(au castle merovence)

Monday, September 21, 2015

Halloween Costumes for Pets

Cats, dogs, small pets like ferrets and hamsters... they all love dressing up for Halloween. Or they can, that is, if you treat them like they need to learn what it's all about; much like you start with your human kids when they are mere babies. You know those first few years, they fuss and try to pull off their Winnie the Pooh hoodie costume, lol. But within a few years, they know that costumes are for fun, and that... treats come after they put it on! Don't forget the fun and the treats. Please don't do it just for you. If they are afraid and squirm, giggle and have fun with them, but never at their expense! We started out about 2009 with some of the very first pet costumes that were in the stores - Target had little pumpkin hats, and funny chicken hats for our cats. The first year it was wildly funny, they were like WTF is this! Lol. Show them what they look like in the mirror (they can see themselves). It's funny, and kiss and hug them. And don't make them keep it on for too long, ok? Each year after that, it has become more and more elaborate - just like with the human kids in costumes out there. After they got used to the costume part (with a fun toy and a food treat following it), we added in "going trick or treating!" Best for pets is to do this strictly indoors only (because it gets too hectic out in the neighborhoods on Halloween!). We used other rooms in the house as the rooms they can go to, help them get there (carry cats and smaller pets, too). Knock on the door for them. Holler 'trick or treat' to whatever friend or family member you have over to be the person who answers the door for them. After the regular oohs and ahhs at how cute your pet family member look in their costumes, give them a safe treat baggie. Some snacks or some toys, or a nice new blanket. Each year it will become more normal to the pets (easier for them) and they'll be able to wear more complex costumes. Find pet costumes at PetSmart, Petco, Target, Walmart, Kmart, Michaels, Party City, and more! PS. Please use common sense with their costumes. Nothing covering their nose and mouth so they can breath! Nothing with big strings that could wrap around their necks, or beads and stuff that could choke them. Not all of the pet costumes are made with safety in mind.


Here is a gallery of our pet family's Halloween fun over the years:

Family Pet Fashion Show's Halloween Costumes for Your Pets

Here are a few to get you started :) But there are many more pics, tips, and ideas over at our Pet Fashion Show page, so please do stop by and check it out. Happy Haunting! Have a Bootiful Halloween this year! xoxo! Love from the Stahlmans!

Disney Frozen's Elsa for cats and dogs from PetSmart Halloween 2015


Marvel's Captain America for cats and dogs from PetSmarts Halloween 2015


Hand-make your small pets' costumes with safety in mind. Use velcro for break-away loops. This one is Harley the Kid's Thor Costume from 2012. Part of the Heroes by H line of designs from our own family band, called The G6 Group


Velco neckties from Petco and PetSmart make a safe, and easy style costume that many pets can wear, since they are already used to having collars around their necks!


Reggie Max and our very first Halloween Pumpkin. From the early years of pet costumes! This one was from Target's pet department. Make sure to check pet sections at the big chain stores, and also check in their regular costumes section. (They put pet costumes in both areas nowadays)



Our own cheerleader! It's Brianna Marie from Halloween 2014. Talk about holiday "spirit" lol. Isn't she something! This was from Target. Costumes with tank-sleeves like this are often easier. (The way cats and dogs sit often pull their arms in from longer sleeves, try tanks instead if you have the sleeves problem :)



Our Apache does the best animal impressions! Here's his 2013 Frog. It was TopPaw from PetSmart that year! This year he's going to be a skunk, that little stinker lol.



Mommy's choice of pics is our Harley the Kid as Captain America in 2013! Another of our Heroes by H costumes! Avengers Assembled!


It's Pepper Potts from Iron Man 3, wearing one of the Iron Man suits! Bri found this Iron Man suit at PetSmart and made the most perfect Pepper Potts. Cosplay or Halloween, costumes make great family fun.

Take care, xoxo!