America's most popular dog, cat Halloween costumes revealed in new studyTamara Walker, Asbury
From dinosaurs to sharks and the Grinch, here are the most popular Halloween costumes for petshis year.
Can't decide which Halloween costume to buy for your four-legged friend?
Don't ruff about it. There's some purr-anormal activity brewing up this spooky season with the answer.
A new study by CertaPet reveals the most popular Halloween pet costumes in America.
According to the National Retail Federation, Americans spent an estimated $860 million on pet costumes for Halloween in 2025, a 22.9% increase from 2024.
In order to determine which are the best, the emotional support animal experts used Google Keyword Planner to analyze the number of Google searches on a state and national level for pet Halloween costumes.
“We all love seeing how adorable our dogs look dressed up in their costumes, and it's great that owners think of their pets as part of the family, "Prairie Conlon, clinical director at CertaPet said.
The report also gave tips on how to spot signs of distress in your pet if they are not comfortable with the costume.
“Dressing up may even cause some of our pets to become stressed and anxious, especially if they’ve never worn anything similar before. They’ll be less spooky, and more spooked," Conlon said.
Stress signs include whimpering, excessive panting, rubbing or scratching. Your pet may be uncomfortable with parts of their costume, or sensory overload caused by a new sensation. If you notice these signs, it may be time to lose the outfit and take your pooch back home and allow them to wind down in a familiar spot, the report stated.
So, what are the most popular Halloween costumes for those hoping to get their furry friend in on the action this year? Here are the top three:
Dinosaur: No. 1
The No. 1 pet costume for Halloween 2026 is a dinosaur, which is perfect for cat or dog owners who prefer opting for playful outfits over creepy costumes. This choice benefits from versatile sizing, meaning both small and large dogs can participate in the fun, and is typically designed with comfort and mobility in mind.
Pumpkin: No. 2
A pumpkin is the second-most popular pet Halloween costume this year, which is easily customizable for different dog sizes to make sure your pooch can move around. Whether you’re looking for a small or large pumpkin costume, a jack-o'-lantern headpiece, or a pumpkin that sits on your pet’s back, there are plenty of options to join in the trend.
Hot dog: No. 3
While it’s not spooky, a hot dog costume is third on the list, which is guaranteed to bring in the laughs. A hot dog pet costume can also be worn for themed parties and fun photoshoots, making it a reusable option for multiple occasions, not just Halloween.
America’s most popular pet costumes for 2026
Dinosaur: 5.72%
Pumpkin: 5.62%
Hot dog: 4.18%
Shark: 3.90%
Ghost: 3.87%
Chucky: 3.70%
Lion: 3.58%
Ewok: 3.48% (tie)Scooby-Doo: 3.48% (tie)
Grinch: 3.43%
This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: America's most popular dog, cat Halloween costumes revealed in new study
Source: Nature
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