Pet Halloween Costumes: Cute or Scary?

Wednesday, October 10, 2012 - 12:00pm
Chihuahua Bee Halloween Costume

With Halloween just around the corner, you might be tempted to make your cat or dog a star by dressing him up in the cutest mini-sized costume you can find. But wait—is trick-or-treat apparel really safe for your furry friends?

Our experts suggest putting your pet in a costume only if you’re sure he will enjoy it. Some pets love the limelight: wearing a costume and posing for pictures is a blast! Others prefer to stick to their birthday suits for all occasions, and being dressed like a pumpkin for their pet parents’ amusement can cause unnecessary stress.

If you decide to have your pet wear a costume, here are some helpful safety tips to keep in mind:

  • Your pet’s Halloween garb should not constrict his movement or hearing, or impede his ability to breathe, bark or meow. Be sure to try on costumes in advance—and if your furry friend seems distressed, you’ll want to ditch the mini-pirate hat and vest.

  • Examine your pet’s costume and make sure it doesn’t have any small, dangling or easily chewed-off pieces that he could choke on. Also, ill-fitting outfits can get caught on external objects or your pet, leading to injury.

  • IDs, please! Make sure your dog or cat has proper identification on underneath that cute costume. If for any reason your pet escapes and becomes lost during Halloween festivities, a collar and tags and/or a microchip can be a lifesaver.


For a complete list of animal safety guidelines for this spooky holiday, check out our expert Halloween Safety Tips for pet parents.

Tell us: Are you planning to dress up your pet for Halloween?

Tags: 
Pet Care

Comments

Fri, 10/12/2012 - 10:35 — stacy hyatt (Visitor)
I have a minature pomeranian, and O Will ne dressing him on a cat costume, for Halloween. He loves the attention, he is a ham,when it comes to pictures an dressing up

Sat, 10/20/2012 - 21:15 — Stephanie (Visitor)
I Think it depends on the pet, and the relationship you have with your pet and if it is used to dressing up or wearing sweaters or t's to keep them warm... My Dog is a service dog so she is used to a vest. So she wouldn't care what I put on her! How would she know what the design was??? I may figure a safe way to put a little ghost or something on her collar or vest but as for the rest am baking some great puppy treats for her and her neighborhood friends tail wagging friends! The most important thing is to keep your pet happy and stress free!

Fri, 10/12/2012 - 10:41 — ScottyinKC (Visitor)
We put our rat terrier in a Halloween costume long enough to take a couple photos and then let him out of it because he looks annoyed. He wears a myriad of coats during the winter to go outside and potty in the rain or snow or walks and he doesn't seem to mind. He's a part of our family and we believe he enjoys the attention regardless an the pictures are cute as can be. People just need to listen to their pets. To the lady crying about the cat in a tutu, I'm sorry but get over it. People should probably not try to dress animals other than dogs, but if you're that broken up about it maybe you need to talk to a counselor. Just some advice.

Fri, 10/12/2012 - 14:48 — Sharon M. (Visitor)
Telling someone to "get over it" is hardly helpful. The sight of a dead animal on the side of the road IS upsetting. You should consider conseling. Just some advice.

Sat, 10/13/2012 - 13:28 — Rah (Visitor)
Dude.. It's roadkill. Who cares? I see dead opossums, armadillos, raccoons, and cats all the time. PETA is not the way to go for animal rights. That bitch is crazy. Follow your heart, follow your mind, and do what you feel is right. I am personally a meat-eating, leather wearing imbecile, but I'm happy. I have happy pets, and that's all that matters.

Fri, 10/12/2012 - 15:13 — Monica (Visitor)
Oh okay so if your rat terrier get hits by a car im gonna tell you to just get over it. That cat could have been someones pet. Have some respect.

Fri, 10/12/2012 - 22:48 — jesse (Visitor)
Your dog will die some day and YOU will be distraught and when the time comes, and it obviously will, you will feel worse than that woman.

Sat, 10/13/2012 - 03:48 — Renae (Visitor)
Seriously, all of you people that are bitching about animal costumes just sound like crazy people. As long as the animal is not being harmed in any way shape or form then what is the matter? It's because of u extremist freaks, that some the general public have a bad impression of us people that are passionate about animals. Go donate your time to a good animal cause, instead of writing your verbal diarrhea on the ASPCA website..

Tue, 10/16/2012 - 10:35 — Mister Cello (Visitor)
I did that with my cat Lena-a hot pink lei several loops around, she posed for a few pictures indoors, and I took it off before she had time to really think about it. And I have some adorable pictures of my hula cat. She is very laid back and seems to love any kind of attention. She loves to listen to me play the cello or guitar and that's touching and adorable but it doesn't make for great pictures-she just looks like she's sleeping!

Fri, 10/12/2012 - 10:42 — korri (Visitor)
I also have a reflective collar and matching leash in case she gets lose she is easy to see.

Fri, 10/12/2012 - 10:45 — korri (Visitor)
I also have a reflective collar and matching leash in case she gets lose she is easy to see.

Fri, 10/12/2012 - 10:46 — craze (Visitor)
I think this article was very well put! It covered the most important things for pet safety. I wont be dressing my dog up for Halloween because she doesn't like clothes and cries the whole time. Also, she gives me that look of shame like, "mommy, this just isn't right!" and I feel bad. I discovered this when I bought her a coat after seeing her shiver outaide one day but not want to come in. She froze up like she was scared to move then a couple days later tried to eat it. If anything, I could put something small on her like wings or a tutu but it would he short term and well supervised so she wont get bored and eat it! As much as I would LOVE to dress her up and take her out (she LOVES people too much!) I know it's not right to do it to her but she wont have any problems visiting everyone though and everyone coming to visit her!

Sat, 10/13/2012 - 15:58 — Apryl (Visitor)
I love that you respect her enough to realize that the clothes made her unhappy. Our dog is a Chihuahua mix and always cold, even in Arizona! He LOVES to wear a sweater and gets so excited when we get one out. Now that it's chilly here in the morning he'll be wearing his dog sweaters for walks. We were worried about his paws on hot pavement, so we bought booties - he doesn't like them, so we don't use them - we carry him across the street to the park on hot days. I think it all depends on the dog. Some dogs mind, some don't. I have no issue with a dog being dressed if it's happy and comfortable. If your dog doesn't like it, don't do it. If he/she does - why is it a problem?

Fri, 10/12/2012 - 10:47 — LISA (Visitor)
MY CAT LOVES TO GET DRESSED UP FOR HALLOWEEN SHE WAS A FIREFIGHTER LAST YEAR AND POSSED FOR HER PICTURE AND THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH DRESSING UP YOUR PET IF THEY ARE GOOD WITH IT MY CAT LOVES IT

Fri, 10/12/2012 - 14:30 — Alysa Heller (Visitor)
Funny you should say that...my boyfriend and I dressed up our cat last year as a firefighter also! He had two different costumes because he was more comfortable with a combination of the two. he had fun and posed for enough pictures for us to put together a firekitty calendar that we all enjoy together. He was never in it for more than a few minutes and had fun. He loves the camera, always has. It all depends on the animal and I agree you shouldn't torture your pet with these things if they don't enjoy it. You just have to know your furry child and thier likes and dislikes. Pet friendly treats are awesome too but be careful. My cat is on a prescription vet diet and you shouldn't try things like this if your animal is on one too. The most important thing is safety for our little ones.

Fri, 10/12/2012 - 10:48 — Katerina (Visitor)
If I were home for Halloween, I would dress my Golden Retriever up for Halloween because she loves the attention. But, since I'm a college student and cannot be home for Halloween, I'll dress her up for my fall break next week. :)

Fri, 10/12/2012 - 10:52 — Amanda (Visitor)
If the costume is well fitted, and the animal enjoys it, then I dont see the harm in having a little fun.... I dress my shepherd up every year for halloween and christmas (shes make a cute reindeer lol) and she loves it, my other dogs not so much so I don't even try

Fri, 10/12/2012 - 10:58 — Carrol (Visitor)
I personally find costumes for pets very unkomen, my dog does have his own costume his skin. We talk about animal cruelty, dressing a pet up is a part of it.

Fri, 10/12/2012 - 10:59 — Debbie Fisher (Visitor)
We have three dogs and two cats. Only one of our dogs enjoys being dressed up, so we don't dress up the others. The one who does love to be dressed up is still a puppy, and fits in a Build-a -Bear wiener dog costume, because she's a dachshund. Never leave your pets unattended in a costume!

Fri, 10/12/2012 - 11:01 — FreedomWarrior2012 (Visitor)
Most of our animals already have a fur coat. I don't think we should put any kind of clothes on them for fear of their temperature going to high. People just don't think! The attention is for the human...not the pet.

Fri, 10/12/2012 - 11:09 — AL DAILEY (Visitor)
GET A LIFE PEOPLE. DOGS ARE NOT MADE FOR YOUR DRESS UP AMUSEMENT. THEY ALREADY HAVE THEIR DRESS AND DO NOT NEED ANY OF THESE RIDICULOUS OUTIFTS PUT ON THEM SO YOU CAN THINK THEY ARE CUTE. IF YOU WANT TO PLAY DRESS UP GO GET YOURSELF SOME DOLLS MORON

Fri, 10/12/2012 - 11:15 — meme scott (Visitor)
My pom was born on halloween & she adores the attention of dressing up & a birthday party. my chi/terrior not so much. over the years i have l.earned that simpler is better.

Fri, 10/12/2012 - 11:15 — Terry Broberg-S... (Visitor)
I think if I tried to put a Hallowe'en costume on any of my cats that they would kindly replace my arms with bloody stumps. Alphonse and Hildegard are ready for Hallowe'en, they are black cats. (I keep all my cats indoors).

Fri, 10/12/2012 - 11:20 — Karen Ardila (Visitor)
As a responsible pet parent I wouldn't put my dog or cat in a costume if they feel annoyed while wearing it. That said, not all dogs or cats have the same personality and some do enjoy the extra attention or just don't mind wearing something. Just like people... Against the argument of animals not needing clothing, this would be true if dogs hadn't been genetically manipulated for human convenience for thousands of years. Dogs are no longer wild animals, they depend on humans and human comforts to thrive and some of them do need clothing. I know my doggie will need a sweater for sure for her walks during the winter.

Fri, 10/12/2012 - 11:21 — Liz (Visitor)
Why not take the money you were going to spend on a pet costume this year and donate it to a local shelter instead.

Fri, 10/12/2012 - 11:26 — nandini (Visitor)
I have two cats that will promptly shred any clothing that I put on them so I know that they will hate being dressed up. No halloween costumes. My puppy (yep 5 years old puppy :)) will wear clothing depending on the weather but he prefers commando :D. I'll dress up myself and let my babies amuse themselves with their silly mom :D

Fri, 10/12/2012 - 11:37 — Jackie (Visitor)
We've always chosen a festive collar or bandana over the costumes. Our dog doesn't mind them and I feel better knowing she is totally comfortable.

Fri, 10/12/2012 - 11:39 — Jaime (Visitor)
My kitties have orange, black or white fur so they are already dressed for Halloween =) Plus they would not enjoy wearing a costume so no costumes for them.

Fri, 10/12/2012 - 11:43 — Robin Pasholk (Visitor)
None of our family critters are into trick-or-treating, but kitty Midnight dresses up like a scary black cat for the occasion--she's normally a cuddly black cat with the softest black velvet fur you've ever petted! ;) PS: for some reason Midnight likes it when I speak French to her--maybe she's channeling Morticia Addams?

Fri, 10/12/2012 - 11:44 — Geri Eaker (Visitor)
This is very much a cultural thing, not surprisingly, where else would a nation be prepared to spend, as projected, $370 million on pet costumes but the US?? It's obscene!!.....especially when you consider the thousands of animals that are being euthanized every day due to lack of funds and education. Yet another example of consumerism at it's worst.

Fri, 10/12/2012 - 11:46 — Dana (Visitor)
And they should have the opportunity to look as dorky as me. Of course the common sense clause is applicable here, nothing constricting, unsafe, etc. My German Shepherd and Rottweiler enjoy the attention. The GSD prefers his Superman costume over any others; guessing it's natural for the breed and he's always looking out for me. Also, people tend to be fearful of larger dogs; dress up is a perfect opportunity for those folks to see the less intimidating, playful side & maybe open their minds. When my sweet, gentle Rottie wears a pink tutu, she's all the rage at the girls' soccer game!

Fri, 10/12/2012 - 11:46 — Jennifer (Visitor)
My two little ones will be a witch and a vampire!Adorable!

Fri, 10/12/2012 - 11:54 — Julia (Visitor)
I was looking for bat wings that would be the correct size for my new pomeranian now 4 months old. She doesn't tolerate a harness even as they are too big for her--she wiggles right out. I left the stores without anything--I wasn't going to make her tolerate things that would not be right for her. I settled on a bow that blinks and has Happy Halloween written on it. I attached it to her harness--now she wears the harness that is now seemingly fitting better. She's totally happy and is not at all bothered by the bow. I can't tolerate people who torture their fur babies for their own amusement to force it into a costume or clothing if it won't tolerate it and isn't totally happy. You know within seconds whether its right for them.

Fri, 10/12/2012 - 12:20 — maria (Visitor)
hey they have smaller black zip up costumes with batwings attatched a petsmart. it will probly be a bit more comfortable and it will keep your pup warm. holloween is supposed to be freezing this year...

Fri, 10/12/2012 - 12:08 — Harley (Visitor)
considering its for their parents amusement. but no honestly I dress up my dogs in a nice comfortable costume in a theme that matches. they have a blast we all go downtown and everyone loves them. This year were dressing up as a mad scientist, bride of Frankenstein and Frankenstein. I don't do it to ridicule them I do it because they're my family and I do of as a family activity so I guess its all how you look at it.

Fri, 10/12/2012 - 12:09 — Amanda (Visitor)
My dog will be in a pumpkin costume!

Fri, 10/12/2012 - 12:10 — Anntelope (Visitor)
I'm sorry but taking pets to large gatherings where there is much excitement and confusion is often a recipe for disaster. Especially when there's a little dog, the idea that they might get their tiny paws stepped on really concerns me. It's too crowded at parades and too noisy and I don't care what anybody says, pets would rather not be involved in that stuff. If you like costumes on halloween? YOU wear one and leave your pets at home where they will be safe. Especially on Halloween - it brings out the wicked and crazy people.

Fri, 10/12/2012 - 12:15 — maria (Visitor)
hello everyone i have a brindlee haired pug and she loves to dress and please. i think dressing your animals for holloween is a great idea. why not celebrate the holiday with your furry friend. since they are a part of the family. just make sure the costume is a good size and fits properly.its best to go to a store like petsmart because you can bring your furry friend to try it on before you buy.....

Fri, 10/12/2012 - 12:19 — Janet (Visitor)
We adopted a black cat, and then a calico cat. We love them, and consider Halloween dangerous for our black kitty-because some humans consider this sweet, slightly shy black cat a "bad spirit" or some other absurd concept left over from the Middle Ages. Our job on Halloween is to protect her, as well as her housemate. I am happy to tell small children that they need to be extra-nice to cats on Halloween, and I hope it carries over to the rest of the year. But, no, no costumes for cats. If either want to get dressed up, she'll figure out how on her own. They're happy to get in paper bags, and I leave it as their choice.

Fri, 10/12/2012 - 12:32 — Nicole (Visitor)
I disagree with putting Halloween costumes on dogs and cats. They are not dolls !

Fri, 10/12/2012 - 12:44 — Marie Sarrica (Visitor)
PLEASE make sure your pet is not too hot in their costume! If a pet isn't used to wearing any clothing it could become overheated and especially in California, October can be quite warm. Be aware of your pet's comfort at all times.

Fri, 10/12/2012 - 12:49 — nik (Visitor)
My dogs are rescues.Each arrived quite ill and sweaters helped keep them warm during the healing process. They LOVE getting new sweaters and seem to view costumes the same way. My Oliver actually crawls into the costume box to take possession of them. He does not seem to want to share. The first time I put one on him be became empowered. I had never seen him show such confidence. Sometimes he gets upset when it is time to remove them so I have to wait until he is asleep to take it off of him and put it away. And if one puts on a new sweater or costume then they ALL have to or else there are seriously hurt feelings. They have really come a long way from the hurting sick broken dogs they used to be. Costumes, just like their sweaters and tshirts, are chosen carefully for comfort and safety. If someone wants it taken off then it is removed, though a couple of them do it themselves :-)

Fri, 10/12/2012 - 12:59 — Betty (Visitor)
It was a three ring circus just to get a flea collar on my kitty Chloe after her 2 dog cousins brought her a flea. (Never found any more, but keeping collar on until it's cold....not cold yet in Central Texas. She is an indoor cat but know she would not take kindly to any type of costume. Her outside dog sister (half Lab) likes bandanas which I only put on her for a day or two.

Fri, 10/12/2012 - 13:02 — Diana (Visitor)
I have seen many photos of kitties in costume and I always wonder what the kitty is actually feeling....sure, the pet's owner/costumer states the feline 'loves' dressing up, but exactly how are they so confident of this? Cats are beautiful regal creatures as they have been created and putting them in silly hats or tutus detracts from their natural grace and beauty. Good for a human smile or laugh? Maybe, if that's what the owners are looking for. Good for the cat? How?

Fri, 10/12/2012 - 13:08 — joanne dension (Visitor)
I find it very amusing that the ASPCA and HSUS, etc. worry about pet costumes, which are really fun and inocolous, are no where near the problem compared with mega pet food producers that put every piece of the worst meats and junk in pet foods and there is no great hue and outcry. Pet foods now come from china and are largely unregulated and filled with junk a pet does not need and is not species appropriate. Pet owners are swayed with "contains natural veggies and fruits" when those items are not species appropriate and cause health problems but are put in there because grains are cheap and filling. Like eating potato chips. I'm going to dress my cat and dog as cheap dried kibble in protest of the horrid pet food out there that no one does anything about and kills thousands and thousands of pets per year.

Fri, 10/12/2012 - 13:11 — joanne denison (Visitor)
and attention is the most desired treat for a pet. Halloween costumes, especially for dogs is truly a win win situation you don't want to pass up. Let them be cute and get tons and tons of pets and attention.

Fri, 10/12/2012 - 13:26 — Liza (Visitor)
For all the people who think it is inhumane and degrading to dress up a pet for Halloween, do you also feel that way about coats and sweaters when it's really cold outside? I only dress my cats for a few minutes for photos in a comfortable costume and they really don't mind. As soon as we're done with the pictures, the costumes are gone and they get some treats. I would never distress or force them to do anything for my enjoyment. My beloved JRT, Toby... now he was a ham! He loved his coats, sweaters and costumes. He loved the attention and also loved to take photos! The little guy was quite the photo bomber! People need to lighten up with their assumptions, not every animal dislikes getting dressed up. I'm a responsible pet parent, and love my babies as much as those you who are opposed to costumes love your own, so the judgements and criticisms are not necessary.

Fri, 10/12/2012 - 13:33 — crystal (Visitor)
I only put sweaters on my doxie in the winter when he goes outside. He wouldn't tolerate anything like a costume. Every pet is different. He will beg and go nuts to put on his sweater but once he's back inside it's time for it to come off. If your pet enjoys it go ahead but I hate seeing those pets who are so uncomfortable in costumes and their owners have no clue. How would you like someone making you wear stuff you hate all the time?

Fri, 10/12/2012 - 13:46 — Hilary (Visitor)
My cat would kill me in my sleep if I put her in a costume. However, she is a black cat, so she's naturally prepared for Halloween.

Fri, 10/12/2012 - 13:52 — laurie pence (Visitor)
I have a puggle who is now almost 6yrs old. When she was a tiny puppy I tried to put a doggie coat on her, it was 4 below that day. She managed to get it off before we even made it to the door. That was the last attempt to dress her in anything. She did however love to hang out in my coat head sticking out the top of the zipper. She would probably still stay there if not so heavy. She does love her jingles. A red velvet elastic collar with bells. She gets to wear those to go running in the snow. You jingle and she comes running. But she can get them off herself plenty loose enough! Halloween can be loud and scary for animals, they should be at home safe, warm and cozy!!!

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