From adorable pumpkins and hot dogs to tiny dinosaurs and fashionable felines, these are the pet Halloween costumes getting attention this year — plus where to find them.
Halloween isn't just for the two-legged members of the family anymore. Dogs are showing up at neighborhood costume parades dressed as hot dogs, pumpkins, and miniature dinosaurs, while cats are reluctantly discovering that a lion's mane can make an already impressive personality even more dramatic.
And Americans are spending serious money on the fun. According to the National Retail Federation, pet owners are expected to spend approximately $920 million on Halloween costumes in 2026.
But which costumes are actually popular? This year's national shopping survey points to pumpkins, hot dogs, and ghosts, while Google Trends research from Camp Bow Wow identifies chicken, shark, spider, princess, dinosaur, and other creative costumes among frequently searched dog outfits.
We've rounded up the favorites, along with real costumes shoppers can explore. Just remember that the best pet Halloween costume is one your furry companion is comfortable wearing.
Pumpkin Costumes Are Still America's Favorite
There is something irresistibly charming about a dog or cat dressed as a little pumpkin. Perhaps it's the bright orange color, the round silhouette, or the fact that pumpkins are practically the official symbol of Halloween.
According to the National Retail Federation's 2026 survey, pumpkin costumes lead the pet category, chosen by 11.6% of respondents planning to dress up their pets.
For an easy seasonal look, the Frisco Pumpkin Dog & Cat Costume features a cheerful jack-o'-lantern design and a two-piece construction. Target's Boots & Barkley Pumpkin Full-Body Dog Costume is another option for owners seeking a traditional Halloween look.
Shop the look: Frisco Pumpkin Dog & Cat Costume at Chewy or the Boots & Barkley Pumpkin Costume at Target.
Hot Dog Costumes Are Having a Moment
There may be no better Halloween pairing than a dachshund dressed as a hot dog. Fortunately, the joke works almost as well on every other breed.
Hot dogs rank second in the National Retail Federation's pet costume survey, while October research from Camp Bow Wow identifies the hot dog as America's most-searched dog Halloween costume.
The appeal is simple. Most versions feature a lightweight bun that sits over the dog's back, decorated with playful mustard and ketchup details. The design can be easy to recognize without covering the animal's face.
The Frisco Hotdog Dog & Cat Costume features a one-piece design with neck and belly fasteners, making it a practical option to consider for short celebrations.
Shop the look: Frisco Hotdog Dog & Cat Costume at Chewy or the Vibrant Life Hot Dog Costume at Walmart.
Dinosaurs Bring Prehistoric Personality
A tiny Tyrannosaurus rex wandering through the living room? That's Halloween entertainment.
Dinosaur costumes remain among the most searched dog-costume styles, and they offer plenty of visual personality. Soft fabric spikes, playful tails, and colorful hoods can turn an ordinary afternoon walk into a miniature Jurassic adventure.
For a more playful look, the Frisco Stegosaurus Dinosaur Dog & Cat Costume includes a coordinating dinosaur headpiece. Owners who prefer a simpler style can consider a dinosaur body costume with less elaborate headwear.
Shop the look: Frisco Stegosaurus Costume at Chewy or Frisco Dinosaur Costume.
Bumblebees Are a Sweet Halloween Classic
Some costumes never lose their charm, and a black-and-yellow bumblebee is one of them.
With striped fabric, delicate-looking wings, and tiny antennae, bumblebee costumes can be especially cute on smaller dogs. The look is festive without requiring a complicated character reference.
The Frisco Bumble Bee Dog & Cat Costume features a plush design with decorative wings, while Target's Boots & Barkley Bee Costume offers another cheerful variation.
Shop the look: Frisco Bumble Bee Costume at Chewy or Bee Costume with Reflective Wings at Target.
Sharks and Spiders Are Making Waves
Not every Halloween pet costume needs to be sweet. Some of the most entertaining outfits give pets a dramatically different personality.
Shark and spider costumes both appear among Camp Bow Wow's most-searched dog costume themes for 2026.
A shark outfit with a dorsal fin and a row of soft teeth can create the illusion of a tiny predator cruising through the neighborhood. Spider costumes, meanwhile, often use stuffed legs that extend from the animal's body, creating a memorable silhouette.
The Vibrant Life Shark Costume is one available option, with a hood, fins, and a tail. For spider lovers, a lightweight back-mounted design is generally worth considering before a bulkier full-body outfit.
Shop the look: Vibrant Life Shark Costume at Walmart or 3D Tarantula Dog Costume at Spanky's Pet Place.
Ghost Costumes Keep Halloween Timeless
A friendly ghost is a Halloween classic, whether worn by a child or a four-legged companion.
Ghost costumes rank third in the National Retail Federation's 2026 pet costume survey. They can also be among the easiest looks to recreate at home, although covering an animal's face with a sheet is not safe.
Instead, choose a soft cape, printed ghost-themed shirt, or decorative costume that leaves the eyes, nose, and mouth completely unobstructed.
Pawtique's Pumpkin Ghost Pet Costume combines a ghost-inspired outfit with a whimsical witch-hat design.
Shop the look: Pumpkin Ghost Pet Costume at Pawtique.
Princesses and Disney-Inspired Pets
For the pet who already behaves like royalty, a princess costume may be the most appropriate choice of all.
Princess costumes are another popular dog-costume search theme in 2026. Soft dresses, decorative bows, and lightweight crowns make these outfits particularly appealing for photographs and Halloween gatherings.
Disney-loving owners can consider a character-inspired option, such as the Fetch for Pets Princess Ariel Dog Costume. Those who prefer a traditional princess look can choose a simple pink dress with a decorative crown.
Shop the look: Disney Princess Ariel Dog Costume at Chewy or Vibrant Life Princess Costume at Walmart.
Lion Costumes for Cats With Big Personalities
Cats don't generally need help projecting an air of authority, but a lion's mane certainly makes the point.
For feline Halloween costumes, simplicity is especially important. An elaborate outfit may be uncomfortable for an animal that isn't accustomed to clothing. A soft, properly fitted mane can be a more manageable option for a brief, supervised photograph — provided the cat tolerates it.
The Lion Mane Costume for Cats and Kittens from Petcetera NOLA offers a recognizable look without a full-body costume.
Shop the look: Lion Mane Costume for Cats and Kittens at Petcetera NOLA.
Unexpected Pet Costumes Trending in 2026
Halloween costume inspiration is becoming increasingly unpredictable. Google's 2026 Frightgeist pet-costume trend list includes centipedes, Dolly Parton, Bullseye from Toy Story, Diet Coke, Princess Donut from Dungeon Crawler Carl, Lamb Chop, Pua from Moana, baked potatoes, roaches, and Tow Mater from Cars.
Unlike national purchase surveys, Google's trending rankings highlight searches experiencing notable increases in interest. That makes them useful for spotting emerging ideas, but they don't necessarily indicate which outfits will sell the most.
For owners who enjoy creating their own costumes, these unusual themes offer plenty of inspiration. A potato-inspired outfit, miniature country-music ensemble, or character-themed bandana can be a clever alternative to traditional Halloween clothing.
How to Choose a Safe and Comfortable Pet Costume
Before ordering, measure your pet's neck, chest, and back according to the retailer's sizing guide. Size labels can vary considerably, even among products designed for the same breed.
Look for lightweight fabrics, easy closures, and designs that don't interfere with walking, breathing, vision, hearing, or normal movement. Avoid dangling decorations, tight elastic, or accessories that could be chewed and swallowed.
Introduce a costume gradually, using positive reinforcement, and watch the pet's behavior. If your dog freezes, paws repeatedly at the clothing, or tries to escape it, remove the outfit. For cats that dislike clothing, a Halloween-themed collar or supervised photo without a costume may be the better choice.
Never leave a costumed pet unattended, and keep chocolate, candy containing xylitol, and Halloween decorations out of reach.
The Best Halloween Look Is a Happy Pet
Whether your dog is destined to become a hot dog, a miniature dinosaur, or an adorable pumpkin, Halloween is an opportunity to enjoy the season together.
The latest costume trends offer more personality and creativity than ever, but a great outfit doesn't have to be elaborate. Sometimes a festive bandana and a favorite treat are all it takes to join the celebration.
The goal isn't to win the neighborhood costume contest at any cost. It's to enjoy a little Halloween fun with the pet who makes every day more entertaining.
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