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Some dogs were born to wear a superhero cape. Some cats will tolerate a lion mane for exactly 30 seconds, which is just long enough for the photo of the year. Whether it’s a birthday party, a holiday card, a themed photo shoot or just a rainy Sunday, funny dog costumes and cute pet costumes bring out the best (and silliest) side of our four-legged family.
We’ve picked 22 of our favorites, from heroic Batman and Wonder Woman looks to a hilariously smelly skunk and a very serious shark. Every pick is light, easy to put on, and chosen with comfort in mind. Shopping specifically for October 31st? Our dog and cat Halloween costumes guide has sizing and Halloween-night safety tips.
Before You Buy: Three Rules for Pet Costumes
Before you click “Add to Cart,” remember these three key points to keep your pet happy, safe, and ready for their close-up.
🐾 1. Safety and comfort first: Look for costumes for your pets made of lightweight, breathable materials. Make sure they don’t contain small, chewable parts that could pose a choking hazard. The costume shouldn’t restrict your pet’s movement, vision, hearing, or breathing. If your pet seems stressed or uncomfortable, it’s time to remove it. A happy pet always looks the best!
🐾 2. Choose the right size: A costume that’s too tight will be uncomfortable, while one that’s too loose can pose a tripping hazard. Always measure your pet before purchasing, and check their neck, chest, and length from neck to tail. Compare these measurements with the size chart included with the costume. If in doubt, choose a slightly larger size.
🐾 3. Match their personality: Is your dog a brave defender? A superhero costume will fit perfectly. Do you have a playful pup who loves to lounge around? A teddy bear or hot dog bun might be more appropriate. Choosing an outfit that reflects their personality will make the playtime even more authentic.
What Can You Dress Your Dog Up As?
Dogs are famously good sports, making them the perfect canvas for almost any costume idea you can dream up. Popular choices range from heroic superheroes and hilarious food items like tacos to majestic lions and cuddly teddy bears. For other holidays, even a simple festive bandana or a charming bowtie can make them the star of the celebration.
Super Heros Dog Costumes
Transform your pet into a fearless and iconic superhero with the Wonder Woman costume, giving it the power to save the day in style.
To infinity and the dog park! This Buzz Lightyear costume turns your dog into a space ranger, with wings included. Pair it with the Rex costume if you have two pets.
Let your four-legged friend unleash its inner superhero with a Superman costume, and be sure to become the hero of the Howl-o-ween party.
Equip your pup with the iconic Batman costume, allowing them to prowl the night and strike fear into the hearts of villains this Halloween.
Your speedy pup can turn into the lightning-fast hero with the Flash costume and become the fastest trick-or-treater in town.
Dress your pup as part of the extraordinary Incredibles family, making it an integral part of your Halloween superhero squad.
Funny Dog Costumes for Small Dogs vs. Large Dogs
Small dogs (chihuahuas, Yorkies, pugs, dachshunds) look hilarious in full-body costumes like the octopus, the bumblebee or the panda, because the costume becomes the dog. Size by chest measurement, since small breeds often have deep chests.
Large dogs (labs, goldens, shepherds) are funniest in “head and shoulders” costumes: the lion mane, a superhero cape or a big bandana. They’re easier to fit, cooler to wear and won’t restrict movement.
Medium dogs can wear almost anything, and they’re the easiest size to find in stores.
Animal Dog Costumes
Your pup becomes Rex, the lovable, slightly nervous dinosaur from Toy Story. It’s a great match for families dressing up as Toy Story characters. The dog as Rex, the kids as Buzz and Woody: instant group costume.
Give your dog the majestic look of a king of the jungle with a lion mane, making them the main attraction of any Halloween celebration.
Your bounciest friend was made for this one. This Tigger costume from Winnie the Pooh suits energetic dogs who never walk when they can hop. Expect a lot of smiles from people who grew up with the Hundred Acre Wood.
Dress your pet in an adorable octopus costume, turning it into a sea creature that is sure to make a splash this Halloween.
Turn your beloved pet into an adorable and cuddly panda with a panda costume, making it the cutest bear in town this Halloween.
A skunk costume for the dog with a great sense of humor (and maybe a questionable relationship with bath time). It’s one of the funniest picks on our list of funny dog costumes, and a guaranteed laugh at any party.
What can you dress up Cats as for Any Occassion?
When it comes to cats, comfort is king, so think “less is more” with costumes that won’t restrict their movement. Simple accessories like a tiny witch hat, a pair of bat wings, a regal crown, or a distinguished bowtie are often the most successful and adorable options. These choices play up their natural mystique and ensure they feel like the royalty they already believe they are.
One Costume, Many Photo Ops: The Pet Costume Calendar
| Occasion | Costume ideas from this list |
|---|---|
| Halloween (October 31) | Batman, shark, dragon wings, octopus |
| Christmas cards | Lion mane with a Santa hat, sailor, a strawberry (for a very sweet card) |
| Pet birthday party | Superhero cape, cowboy, pirate |
| Valentine's Day | Strawberry hoodie, butterfly wings |
| Summer and the 4th of July | Sailor, Wonder Woman, Superman |
| Themed family photo | Toy Story Rex or Buzz Lightyear alongside kids in Toy Story costumes |
| Anime or gaming night | Nezuko cat costume |
Cute Cat Costumes: Less Is More
Give your cat the regal appearance of a mighty lion with a lion mane costume, allowing it to rule the living room savannah this Halloween.
Turn your kitty into a fierce yet incredibly cute shark with the Cat Shark Costume, making it the top predator on Halloween.
Dress your furry companion as a busy bee, adding a buzz of cuteness to your Halloween celebrations.
Enhance your cat’s elegance with these butterfly wings, adding a touch of charm to its Halloween look.
Funny Costumes for Cats
Yeehaw! Give your pet a taste of the Wild West and turn your adventurous cat into a rootin’, tootin’ cowboy with this cowboy costume.
Transform your cat into a swashbuckling pirate with a pirate costume, setting sail on a Halloween adventure filled with treasure and treats.
Capture the essence of Nezuko from Demon Slayer with this costume, which will add a touch of anime-inspired charm to your cat party.
Transform your cat into a fearsome dragon with these playful dragon wings. They’re lightweight, and easy to attach.
Set off on a sea adventure with your cat dressed as a sailor, making it the cutest crew member at your Halloween gathering.
Soft, warm and ridiculously sweet. This strawberry hoodie doubles as a cozy coat for chilly walks. It’s one of the most wearable cute pet costumes here, and it fits small dogs as well as cats.
Useful Tips for Great Pet Costume Photos
📸 Get down to their eye level
Crouch or lie on the floor. Photos taken from pet height look far more natural and funnier than photos taken from above.
🍗 Use a treat as the “look here” trick
Hold a treat right above your phone camera. You’ll get eye contact, and a tilted head as a bonus.
⏱️ Shoot first, adjust later
Take 20 quick shots in the first minute, while your pet is still curious. Then take the costume off and look through the photos together (with more treats).
☀️ Use daylight
Natural light from a window beats flash every time, and flash can startle pets.
🏠 Photograph at home first
A familiar place keeps your pet relaxed. Save the park photo shoot for pets who already love their costume.
What are the funniest dog costumes?
Food costumes (tacos, hot dogs, strawberries), animals that surprise people (sharks, octopuses, skunks) and superhero capes on very serious dogs always get the biggest laughs.
What are the best funny dog costumes for large dogs?
Choose “head and shoulders” costumes: lion manes, capes and big bandanas. They fit large breeds easily and don’t restrict movement.
What are good cute costumes for cats?
Keep it minimal: a small hat, light wings, a lion mane or a bowtie. Cute cat costumes that don’t cover the body are the ones cats tolerate best.
Can I use pet costumes outside Halloween?
Absolutely. Superhero capes, animal costumes and hoodies work for birthdays, holiday cards, themed photo shoots and pet events all year round.
