Of the nearly 200 million Americans planning to celebrate Halloween this year, 16 percent will dress their dog or cat in a costume. And this Halloween, Fido and Fluffy might bear a resemblance to one another.
According to the National Retail Federation's 2017 Halloween Spending Survey, dog and cat costumes are popular picks for pets this year. However, pumpkins topped the list as the most popular pet Halloween costume this year.
Hot dog costumes claimed the number 2 spot, with 7 percent of votes. Four percent of the 7,013 consumers surveyed plan on dressing their furry companion as a lion or pirate. Bumblebee and witch costumes may also be prevalent at pet-friendly Halloween celebrations this year.
Most popular pet costumes
Here is the complete list of the most popular pet costumes of 2017:
Pumpkin
Hot dog
Dog, lion or pirate
Bumblebee
Devil
Batman character
Ghost
Cat
Witch
Star Wars character
Costume safety tips
If you dress your pet in costume this year, experts say it’s important to remember a few safety tips. Make sure your pet’s costume is safe, comfortable, and nonrestrictive. You should be able to slip two fingers around the neck and arms, just like a collar.
Additionally, keep your pet’s needs first. If your pet seems anxious or uncomfortable while wearing a costume, it may be best to take it off.
"Watch out for any signs of stress or anxiety when you put a costume on your pet,” Dr. Louise Murray, vice president of the ASPCA Animal Hospital, told Care.com.
“If your pet hates her costume, don't force her to wear it! A nice orange bandana or bow tie is a happy alternative to a full-fledged costume,” she added.