’s pets over 21 days. Now, she is working to create ongoing partnerships with local animal shelters to continue raising money. If you’re looking for a gift for a dog lover, check out Stellar’s work.

Ongoing programs

1. Low-cost or free spay and neuter: The ASPCA’s free and low-cost mobile spay and neuter van travels throughout the five boroughs in every neighborhood.

Low-income pet owners in the five boroughs with proof of public assistance, such as welfare, Medicaid, Medicare, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), disability, food stamps, TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), or public housing qualify for free spay/neuter services for their cat or dog. If you have a pit bull, pit-bull mix, or certain large breed dogs, it’s also free.

For the exact times the van will be in your area, as well as pre-visit instructions, visit aspca.org/pet-care/spayneuter, or call 877-SPAY-NYC (877-772-9692).

2. Apply for a dog license. Save time and postage by applying online. For an application or more information, visit nyc.gov/doglicense. View the flyer in the gallery above.

Hiking trails

Dog-friendly parks

· Allison Park, off-leash area in the field at the end of the trail bordered by Prospect Avenue, Sailors Snug Harbor Cemetery and the pond

· Amundsen Trail, off-leash area between Amboy Road and Hylan Boulevard

· Arthur Von Briesen Park, off-leash area, lawn area, mid-park on the right side

· Bloomingdale Park, dog run, Maguire Avenue behind athletic fields closer to Ramona Avenue

· Clove Lakes Park, off-leash area in the open field above picnic area near Royal Oak Road and Rice Avenue

· Clove Lakes Park, off-leash area, Brookside Avenue between Alpine Court and Kingsley Avenue (lawn area)

· Clove’s Tail Park, off-leash area in lawn area, corner of Victory Boulevard and Little Clove Road

· Conference House Park, dog run, Clermont Avenue and Massachusetts Street

· Cozzens Woods Park, off-leash area, Page Avenue between Hylan Boulevard and Amboy Road

· Crescent Beach Park, off-leash area, Tennyson Drive, and Glover Avenue; located in the meadow area leading to the beach

· Evergreen Park, off-leash area, Greaves Avenue and Evergreen Street

· Father Macris Park, off-leash area, lawn beyond ball field

· Ida Court Playground, dog run, Ida Court between North Railroad Street and Drumgoole Road East

· Lemon Creek Park, off-leash area, the bottom of Seguine Avenue at Johnston Terrace; just below the playground

· Siedenburg Park, off-leash area, Greaves Avenue, and Evergreen Street

· Silver Lake Park, dog run, Victory Boulevard below the pavilion, across from the Parkview Apartments

· South Beach Park, off-leash area. Note: On sand only after Labor Day and before Memorial Day

· Willowbrook Park, off-leash area, Archery Range Field

· Wolfe’s Pond Park, dog run, to the left of Cornelia Avenue

For more information, rules and regulations, visit nycgovparks.org/facilities/dogareas.

Dogs cannot enter any bathing facilities, including those at New York City beaches. However, from Oct. 1 through May 1, leashed dogs are allowed on the sand and boardwalk at Midland Beach and South Beach.

Leashed dogs are allowed on the boardwalk/promenade at Midland Beach and South Beach.

Al fresco dining with your dog

· Angelina’s Ristorante, 339 Ellis St., Tottenville, 718-227-2900

· The Burrito Bar, 585 Forest Ave., West Brighton, 718-815-9200

· Ciro Pizza Café, 862 Huguenot Ave., Huguenot, 718-605-0620

· Killmeyer’s Old Bavaria Inn, 4254 Arthur Kill Rd., Charleston, 718-984-1202

· Shake Shack, Staten Island Mall, 2655 Richmond Ave., New Springville, 929-529-0513

Pet poison helplines

If you think your pet may have ingested a potentially poisonous substance, contact the Pet Poison Hotline at 855-764-7661 or petpoisonhelpline.com, or contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 or aspca.org.

As the seasons change, keep in mind the plants that are poisonous to animals: https://www.rover.com/blog/poisonous-plants/

To report an incident of animal abuse, call Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS or visit www.nypdcrimestoppers.com.