The RSPCA has organised an afternoon of Howl-o-ween fun for all the family to help raise funds for animals in need this autumn.
The animal welfare charity is celebrating all creatures great and small – but in particular those that might give some people the heebie-jeebies like black cats, rats, lizards, snakes and spiders among others.
The fun begins at 2pm on Saturday 31 October on RSPCA’s official Facebook page where families will be able to take part in a series of sessions such as pumpkin carving, baking, quizzing and a Home Pet Show. 
A live-streamed quiz hosted by influencer Jess Megan kicks off the festivities followed by a cat treat baking session with last year’s Great British Bake Off winner David Atherton.
The day will be rounded off with the final of the Home Pet Show with five categories including Tricks and Treats, Howl-o-ween Pets and a Spooky Art Class.
People are encouraged to enter their pets into one of the 20 regional heats across the country from now until Friday 30 October. National winners will be picked from across the regions and will be invited to take part in the live final hosted by CBBC’s Pets Factor vet Rory Cowlam and actor and influencer Sophie Craig at 4pm on Saturday 31st October on the RSPCA’s Facebook page.
Event Manager Jo Hockley said: “We know that many people will be disappointed that Trick or Treating can’t take place this year due to Covid-19 restrictions – so we thought it would be fun to organise a day of spooky fun that people could enjoy at home, while still involving the four-legged family members too.
“All the action will be taking place online so people and their pets can take part no matter where they are. We hope that people will help us to raise much-needed funds for all of the bats, cats, rats, mice and other animals in our care by entering or watching our Home Pet Show.”
Families and their pets are being encouraged to enter the Home Pet Show classes which are:
- Trick and Treats – an all animal class where owners are being encouraged to show off their pet’s hidden talents and special skills
- Howl-o-ween pets – From witches’ cats to Hounds of Baskervilles (Dogs), Horses (of the Apocolypse) to all things rodent, creepy, crawly or scaly, the RSPCA team can’t wait to meet your pets this Halloween.
- Wise Wizards – this class is tailor made for all animals in their autumn years.
- Pumpkin-spiced baby – an all-animal baby a class for younger creatures and critters.
- Spooky Art Class – the charity wants to see pictures of your all-animal creations including 2D, 3D and photography. Age categories who will be awarded include under 11s, 11-16 and 16 and over.
The pet show is not being judged on looks but is all about pets’ happiness, health, behaviour and the amazing bond we have with them and there is a class for any pet. Classes cost £4 per entry.
Jo added: “We can’t wait to see of the different pets that are out there and ready to get involved in our spooky Home Pet Show. We’re sure there’s the perfect category for every pet and animals can be entered as many times as you like. All the money raised will go towards helping creatures and critters across England and Wales that need our help.”
To find out more about Halloween and details on how you can join your nearest Home Pet Show heat, visit www.rspca.org.uk/Howloween.
