Whether you’re getting ready for Halloween or attending a costume party any other time of year, it’s nice to include your pets in the fun. Choosing what they will wear is just the start of getting everything together, but it’s often easier said than done.
This is not a definitive list of ideas, but you can use the costumes below as a launching off point. Let’s check out some of the most popular and adorable options out there!
1. Teddy Bear
Your pet may already be your cuddle buddy, an adorer of petting, and this is your chance to make it official. Dress them up as a teddy bear or another stuffy companion to maximize their existing cuteness.
There are plenty of commercial options out there, but you can also DIY a tag (think TY Babies) or throw on a bow-tie and call it a day.
2. Pilot
Pilots are the opposite of tacky: they’re prim, proper, and professional. Almost every coat color matches the timeless navy blues of a pilot costume, and you can make it as advanced as you want.
Alternatively, you could dress your pet as a more rugged pilot type. Bomber-jackets with aviator glasses have a very chic, timeless Top Gun feel, and they’re guaranteed to increase your pets’ coolness factor by at least 80 percent.
If you’re working with a budget, a tie and pilot cap get the message across just fine.
3. Tourist
Dressing up as a tacky tourist is usually easy to do with objects you have at home. Raid your closet for an extra camp shirt or maybe something you bought 5 years ago on vacation and never wore again. Bucket hats are also easy to find and modify to fit your pet’s head.
Give them some binoculars, a camera, or even a paper map, and they’ll look exactly like they don’t fit in.
If you want to go all out, you can even get your pet crew socks and sandals. They’ll be ready to travel to the best pet-friendly destinations!
4. Ghost
The ghost costume is timeless, easy to recreate for last-minute plans, and won’t break your budget. As long as you have some white cloth (shirts or sheets work well), something to mark it with, and scissors you have a costume.
All you need to do is cut the sheet into a circle or oval that can drape over your pet without dragging on the ground, mark where their eyes, snout, and ears are, and cut out circles so they can see and breathe.
If you want to fancy things up, you can always use a different color sheet, dye it a different color, or add a design.
5. Something Tasty
Cute aggression is a real phenomenon–our pets are so adorable, we sometimes must resist the urge to take a bite. Dressing them up as a cute pineapple or a hot dog may not help curb the instinct, but it will be a treat for your eyes.
Some ideas include:
- Fruits (pineapple, strawberries, bananas)
- Sweet things (Cake or cupcakes, donuts, ice cream)
- Tacos
- Hotdogs (especially for those Dachshunds or other long dog breeds)
- Sushi
Smaller pets can be easier to DIY a costume for. Reuse an old popcorn tub or wrap them in some shiny material and call them a baked potato. The possibilities are endless but try not to brainstorm on an empty stomach.
6. Superhero
Your pets are often great heroes in your life, and this is the perfect opportunity to show the world their majesty. Maybe they remind you of a great crusader from your childhood, or maybe they give off big Defender of Good vibes.
They don’t need an elaborate ensemble to show off their start power. Not all heroes wear capes, but throwing one on your pet immediately gets the point across.
7. Prisoner
On the other hand, this is also your chance to prove to everyone your pet is not as sweet and loving as they come off. They could never do anything that would send them to the shelter, but they may sometimes give you the urge.
Something like a black and white striped shirt or an orange tee labeled “inmate” can make your pet the cutest little criminal. You could even do a duo costume and dress up as an officer or flip the idea for an even bigger reaction!
8. Cerberus
We all know the giant three-headed dog of Greek mythology was the best boy, and your pet can channel all his greatness with some work on your part. With a cerberus costume, it’s like having three of your best friends all rolled into one!
This is easiest if you know how to sew. You can use a wrap harness as the base and attach stuffed animal heads, or you can go all out and make the costume from scratch.
The best part? This costume works for all species. There’s no need to limit it to your canine companions–you can have a whole household full of three-headed sidekicks.
9. You!
Do you have a trademark hairstyle or accessory? Do people always tell you that your pet resembles you? Now is the perfect time to cash in on that likeness.
Don a matching outfit with your companion, or dress them up in clothes that are undeniably your style.
The best part? This costume does best with items you already have around the house, so you don’t need to spend too much or work too hard on preparation.
