Making Pets Part of the Halloween Fun

People dress up like animals all the time for Halloween - why not go the opposite way and dress your pets up like people? After all, pets are part of the family for a lot of people. They take them everywhere, buy them gifts, get spa treatments for them - why not a Halloween costume too?

Of course, the pet's owner is going to have more fun dressing up their pet than the animal itself will have. Remember, though, that you know your pet best.

Some pets don't like wearing clothes at all. If they are showing signs of stress or frustration, don't force your pet to wear a costume.

Pets will do best with unrestrictive, flexible costumes. Hats, crowns, and other headgear are usually alright in addition to some sort of clothing that can be tied around their midsection, although it should be loose.

It is best to leave pet costumes simple. If they become too complex, the animal could decide that they don't want to have it on and rip up the outfit in the end anyway.

The Internet is the best place to find Halloween pet costumes, although they are also available in many pet stores as the holiday approaches. Online costume sources often have pages devoted to just pet costumes, whose sizes are usually based off of weight.

Costumes designed for pets should be made without any dangerous pieces, but you should always double check before getting your pet all dressed up. Watch for anything that could be swallowed or anything that could get tied up, whether around your pet's neck, it's legs, etc.

Once you've got your pet all dressed up the next trick will be getting them to sit still long enough for pictures. Some people are lucky and their pets will sit still for almost anything, but for most it will be a race to get the shot before your pet is off and running, trying to get out of the costume you've spent so much time preparing!

About the Author

Are you finding it tough to come up with unique & creative costume ideas for Halloween? Visit the Get In Costume website, where you'll find plenty of great tips & advice for a costume that will be the envy of the party. Plus, get a free copy of my special report "The Family Guide To Halloween Safety"