Want to have trick-or-treaters and partygoers giggling this Halloween? Outfit your furry companion in one of these charming costumes — from a lion to an Ewok to a skunk.
Pop into a thrift or craft shop and pick up a few supplies to create these simple DIY pet costumes.
Not into crafting? Choose one of these ready-made outfits and your pet will be Halloween-ready in minutes.
The best part? All of these costumes cost less than $20.
DIY Pet Costumes
A touch of imagination can transform your cat or dog into anything from a dinosaur to an Ewok. Below are several entertaining DIY suggestions.
1. Cat
Animal Planet demonstrates how to make your dog look like a cat this Halloween. This straightforward DIY cat outfit only needs a child’s black T-shirt, some felt and a stretch headband — all of which you can likely find at a thrift shop.
Cut off the T-shirt sleeves and, if necessary, slash a small opening to widen the neckline. Then ensure the elastic headband fits your pup comfortably and glue on two felt triangles.
Your pet is now ready to spook the neighborhood cats!
2. Skunk
Since so many people dread skunks, why not dress your dog as this notorious critter?
Grab a child’s black T-shirt, cut off the sleeves, paint a white stripe down the back with fabric paint and presto — your pup is a skunk.
3. Ghost
Give your four-legged friend a spooky makeover by turning them into a ghost. This basic DIY costume calls for a twin-size white sheet, elastic, a black marker, needle and thread, and a tolerant pet.
Drape the sheet over your dog to check sizing (there’s the patient part), then follow these PetMD instructions to outline and cut holes for the eyes, ears and snout.
Once the openings are cut, attach elastic at the back of the neck and you’re set!
4. Stegosaurus
Who wouldn’t want their furry friend to become a fearsome stegosaurus?
This design by Martha Stewart doesn’t demand any sewing. Use a child’s green T-shirt or tank and some green felt, then employ the provided cut-out patterns to create dramatic dino plates.
5. Ewok
Get ready for the latest “Star Wars” release by transforming your dog into an Ewok this Halloween. You’ll want a large piece of brown felt (buy by the yard, not the small craft squares) and a leather cord or thin rope.
Start by measuring your dog to determine the size of the face opening, cut the felt accordingly and add the leather cord as a trim.
6. Bat
Convert your favorite cat into a bat with this simple DIY bat getup. You’ll need felt, pipe cleaners and Velcro.
Print the bat wing patterns to guide your cuts. Make a felt chest strap, reinforce the wings with pipe cleaners and attach Velcro so the fit can be adjusted. Your cat will have a lightweight, comfy costume to strut around in!
Ready-Made Pet Costumes (Online & In-Store)
Not keen on making a costume yourself? These ready-to-wear pet outfits are affordable and amusing — order soon so they arrive before Halloween!
7. Wide Retriever
Drop by your local Target and grab the Wide Retriever costume for only $6.99.
If visiting the store isn’t appealing, check Target’s shipping choices to get the cutest costume delivered.
8. Rufferee
If your dog prefers to call the plays, pick up a Rufferee costume at Target for $6.99 and let your pup officiate the fun.
9. Bowtie Cat Collar
Elevate your cat’s sophistication with this adorable bowtie. It’s just $3.49 at Petco, which is 30% off the usual price, and it secures with an easy Velcro tab.
10. Jester
Think your dog’s a natural comedian? They’ll be even funnier in this playful jester costume from Petco.
On sale for only $3.99 (50% off regular price), this stretchy, simple outfit with jingling bell accents will have everyone cracking up at your charming pet.
11. Tarantula
Make your lovable dog spooky and scuttling with this fuzzy tarantula costume for about $19.82 on Amazon. It comes with bendable legs for easy posing.
If you have Amazon Prime, you’ll get free two-day delivery. If not, consider paying for expedited shipping so the costume arrives in time.
12. Butterfly
Turn your adorable pup into a butterfly with this playful ensemble. It includes an antenna headpiece and lightweight foam wings for around $9.13 on Amazon.
13. Small Lion
We challenge you to keep a straight face when you see a kitty wearing this lion mane costume.
While small dogs can sport this amusing little outfit as well, the purchase includes a bonus catnip toy, and the item is only $19.95 on Amazon.
14. Big Lion
Who says cats should have all the fun? Turn your golden retriever into a mighty predator with this dramatic lion mane costume.
Priced at just $13.99 on Amazon, it includes a wig that fits around a medium or large dog’s neck.
15. Tootsie Roll
Turn your pet into a giant Tootsie Roll with this dog costume on Amazon for about $19.99.
Don’t forget to hand out some Tootsie Rolls to the little trick-or-treaters who stop by while your pet guards the door in this awesome outfit.
Your Turn: Will your pet be wearing a costume this year?
