According to the National Retail Federation the pet Halloween costume business is booming. Their recent survey shows that more than 31 million Americans will spend $480 million on pet costumes this year alone.
Pam Wiese with the Nebraska Humane Society is not surprised with the trend.
Wiese says, "People love to include their pets in a sorts of activities so why not dress them up. As people began buying more costumes, more places made cuter costumes and costumes that are more intricate and more fun. I really think people love to include their pet in all holidays and now Halloween."
Wiese says there are a few guidelines to stick by when selecting a pet costume. First, make sure it fits properly and the pet can move comfortably. If it binds them in any way, they can run from it and away from you. Make sure it doesn't have any pieces that can be chewed off and ingested. She says use common sense.
Wiese says, “If he is enjoying it fine. If not, get it off of him."
According to the Federation survey, the most popular costumes include a pumpkin, hot dog, bumble bee, a devil, cat, dog, lion, Star Wars character, super hero and ghost.