Dressing up for Halloween is a popular way to celebrate the spooky holiday, and many pet owners choose to include their companion animals in this activity. Data from a 2022 PetSmart national survey unveiled that more than 75% of pet owners planned to dress up their pets for Halloween and other fall occasions. Some individuals even planned to match their pet's fall attire to their own.

There are plenty of costumes and pet clothing items designed for pets, but not all of them are recommended by humane organizations or vets. People should keep the following tips in mind when selecting costumes for their pets.

Pet owners should check that the clothing item is sized appropriately so that it is not restrictive. The pet should be able to walk properly, jump, groom, and relieve itself. Pets should not be left in costumes for too long, as the clothing may affect the animal's ability to control its body temperature.

Pet owners should watch for behaviors that may indicate the pet is stressed by wearing the costume. Pets feeling anxious may groom excessively or make more noise than usual. Dogs may pant a lot or yawn. If a pet is pawing or pulling at the costume, it might be making the animal uncomfortable.

The pet should be able to relay body language while wearing the costume so it may communicate with other animals. Costumes could interfere with that ability. If the pet will be wearing the costume indoors and not in proximity to other animals, it may be fine. Pets that will be walking outdoors and come into contact with other companion animals might act differently, and other animals may act aggressively when faced with a pet in a costume.

Pet owners should choose costumes that do not impede the pet's vision or its ability to walk. The costume's materials should also be fire-retardant and nontoxic.

Pet costumes are popular on Halloween, and pet parents can have fun celebrating while also keeping pets' comfort and safety in mind.