As an animal lover, I can’t help but bring pets into the fun of the holidays. Not every pet enjoys playing dress-up mind you, but if your pet is a calm, agreeable lab, like mine, there’s a good chance he might be willing to wear a a cape or a hat for a few minutes.
However, if there’s anything we need to consider when it comes to pets and the holidays, it’s the health and safety of the pet. If you are careful, you can ensure that everyone has a great time dressing up for Halloween, even your Pomeranian.
Could you turn down a trick or treat to this face?
According to the Humane Society, “Most pets are happiest wearing nothing but their birthday suit, but if you do choose a costume for your pet, forgo masks and make sure costumes are comfortable and do not pose a risk for injury.” They’ve got lots of other tips for Halloween pet safety too, so if you plan to include pets in your holiday traditions, keep their website in mind when you are planning your events.
Halloween & Pets: Dress-up Best Bets
- Keep the time in costume to a minimum
- Respect the pet’s need for space
- No candy for your pet, but approved cat/dog treats are fine
- Pets in costume will get lots of extra attention, but not everyone likes pets, so plan for guests with allergies or fears.
- Make it fun! Reward your pet with extra love, attention, walks or playtime for being a good sport.
With safety in mind, there are countless options for getting your pet into costume. There are witch hats for cats, devil horns for your bunny and tons of dog costumes. One Hallow’s Eve, my friends dressed up their Great Dane with a costume that made the dog look like the headless horseman, and boy did that pooch love the attention.
Another friend of mine dressed her Irish Setter up in a tutu, complete with little ballet slippers. Everyone loved getting their photo with the dog, and that dog didn’t seem to mind a bit. You’ll want to keep in mind that not all guests to your home are fond of dogs, however, so be aware of their preferences and plan accordingly.
Emma Rae Curtis is a costume/dressing up/makeup & accessories expert. She mainly writes about Halloween but also about all things costume and dress-up related.
