Pet ofrenda: Day of the Dead for pets
More and more families in Mexico remember their pets on Day of the Dead. Here is the date, what to put on the altar and how to build it safely if you have pets at home.
Reviewed by Paola De Valeri, veterinarian, October 17, 2026.
When do pets arrive on Day of the Dead?
Most families set up the pet ofrenda for October 27, and many build it the night of the 26th. In the popular belief, pets arrive first, before the rest of the departed, and leave around dawn on the 28th.
Day of the Dead itself is November 1 and 2. Many families keep the pet's corner on the altar until November 2.
What goes on a pet ofrenda?
- A photo or a drawing of your pet, in the center.
- Fresh water, for the thirst of the journey.
- Its favorite food: kibble, treats, a can or something it loved.
- Its things: collar, tag, toy, blanket or bowl.
- Marigolds (cempasúchil) or flowers in a color that reminds you of it.
- A candle for its light and papel picado to decorate.
How to build the altar, step by step
- 1. Pick the spot. A sturdy table or shelf, away from the edge and from cables, where your other pets can't reach.
- 2. Put the photo in the center. It's the heart of the altar. Its water and favorite food go around it.
- 3. Add its things. Its toy, collar or blanket tell its story better than any decoration.
- 4. Decorate with flowers and light. Marigolds and papel picado for color; for the candle, one in a glass jar or an LED one is safer.
Keep the pets at home safe
- Marigolds (Tagetes) can upset the stomach or irritate the skin if your dog or cat chews them: keep them out of reach.
- Candles and copal incense are a burn and smoke risk: never leave them lit unattended.
- Don't offer chocolate, grapes, raisins, onion or anything with xylitol: they are dangerous for dogs and cats.
- Remove the food after two or three days so it doesn't spoil or get eaten by another pet.
- If you think your pet ate something from the ofrenda, call your vet right away.
This guide is for information only and does not replace your vet's advice.
Frequently asked questions
- When is Day of the Dead for pets?
- October 27 is the date most families use for pets, and many set up the altar the night before. Day of the Dead for people is November 1 and 2.
- Is October 27 an official date?
- No. Setting up an ofrenda for pets is a popular custom that has grown in recent years, not an ancient tradition that is the same across Mexico. October 27 is the date you will hear most, but you can choose another.
- Can I put it next to my family's ofrenda?
- Yes. Many families give their pets a corner of the family altar and keep it up until November 2.
- Are there rules for a pet ofrenda?
- There are no fixed rules: a photo, water, its favorite food and its things are the usual. The only firm rules are about safety: no candles left unattended and nothing toxic within reach of the pets at home.
- What if my pet is still with us?
- The ofrenda is for those who are gone. If your pet is still with you, celebrate it any day: a new photo, its favorite treat or a long walk.
Related guides
- Dog and cat costumes: Day of the Dead and Halloween ideasDay of the Dead and Halloween costume ideas for dogs and cats, and how to choose one that is comfortable and safe.
- Dog events in Mexico City: October and November 2026Events to go to with your dog in Mexico City this season: a costume contest, runs and Day of the Dead tips.
- Dog parks in Mexico City: where to walk and let your dog off leashFenced off-leash dog areas in Mexico City, parks for leashed walks and their rules.
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Sources
The date is a popular custom; the safety notes follow the ASPCA: