Halloween + Dogs = Cute

Halloween is nearly upon us and, for those who like to go all out for this holiday, the shopping and planning can be endless. From homemade couples costumes, to “houses of horror,” some people wait all year for these spooky celebrations.

Recently, dog parents have gotten their pups in the act, taking them along trick-or-treating with kids, and even dressing them up in their own adorable costumes. We have to admit, dogs in costumes can be ridiculously cute. And these days, it’s easier than ever to suit up your pooch, with tons of options available from the big box stores. But, before you buy Fluffy her costume while doing your regular shopping, consider supporting the underdog, the mom and pop shops who are doing their most to keep it creative and handmade. So, in honor of those who love to get their dogs in on the act (and those who love to help them) we’ve rounded up our favorite Etsy shops, that will gladly make costumes for your pets.

Shop small and support the little guy

Note: We suggest that you take note of processing and shipping times before ordering, and if you have any questions, be sure to contact each respective seller prior to making your purchase. Also, it’s important to remember that not all dogs like to dress up or wear things on their head and face. If you notice that your dog seems stressed, please respect their wishes.

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FROODIES Hoodies creates custom dog hoodies specifically for the um… ahem… “big-boned” pups in our lives, inspired by Rosie Future Underfoot, the French bulldog. That doesn’t mean that you can’t get a custom Froodie to fit your pooch, though!

Check out this adorable premade flying pig costume on the Froodies Hoodies shop, or maybe take a look at standard Froodies in “bulldog bordeaux,” which passes for a believable bat. The best part is that Froodies Hoodies are a great option for year-round wear, and are so stinking cute we can’t help ourselves.

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We love this adorably functional “bat dog” harness by Octostitches that makes for a perfect option if you plan to take your pooch trick-or-treating with the kiddos (obvs no candy, but will wag tail for head pats!). Props (Prawps??? Hehe...,) to Octostitches’ indie owners and creators for embracing green crafting and using only recycled materials in their creations!

Pay attention to sizing on this one as Octostitches specializes in small dog and ferret accessories! Ferrets!

Just Dog Gone Cute wants to make sure our bigger furbabies get in on the dress-up fun with the Bad to the Bone Ribbon Dog Collar (pictured in a Medium). Just Dog Gone Cute has one of our favorite stories leading up to its creation, as it all started with prettying up adoptable pup pics for a local shelter. Make your pooch the star of the spooky show in this skeleton ribbon collar! (Skeleton PJs not included).

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The Cutest Lion Ever!The Cutest Lion Ever!

KO Couture specializes in “knockout fashion” accessories for both small and large breeds, but this ferociously sweet lion costume is just for the little guys. The costume features tan and brown felt strips attached to a felt headband that can double as a collar depending on your pup’s measurements. As if this alone wasn’t cute enough, two matching leg cuffs complete the look. Snag this one up and your lil’ pup is sure to turn heads on Hallloween!

Dress up your pretty girl in a durable and perfectly gorgeous doggie tutu by Once Upon a Time Tutus. Our fave is this brilliant peacock tutu - just look at those colors! We love the idea of doggie tutus because when isn’t it a good day for a tutu? I mean, come on! Can you imagine getting a matching one for yourself and raking up all the likes on Instagram? Once Upon a Time Tutus is a family-owned shop that started with basic tutus and hair accessories and expanded their offerings as they grew. For this, and the peacock pup tutu, we are ever-so-grateful.

Tutu cute!

Tutu cute!

Pauline Campos is a widely-published author who has written for The Washington Post, Marie Claire, and many others. She’s the mother to an amazing autistic girl, dog mom to Finnegan and Nibbler, and believes ADHD is her superpower.