In a year that’s been anything but predictable, one thing we can all take comfort in is the fact that even during a raging global pandemic and widespread social unrest, dedicated dog moms and dads still want to dress their dogs up for Halloween. These days, it’s the little things that keep us going—even if it is just a cute pug dressed up like a loaf of sourdough.
In fact, according to a recent survey*, the majority of dog parents (66%) said that they are still planning to dress up their dog(s) for Halloween this year. Of course, this year will be different: with in-person trick or treating impacted due to COVID-19, you’ll be more likely to encounter those costumed pups either via a Zoom video call or social media post.
However you behold this forthcoming pet parade, the costumes will be something to see. Forty-one percent of dog parents said their dog’s costume will be tied to notable 2020 events and trends such as Netflix’s Tiger King, the at-home bread baking movement, and those impossible-to-find rolls of toilet paper.
Scroll on for our dog costume interpretation of some of the year’s now-iconic cultural trends (and if you need more costume inspiration, see our article, Over 47 Dog Halloween Costumes for 2020: A Guide for Real Dogs and Their People).
So, without further ado, we give you: The Top Dog Costumes of 2020, Quarantine Edition.
Tiger King
First came Tiger King, and the obsession with Joe Exotic and Carole Baskin. Debuting on Netflix on March 20, Tiger King is the beginning of our Halloween journey. Just like the way things felt at the time (which felt like ages ago), this show was wild, slightly unbelievable, and left you with the thought of “what the heck is going on here??”
Toilet paper
Up next is the single most unexpected craze of 2020, hands down—toilet paper. You wanted it, no one had it (or some people had garages full), and it led people worldwide into a panic. If only they made rolls this large, we would never have had any problems!
Zoom calls
Zoom calls are the glue that keeps us all together. With family calls, game nights with friends, and companies offering generous educational opportunities or workouts, Zoom did not disappoint in 2020. If we may add one suggestion though, we believe one dog per call should be mandatory.
The perfect sourdough loaf
You may as well apply for the Great British Bakeoff because you absolutely NAILED that perfect sourdough loaf. And the starter? Feedin’ it every day. Like a fine wine, it only gets better with age. Take a bow master baker, YOU.ARE.INCREDIBLE.
That’s all, folks! Have a happy, safe, and socially-distanced Halloween!
Costume creation and styling by Amber Christensen.
Photos by Bret Neuman.
*Methodology: Rover survey of 1,000 US-based dog owners via Pollfish in October 2020.
