Did you know every October in New York City's Thompson Square Park is a Halloween-themed dog parade? It's so popular, major news outlets such as USA Today and The Washington Post run snapshots of pets and their owners decked out in clever and creative costumes. A few years ago, a pug dressed at “E.T.” (his owner was ‘Elliot,’ complete with trademark bike and bike bucket) won the park’s pet costume contest -- that was my fave costume of the day.
Halloween isn't just for humans (and, er, ghosts?)...there are so many memorable Halloween costumes out there for dogs of all sizes, or you can be bold and DIY your furry friend an outfit. Dogs shouldn't eat chocolate, but that doesn't mean they can't join the fam for some trick-or-treating!
Here are some Halloween costumes for pets that everyone will gush over:
Painter: Show off your pooch's inner Picasso with this artist costume from Chewy.com. Includes a color palette, adjustable hat, and paintbrush. Also cute for cats!
Minnie Mouse fan: If you're a Disney fanatic, isn't your dog one as well? This denim and dots Minnie-themed costume is so adorable it's guaranteed to put a smile on your face -- and your pup's. Available from Chewy.com
Chucky: Wanna play? I mean, come ON with this costume. America's fave horror doll, Chucky, is available as a costume for your dog. Comes with a foam knife and wig; available from Amazon.
Cowboy: How do they come up with such clever costume ideas? Your dog or cat is the "horse" with a toy cowboy at the reigns. The seat's hook-and-loop fabric makes it easy for you to strap on Fido's body. Probably best for small dogs such as a pug or maltese; available from Amazon.
Target employee: Red shirts and khaki pants are synonymous with Target—it’s the uniform of the megashop’s employees. Now your dog or cat can dress up as a Target employee. Will they get a discount? Costume available from Target, of course.
80s Throwback: Your pup or cat will be “walkin’ on sunshine” with this radical 1980s-inspired costume complete with a Boombox radio. It’s colorful and unique; available from Chewy.com.
Ice cream: FiveBelow sells this practical but cool ice-cream sundae costume which is just lickety split. This plush outfit is a real treat for your sweet, furry friend.
Taco: Years ago, a little chihuahua was made famous in Taco Bell commercials. Decades later, taco costumes remain a popular choice for small dogs. It just makes sense. Available from Chewy.com.
Baby chick: I burst out laughing when I saw this baby chick costume. It’s so funny and quirky. Cute and cuddly, it’s made of secure, lightweight material and comes with a separate headpiece. Sold at Target.com.
Mail carrier: Mail carriers have a love/hate relationship with dogs, which makes the irony of this costume just so great. It’s downright cute, and sold on Amazon.com. (The cardbox box easily attaches to the costume’s plush, fake hands.)
Cookie Monster: It’s time we admit Cookie Monster is the best character-slash-monster on Sesame Street with his “nom-nom-noms.” You just want to give him a squeeze. This Cookie Monster pet costume is a nice tribute to the hungriest blue Muppet of all time. Available from Chewy.com.
Other great pet costume ideas include unicorn, a flower, Batman, chef...get creative, and have a blast.