Pet costumes are one of the cutest parts of Halloween – and one of the easiest to get wrong. A costume that’s too tight is uncomfortable, one that’s too loose slips and gets chewed. Here’s how to get it right.
How to measure your pet
You only need a soft measuring tape (or a piece of string and a ruler).
- Neck: measure around the base of the neck, where a collar sits.
- Chest: measure around the widest part of the chest, just behind the front legs.
- Back length (for full-body costumes): from the base of the neck to the base of the tail.
Keep two fingers’ space between the tape and your pet so the costume isn’t too tight.
Between two sizes? Go bigger
Always choose the larger size if your pet is between two. A slightly loose costume is comfortable; a tight one will make your pet try to get out of it.
Example: our spider costume sizes
For our spider costume for dogs and cats:
| Size | Chest | Neck |
|---|---|---|
| S | 19.7 in (50 cm) | 14.2 in (36 cm) |
| M | 20.9 in (53 cm) | 15.0 in (38 cm) |
| L | 23.6 in (60 cm) | 16.5 in (42 cm) |
Choosing the right style
- Nervous pets: choose simple costumes that attach at the neck and chest, rather than full-body suits or hats.
- Cats: keep it light and short – most cats tolerate a costume for photos, not for the whole evening.
- Big reactions: costumes that change your pet’s silhouette (like spider legs) get the best reactions in photos and on social media.
Safety first
- Let your pet get used to the costume a few days before Halloween, for a few minutes at a time, with treats.
- Make sure the costume doesn’t cover the eyes, ears, nose or mouth, or restrict movement.
- Never leave your pet alone in a costume, and take it off if they seem stressed.
- Keep costumes away from candles and keep candy out of reach – chocolate is toxic to dogs and cats.
Find more ideas in our pet costume collection – with free US shipping.