Top 5 Pet Costumes for Halloween (or Any Time of Year)

Every dog has its day, and around here that day usually involves a cape. We have dressed a lot of family dogs over the years, from a very patient Lab in a hot dog bun to a Chihuahua who took one look at a headpiece and left the room. These five are the costumes that got the most tail wags and the fewest side-eyes, and they work just as well for a birthday party or a Christmas card as they do on Halloween.

How to pick a dog costume your pup will keep on

Before the fun part, two quick rules. First, size by weight, not by breed. Most of our dog costumes list a weight range on the product page (for example, 25-40 lbs for a medium), and that number matters more than "medium" ever will. Second, match the costume to the dog's personality. A dog who hates hats will not suddenly love a foam headpiece, but a body suit that leaves the head free might be fine. When in doubt, go with a fin, a cape, or a body-only design.

1. Captain America Dog Costume

The hero of our pet collection. The Captain America dog costume is a walking body suit with a headpiece in soft printed polyester, sized by weight (this one fits 25-40 lbs; small and large sizes are also stocked). It is the easiest way to pull the dog into a Marvel family theme, since kids can match with a Captain America half mask and gloves. Price at time of writing: $31.99.

2. Star Wars Grogu Dog Costume

If your family is doing Star Wars, the dog has to be Grogu. The Grogu dog costume is a walking body suit with an eared headpiece, in soft polyester, and the product page notes it is easy to clean by hand washing. Toddlers and babies can wear the matching Grogu robe, and a big kid or parent can be the Mandalorian. You can see the whole lineup in our Star Wars collection.

3. Animal Planet Triceratops Dog Costume

For dogs who tolerate headwear, the Triceratops dog costume is a foam headpiece with horns and an adjustable chin strap. Nothing on the body, so it is a good pick for hot weather and for dogs who will not stand for a full suit. It is also one of our least expensive pet costumes at $13.99 at time of writing. One note from the product page: it cannot ship to a PO Box.

4. Hot Dog Dog Costume

A classic for a reason. The Hot Dog dog costume (large fits 24-32 lbs) is soft, easy to put on and take off, and reliably gets a laugh from the neighbors. It is also the anchor of the funniest family theme we know: parents in our hot dog and bun couples costume, a toddler in a toddler hot dog, and the dog as, well, the dog. See more edible ideas in our Food and Beverage costumes.

5. Shark Fin Dog Costume

The minimalist option. The Shark Fin dog costume is a polyester fin on an elastic band with Velcro clasps, plus a smaller band that attaches to the collar so it stays put. Ten seconds to put on, no headpiece, no legs, and it pairs perfectly with the kids' shark costumes we stock for toddlers and big kids. At $14.99 at time of writing, it is an easy add-on to any order.

Bonus: Christmas costumes for the dog

Pet costumes are not just an October thing. Our Elf dog costume is a one-piece body suit with a hat that fits most medium dogs, and it makes the family Christmas photo about ten times better. Browse the rest of our Dog Christmas Costumes for Santa and reindeer looks.

A few fit and safety tips

• Do a short trial run at home with treats before the big day so the costume becomes a happy thing.
• Check that the costume does not cover the eyes, block the ears, or restrict the legs, and take it off if your dog seems stressed.
• Never leave a dog unattended in a costume, and skip costumes entirely for dogs who clearly hate them. A festive bandana still counts.
• Keep water handy. Even a light costume adds warmth.

Find every option in our Dog Costumes collection. Prices are accurate at time of writing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know what size dog costume to order?

Go by your dog's weight, not breed. Most of our dog costume product pages list a weight range for each size, such as 25-40 lbs for a medium. If your dog is at the top of a range, size up.

Which pet costume is best for a dog that hates hats?

Choose a body-only or fin-style costume. The shark fin attaches to the collar with an elastic band, and body suits like the hot dog leave the head completely free.

Can dog costumes be washed?

Some can be hand washed, and the product page will say so, as it does for the Grogu dog costume. If no care instructions are listed, spot clean and air dry.

Do you sell matching costumes for the rest of the family?

Yes. Captain America, Grogu, hot dog, shark, and elf costumes are all available for kids and adults too, so the whole family, dog included, can match.