What Should Your Dog Be for Halloween This Year?
Published on: Oct 30, 2026
The most popular dog Halloween costume in 2026 is a pumpkin, followed by a hot dog and a ghost. Americans will spend about $920 million on pet costumes this year, according to the National Retail Federation. Below are 10 dog costume ideas that photograph well, keep your dog comfortable, and mostly use things you already own.
"Hot dog" is a perfectly valid Halloween costume. Especially if you are a dachshund. So is a pumpkin, a ghost, a tiny lion, or a shark that clearly did not consent to being a shark. If you have ever spent more on your dog's costume than your own, you are in very good company.
How much are Americans spending on pet Halloween costumes in 2026?
The NRF's 2026 Halloween survey of 7,889 consumers, conducted September 1 through 9, found that pets are firmly part of the celebration:
- $920 million expected on pet costumes
- $13.5 billion expected in total Halloween spending
- $115.14 average spending per person
- 74% of consumers plan to celebrate Halloween
- Top pet costumes: pumpkin (11.6%), hot dog (5.9%), and ghost (2.8%)
Shoppers are also watching their budgets this year. NRF reports that many are comparison shopping, hunting for sales, and looking for items they can reuse next year, which is good news for anyone planning a homemade dog costume.
What are the 10 best dog Halloween costume ideas?
Every pick on this list meets three tests: it will not make your dog miserable (or at least not for long), it looks great in photos (which is really why we are all here), and it can mostly be pulled together with things you already own.
- Pumpkin. The most popular pet costume of 2026, picked by 11.6% of pet owners in the NRF survey. Store-bought versions are everywhere, and an orange sweater with a green felt stem clipped to the collar works just as well.
- Hot dog. The number two pet costume this year at 5.9%, and a classic for a reason. It works on any dog, but on a dachshund it is practically a documentary.
- Ghost. Third on the NRF list at 2.8%. A small white pillowcase or scrap of sheet with eye holes cut generously wide, and you are done. Keep it short enough that it never gets under their paws.
- Lion. A fluffy mane headband on a golden retriever or Pomeranian is almost too easy. Most dogs tolerate a loose mane better than a hat.
- Shark. The fin, the teeth, the dramatic sigh of disapproval. That sigh is part of the costume, and it is the shot everyone wants.
- Spider. Leg attachments on a harness or vest give you maximum creepy-cute. Stuffed black socks make cheap, soft legs.
- Superhero. A cape and nothing else. Same energy as the human version, and capes that attach with hook-and-loop tabs are easy for nervous dogs.
- Taco or burrito. Food costumes always win in photos. A taco shell or tortilla wrap that fastens under the belly keeps the head and legs completely free.
- Delivery driver. A tiny cardboard box on their back and a little cap. Bonus points if the box says Fragile.
- Matching owner and dog costume. Peanut butter and jelly, salt and pepper, a lion and its tamer. This is the one that wins office contests.
Which costume works best for your dog's size and breed?
The right costume depends as much on your dog's shape as on your sense of humor. A quick guide:
- Long-bodied dogs (dachshunds, corgis, basset hounds): hot dog, taco, burrito, or a caterpillar. Anything long and horizontal plays to the silhouette.
- Fluffy, round-faced dogs (Pomeranians, golden retrievers, chow chows, Samoyeds): a lion mane. Their coat does half the work.
- Small dogs (Chihuahuas, Yorkies, toy poodles): pumpkin, spider, or ghost. Small costumes are light and easy to pull together from household items.
- Large dogs (Labs, shepherds, doodles): shark, superhero cape, or delivery driver. Big dogs often tolerate a cape or back piece better than a full suit.
- Flat-faced breeds (pugs, French bulldogs, boxers): keep everything off the head and face. These breeds already work harder to breathe, so a cape or vest-style costume is the safest pick.
- Anxious or older dogs: a festive bandana counts. Nobody at the office party will hold it against them.
How can you make a DIY dog costume on a budget?
Start with what is already in your closet and junk drawer. A few easy swaps:
- Old T-shirts and sweaters become pumpkins, tacos, or superhero suits with a little felt and fabric glue.
- Pillowcases and sheets make instant ghosts. Cut eye holes wide and keep the hem well above the paws.
- Socks stuffed with batting make spider legs, a lion mane trim, or a shark fin.
- Small cardboard boxes turn into delivery packages or a hot dog bun.
- An existing harness is the best base for almost anything, since your dog is already used to it and it keeps pressure off the neck.
There is also the new costume every year problem. Most of us buy a fresh one each October and the old one goes in a bin. Building around a harness and a few reusable pieces means next year's costume is half finished.
What should you look for when buying a dog costume?
If you are buying instead of building, a few minutes with a measuring tape saves a return trip:
- Measure three things: neck circumference, chest girth (the widest part behind the front legs), and back length from collar to the base of the tail. Size charts vary widely between brands.
- Choose adjustable closures. Hook-and-loop tabs and buckles let you fine-tune the fit and get the costume off fast.
- Pick breathable, washable fabric. Cotton and fleece beat stiff plastic, and you will want to wash it after the first muddy walk.
- Check the leg openings and the underside. Your dog should be able to walk, sit, lie down, and go to the bathroom without the costume getting in the way.
- Add reflective trim for evening walks. Trick-or-treat hours run after dark, and dark costumes are hard for drivers to see.
How do you keep your dog comfortable and safe in a costume?
- Nothing tight around the neck. You should be able to slide two fingers under any strap.
- Nothing that blocks vision, hearing, or breathing. Keep the eyes, ears, nose, and mouth clear.
- No small chewable parts. Skip buttons, beads, bells, and loose strings.
- Do a practice run a few days before Halloween with treats and praise.
- Keep it short. Put the costume on for photos, then take it off.
- Watch their body language. Tucked tails, freezing, hiding, or constant scratching mean the costume comes off.
- Never leave a costumed dog unsupervised.
How do you keep your dog safe on Halloween night?
The costume is the easy part. Halloween night itself can be stressful for dogs, with a doorbell that never stops and strangers in masks on the porch.
- Keep candy out of reach. Chocolate and the sugar substitute xylitol are toxic to dogs. If your dog gets into the candy bowl, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center right away.
- Set up a quiet room away from the front door, with water, a favorite toy, and a closed door so your dog cannot slip outside while you hand out treats.
- Check ID tags and microchip details before the night starts. Open doors and scared dogs are a common combination on October 31.
- Skip candles and glow sticks within reach. Tails knock over jack-o-lanterns, and glow stick liquid tastes bitter and can upset a dog's stomach.
- Take the costume off for the evening. Photos are the goal. Once you have them, let your dog relax in their regular collar.
How do you get a great photo of your dog in costume?
Since the photo is really the point, here is how to get a good one in under five minutes:
- Get down to their eye level. Shooting from human height makes every dog look small and distant.
- Use natural light. A spot near a window or outside in the shade beats overhead indoor lighting and flash.
- Hold a treat or squeaky toy just above the camera to get eye contact and perked-up ears.
- Use burst mode. Dogs move fast. Take twenty shots and keep the best one.
- Keep the background simple so the costume stands out, and remove the leash if it is safe to do so.
- Stop while it is still fun. Two or three short sessions get better expressions than one long one.
Why do people spend more on their pets every year?
Because for most of us, pets are family. They are in the holiday card, the vacation photos, and now the Halloween group shot. And let's be honest: the photos are half the fun. A dog in a hot dog costume will get more likes than anything else you post this week.
How can your office celebrate Halloween with a pet costume contest?
For the offices celebrating this Friday, a pet costume photo contest is one of the easiest ways to let everyone join in, including the people who would rather not dress up themselves. Remote teammates can play too. A few ways to run it:
- Open a Teams or Slack channel just for pet photos and set a submission deadline.
- Pick fun categories like Most Creative, Best Owner and Pet Match, and Least Amused.
- Let the team vote with reactions and hand out a small prize, like a gift card or bragging rights.
- Host a "bring your dog" day only if your office policy, building rules, and coworkers' allergies allow it.
A simple one-week plan that works for in-office and remote teams alike:
- Monday: announce the contest, the categories, and the prize.
- Tuesday through Thursday: collect photos in the channel. Pets of all kinds count, cats and goldfish included.
- Friday morning: voting by emoji reaction, with a one-hour deadline.
- Friday afternoon: announce the winners and share a collage, with permission, on the company's social channels.
One small but important rule: ask before posting a coworker's pet photo anywhere outside the company. Some people are happy to share internally but would rather keep their home life off public social media.
As a recruiter, I hear candidates ask about culture in almost every conversation. Big perks matter, but so do small moments like this one, where people get to share something they love and have a laugh together on a Friday afternoon. They cost almost nothing and they are often what people remember.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Halloween Costumes
What is the most popular dog Halloween costume in 2026?
A pumpkin. According to the National Retail Federation's 2026 Halloween survey, 11.6% of pet owners planning a costume chose a pumpkin, followed by a hot dog at 5.9% and a ghost at 2.8%.
How much will Americans spend on pet Halloween costumes in 2026?
About $920 million, according to the National Retail Federation's 2026 Halloween survey, out of $13.5 billion in total expected Halloween spending.
How much does the average person spend on Halloween in 2026?
The NRF expects consumers to spend an average of $115.14 per person on Halloween in 2026, roughly in line with $114.45 in 2025.
What are easy last-minute dog costumes?
A ghost made from a pillowcase, a superhero cape, a lion mane headband, or a delivery driver box on their back. All four can be made from things most people already have at home.
Is it safe to put a costume on a dog?
Usually, if the costume fits loosely, leaves the eyes, nose, mouth, and ears clear, and the dog is supervised the whole time. If your dog freezes, hides, or keeps trying to remove it, take it off.
Is Halloween candy dangerous for dogs?
Yes. Chocolate and the sweetener xylitol are toxic to dogs. Keep candy bowls out of reach, and call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center right away if your dog eats any.
How do I get my dog used to wearing a costume?
Do a practice run a few days before Halloween. Put the costume on for a minute or two, give treats and praise, and build up time gradually. Never force a costume on an anxious dog.
What should I avoid in a dog costume?
Anything tight around the neck, anything that blocks vision or breathing, and small parts like buttons, beads, or loose strings that a dog could chew off and swallow.
What size costume should I buy for my dog?
Measure your dog's neck, chest girth, and back length, then compare those numbers to the brand's size chart. If your dog falls between sizes, size up and use the adjustable closures to tighten the fit.
What dog costumes look best in photos?
Food costumes like a hot dog, taco, or burrito photograph well because they are instantly recognizable. Matching owner and dog costumes are also a reliable crowd favorite.
How do you run a pet costume photo contest at work?
Open a shared channel or email thread for photo submissions, set a deadline, pick a few fun categories like Most Creative and Least Amused, and let the team vote. A small prize keeps it lighthearted.
Can employees bring dogs to the office for Halloween?
Only if your office policy and building rules allow it. A virtual photo contest is the easier option, since it includes remote employees and avoids allergy or space concerns.
What else should you know about Halloween costs in 2026?
Planning the rest of the holiday? These Frontline guides use the same 2026 NRF data:
- How Much Is Halloween Really Costing Working Families in 2026?
- Why Is Halloween Candy So Expensive in 2026, and How Can You Save?
So be honest: how much have you spent on your pet's Halloween costume?
Share a photo or tell us in the comments on LinkedIn. We would love to see who went full hot dog this year.
Source: National Retail Federation, 2026 Halloween Consumer Survey (September 22, 2026).
Written by Lindsey Davidson, CDR, Senior Lead Executive Recruiter at Frontline Source Group.
