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Halloween Pet Costumes: 2025 Trends, Viral Picks, and Safety
In this Article
Halloween should be fun for you and your pet. The right costume feels light, lets your pet move, and still gets great photos. Use this guide to shop trending looks, try viral ideas, and help your dog or cat enjoy the night without stress.
Quick shop: Browse the latest in Halloween Pet Costumes and the full Halloween Shop. Add safety must-haves like reflective gear, ID tags, and a no-pull harness while you are there.
What’s trending for 2025
Big screens drive big costume ideas. Expect animated stars and superheroes to lead again this year.
- Toothless from How to Train Your Dragon for sleek wings and simple black fabric.
- Krypto the Superdog for an easy cape-and-crest look.
- Stitch for bold color and playful ears.
- Fantastic Four for family or multi-pet group themes.
- Toy Story mainstays like Woody, Buzz, and Alien that never fall out of favor.
- Carry-through hits from 2024, including Wolverine, Deadpool, and Inside Out color themes.
Fit note: Prioritize soft, lightweight fabrics and open faces. Your pet should walk, sit, lie down, see, hear, and pant with no trouble.
Viral ideas with social proof
Culture moves fast. One post can sell out a costume. Labubu became a summer sensation on TikTok, with the “WontonandCo” clip pulling millions of likes. Interest is outpacing search volume, which usually means short runs and quick sellouts near October. If you love a viral look, buy early, and keep a simple backup option in case your first choice slips out of stock.
Low-lift “viral-ready” swaps also work. A themed bandana, cape, or collar charm delivers the joke in photos without covering your pet’s face. Matching sets for pet-parent pairs photograph well and keep your pet comfortable.
Funny pet costumes that always work
You want laughs without hassle. Aim for costumes that skip the face and leave shoulders and hips free.
Dogs: Food outfits like hot dog or taco, “delivery driver” front panels, lifeguard or firefighter vests, and a “business pup” collar with tie. These styles are light, leash-friendly, and easy to size.
Cats: Bat wings that attach to a harness, wizard collar capes, soft shark hoodies with open faces, or a pumpkin bandana. Keep sleeves short and fabric light to avoid snagging claws.
Small animals: Treat costumes as photo props only. Use quick-release closures, avoid the face, and limit wear to short, supervised sessions.
Comfort first: how to choose and acclimate
- Start with measurements: Check neck, chest, and back length against the brand’s chart. If your pet sits between sizes, choose the larger for comfort. Then do a short try-on at home.
- Work in steps: Let your pet sniff the costume. Reward calm interest. Put on one piece, then remove it after a few seconds and treat.
- Add time slowly: Practice walking indoors and check for rubbing at the chest and underarms. If your pet freezes, paws at the fabric, or pants more than usual, swap to a lighter style or choose a bandana or themed harness instead. Some dogs and most cats will tell you clearly that a full costume is not for them, and that is OK.
Safety you should not skip
- Keep ID and microchip info current.
- Use a secure leash at the door to prevent dashes when trick-or-treaters arrive.
- Avoid masks that block vision.
- Skip hard plastics and dangling parts that invite chewing.
- Candy stays out of reach, especially chocolate and anything with xylitol.
- Watch for heat indoors, even on cool nights, and give your pet a quiet room if the doorbell gets overwhelming.
Costumes by pet type
Dogs: Look for vest styles with leash slots and adjustable straps. Bodysuits should allow a full pant and normal gait. If your dog loves to run, capes and collars are the most comfortable choice.
Cats: Think “accessory first.” Harness-friendly wings, collar ruffles, and light hoodies with open faces work best. Keep sessions short and reward often.
Small animals: Limit wear to quick, supervised photos. Focus on soft, lightweight accessories that do not touch the face or whiskers. Remove immediately after photos and monitor for chewing.
FAQs
What size costume should I get for my dog or cat?
Measure neck, chest, and back length, then compare to the brand’s chart. Your pet should move freely and open their mouth fully to pant. If you are between sizes, choose the larger and use the adjustable straps for a secure but loose fit. Check the belly panel and underarms for rubbing, and make sure there is a leash or harness slot if you plan to walk in the costume.
How do I acclimate my pet so they actually enjoy wearing a costume?
Use short, positive sessions over a few days. Let your pet sniff the costume. Reward calm curiosity. Put on one piece for ten to thirty seconds, remove it, then treat and play. Add time gradually and practice walking indoors. If your pet stiffens, pants hard, hides, or paws the fabric, switch to a lighter option like a cape or bandana. End each session on a win with praise and a favorite treat.
Are masks or headpieces safe for pets?
Most pets dislike anything that covers the eyes or ears. If you try a headpiece, keep it soft and open-faced, and remove it at the first sign of stress. Skip any design that narrows the mouth opening or interferes with vision or hearing. You will usually get better photos with a cape, collar, or vest that keeps the face free.
Can I walk my dog in a full costume on Halloween night?
Yes, if the costume allows a normal gait, full panting, and easy leash attachment. Keep walks shorter than usual, avoid crowded routes, and check often for chafing or heat buildup. Bring water and a spare bandana so you can switch to something lighter if your dog gets warm or overstimulated.
What should I do if my pet chews at costume parts or seems stressed?
End the session and remove the costume. Replace it with a simple accessory, reward calm behavior, and try again later for a shorter interval. Choose styles without hard plastics, dangling buttons, or loose trim. If chewing continues, skip costumes this year and opt for a themed collar, harness, or bandana.
How early should I buy popular or viral costumes?
Shop in September for the best size selection. Movie and superhero themes, plus viral picks like Labubu, tend to sell out first. If you have your heart set on a specific character, add a low-lift backup like a cape or bandana to your cart in case stock runs tight near Halloween.
PetSmart also offers convenient shopping with Curbside Pickup or in-store pickup. Need something today? We have select items available for Same-Day Delivery in most areas powered by DoorDash. For items you purchase frequently, PetSmart has Autoship that automatically delivers the items you want to your door as often as you’d like. Check the website to see which items are eligible.
Information in this article is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure your pet and is not a substitute for veterinary care provided by a licensed veterinarian. For any medical or health-related advice concerning the care and treatment of your pet, contact your veterinarian.
