That’s right – people everywhere are happily parading around the streets with their miniature fur goblins and ghouls, or else throwing fabulous pet-themed Halloween parties.

Keeping it Spooktacular, Not Scary

Before hitting the Halloween aisles, keep in mind that not all costumes are comfortable or safe for your pet. Sure that full body pumpkin suit may looks adorable, but is your pet also fighting for air or to be able to move freely?

Before getting carried away by a theme, focus your attention on whether or not the following issues might create an uncomfortable or even dangerous experience for your little trick-or-treater:

  • Does the costume restrict normal range of movement?
  • Is the costume too tight or not properly fitted, allowing for possible trips, snags, or accidents?
  • Does the costume cover the eyes, mouth, or nose?
  • Does the costume prohibit visibility at night (dark colors with no reflective material, for example)?
  • Does it feature small bells, strings, ties, or other items that can cause a choking or other emergency?

If any of these issues are present, consider another costume…usually, the simpler the better when it comes to donning your pet in an outfit.

Pet Halloween Costume Themes

Now that we’ve covered some basic safety precautions, we can get creative! Each year, thanks to new movies and other pop culture themes, seems to harbor in a new array of fun pet costumes.

After perusing some of the coolest themes for 2015, here are some of our favorites:

Minions – These animated film characters are always a popular choice, and the Despicable Me Minions pet costume is a hit with small breed owners, along with other Disney and animated film superstars.

Animals – There’s no reason to stick to your pet’s species when it comes to creative costuming – how about dressing your dog up like a cat…or your cat like a dog? Or, how about insects, dinosaurs, or even otherworldly creatures such as a Cyclops or a fire breathing dragon?

Favorite celebs – Many pet owners are also celeb culture enthusiasts and are coming up with some awesome DIY costumes in honor of their favorite Hollywood stars – like a mini cowboy-themed John Wayne or an uber-posh Lady Dogga. And, we can only imagine what a Kim Kardashian pet outfit will look like.

Beloved icons – 2015 has been the year of Pope Francis, so why not honor your favorite pontiff by decking out your tiny holy roller in this heavenly ensemble?

Food – No one tires of seeing the taco Chihuahua or the hotdog wiener dog. This year’s food costume themes takes it up a notch with sushi rolls, donuts, bacon strips, and other epicurean themes that will make the foodie pet owners happy.

No matter what you choose to dress your pet up as, Halloween is definitely a family event, sure to be enjoyed by your smallest, furriest pet family member companion.

And, don’t forget to snap a few photos of your costumed pet. We’d love to see what creative theme you came up with.

Happy and safe Halloween planning, from all of us at Seven Hills Veterinary Clinic!