The first time I realized how much fun it was for people to dress up their pets was one morning many years ago when I popped out of my Brooklyn apartment for a pre-work bodega coffee. Ta. Just walk one block.
Then I almost tripped over a schnauzer wearing four pairs of brown leather boots, a blue and green flannel shirt, and a heather gray hoodie. Now the damn dog had nicer clothes than me. It’s that time of the year when you have to dress up your little friend.
Video by VICE
From horror movie classics to pop culture anthems to current flavors, we’ve rounded up the coolest, scariest, funniest, and all-around best pet Halloween costumes for cats and dogs.
If you’re already dressed up from our guide to the best Halloween costumes for adults, be sure to grab a costume for your favorite freeloader dependent. No, not your children. Your pet is stupid. Something with four legs.
Take a quick look at the best pet Halloween costumes
Best PET Halloween Costumes: How we rate them
Things that caught my eye were high on the list. Anyone can dress up their wiener dog as a ghost. But you want your little star athlete to be the center of attention, right? It was highly praised for its uniqueness, both scary and funny.
Customers have also told us that the costumes look great on puppies and cats. It’s no fun if you wear it and make your loved ones unhappy. And finally, we focused on quality. The costume doesn’t need to last long, but it shouldn’t be something your pet will tear up before the night is over.
Do you want to pet me? – Dunkin Costume
We were sure this was a “tourist from Boston” costume, but then we noticed the intricately placed branding. Sure enough, this is an officially licensed collaboration between Spirit Halloween and Dunkin’ (the modern name for what is still called Dunkin’ Donuts).
One thing to note is that this box is not actually a box. A customer reviewer said, “The box isn’t 3D like in the picture, it’s just a flat silver Dunkin box stuck to the chest.” It’s a shame. But you can also try getting the real thing from Dunkin and tying it to your hand with zip ties.
They are commonly seen in sizes ranging from small dogs to large dogs. Customer says, “I bought the L/XL for my 55 lb dog and it fit perfectly!” “We recommend the smaller size of this costume for dogs under 8 pounds.” However, fluffier breeds may be a problem. One husky owner said his shirt didn’t fit properly because it was full of fluff.
The more legs, the better – Spiderling Costume
This spider costume is actually low-key hilarious, if only because of the truly disgusted reactions it’s likely to receive from other party-goers. After all, how often do human or animal Halloween costumes actually scare someone?
Reviewers say it fit their dog perfectly, although some people didn’t like the size chart. The proportions and head shape vary considerably depending on the breed. It’s called the Spider Pup costume, but if you look at the pictures you’ll see that it fits even smaller sized cats.
One reviewer wrote: The headpiece fits perfectly and the orange feathers add detail. ” Another person noted, “It was fun watching her (the dog) bite your leg and run in circles.” Amazon also has similar costumes.
Like Michael Keaton – Beetlejuice Pet Costume
Nothing speaks to the pop culture zeitgeist more than Beetlejuice since the movie was released last month. This energetic little friend is very Michael Keaton, running around the party with the unstoppable energy of a nuclear-powered Zamboni.
There aren’t many reviews yet, but one customer said, “They were easy to wear and the size was accurate,” and another said, “They’re the cutest ever!” My poodle has a narrow chest so I have to pin it up in a few places, but overall this is a great fit and a cute costume. ”
Get bonus points when you dress up as Beetlejuice or Lydia and party with your little friends. Similar costumes are available if you wish to purchase on Amazon.
Your Mane Guy (or Girl) – Jungle King Costume
Do you shrug off the elaborate costumes on this list because you rarely allow your pet to wear a harness? This is easy. It consists only of a lion’s mane wrapped around its head.
It makes more sense for dogs and cats whose coat color already matches. The shaggy mane and ears also don’t get in the way of the wearer’s face, which may be good for picky pets. Amazon also sells a slightly unusual lion’s mane for cats and small dogs.
Parcel delivery – postman
When I see old TV reruns where postal workers are accused of being the star of every gag, I always think that the joke hasn’t aged very well. At least USPS will actually try to deliver it instead of stopping the truck and marking my package as “attempted delivery.”
“(The dog) is well made with great attention to detail,” says one customer. The box is an actual three-dimensional box attached to the lower arm of the costume. If you like big brown trucks, there’s also a UPS deliveryman version.
Ride, Cowboy – Cowboy Horsey
Forget about dressing up your little friend as a cowboy or cowgirl. Let’s make them horses instead. All executions take place in front of a small cowboy doll that rides on the back of a pet. He’s clearly struggling.
Please keep size in mind. One customer wrote: Be sure to order one or two sizes up. ” If you have a fluffy dog, such as a husky, this may be even more. It may look dangerous, but customers report that it stays that way.
“He was doing much better and when he was walking, the cowboy really looked like he was riding a horse!” So stinky, so cute!!!” says another reviewer.
Just a child’s play – Chucky
Nothing says you love your little Smoochkin more than dressing him up like the infamous doll possessed by the spirit of a serial killer. Dope, right? “Child’s Play” is one of those movies that is loved by generations. It will be helpful for everyone.
There are many Chucky pet costumes. We like this because there’s something creepy and a little humorous about the fake knife in the raised hand. Have you ever wondered if it’s so outlandish for your dog to brandish a knife when he hates the idea of you controlling his mealtimes?
One Hot Dog – Hot Dog
If they don’t want us in a bun, they shouldn’t be walking around looking like an already giant hot dog. This is one costume where you don’t have to tuck them in as they squirm and make life difficult. Just slip it over your head and secure it around your chest and stomach.
And like any good hot dog, it comes with yellow mustard and nothing else. Honestly, you could also use sauerkraut in there, though. Similar costumes are also available on Amazon.
Space Bear – Ewok
Well, here’s a look back. You thought we’d shove Baby Yoda in here as a Star Wars pick, right? We prefer the Ewok costume. The Ewoks, the original Imperial soldier-bashing villains in Return of the Jedi, ended up saving everyone’s asses, or rather everyone’s asses.
Even with a spear in his hand, he is very cute. Not everyone knows what they are, but Star Wars faithful do, and you share a knowing look and then wonder if Han shot first. We’ll start debating what to do.
A real scoundrel – Canadian cavalryman
This is especially effective if you have a dog that is too serious. Throw in that hat and red jacket and watch the rest of the dogs line up before the mighty authority of the Canadian Mounted Police.
This little hat alone is worth the price of admission. Please admit that. Are you thinking of reusing that hat over and over again for walks and trips to the park after Halloween is over? Well, if not, you should. Because it’s amazing.
Appears in a dream – Freddy Krueger
They are already scratching your body with their tiny claws. It might be a good idea to dress your child in the costume of the villain from “A Nightmare on Elm Street.” The villain uses metal claws on his hands to pick up sleeping victims. Similar to your cat’s behavior.
With over 800 customer reviews rating this costume 4.6 stars overall, it’s a proven winner. “The shirt is of good quality and well made. It has velcro on the front,” one reviewer writes, while stating that the hat is simply okay.
But it’s a very nice hat. With some gentle handling, you might even be able to repurpose it after Halloween as a little fun for your evening walks.