Halloween is full of spooky fun, and for many pet parents that means including their dogs and cats in the celebrations. Rover surveyed* 500 Canadian pet parents to uncover how pet parents are celebrating this year, which costumes will be trending, and what’s driving stress and anxiety for pets and their people.
Costume Trends and Inspiration
It’s official: Pet costumes are a Halloween staple as 60% of pet parents plan to dress up their dog or cat for the holiday, though you’ll likely see more dogs (66%) than cats (44%) in costume. And it’s not just pets getting into character: 46% of pet parents plan to wear a matching or complimentary costume to their pet’s.
According to pet parents, traditional Halloween costumes will be popular this year, with classics like witches, spiders, and ghosts being the most popular choice for dogs (50%) and cats (43%). Food-themed costumes like hot dogs and bananas are also a big hit for both dogs (17%) and cats (17%), while others prefer something sports themed (9%) for their dog or entertainment inspired (17%) for their cat (e.g. celebrities, movie characters). For 42% of pet parents, Canada’s cold October weather will impact costume decisions.
When asked to guess this year’s top-trending pet costume, pet parents predict that food inspired costumes like pumpkin, taco and hot dog will be most popular. Other predictions include Mark Carney and Donald Trump, as well as entertainment themed frocks inspired by Taylor Swift and/or Travis Kelce, Justin Bieber, and Superman or Krypto. Perhaps this will inspire the one in four (23%) pet parents who haven’t yet decided on a costume.
Spending, Sharing, and Spooky Fun
For nearly half of pet parents (43%), Halloween is their favourite holiday to include their pet. And despite ongoing economic pressures, most aren’t holding back on the fun–58% will be purchasing their pet’s costume while 33% plan to either DIY or reuse a costume. While a small percentage (2%) say there’s no price too high for their pet, most are mindful of their budget with 36% aiming to spend between $20 and $49.
When it comes to the holiday itself, pet parents are split: 33% are likely to skip some Halloween activities to reduce spending, while another 34% will celebrate as planned. Costume or not, 55% of pet parents plan to share Halloween-themed content featuring their pets on social media. Of those celebrating at home, 55% will let their pet help greet trick-or-treaters at the door.
Safety First: A Top Priority for Pet Parents
Cherished Halloween pastimes can be spookier than intended for canine and feline members of the family. Costumed people, cold weather, strangers at the door, and even yard decorations can be a source of stress and potential danger for pets. It’s no surprise that 32% of pet parents worry about their pet’s well-being during the holiday, with anxiety being higher for those with cats (34%) than dogs (30%).
The top concern among pet parents is exposure to potential toxins, with 35% admitting their dog or cat has gotten into the Halloween candy or decor at some point. Tempting treats in combination with excited crowds and strange sounds can be a lot for a pet to handle. In fact, 35% of pet parents wish they had specific tips for keeping their pets calm and content during the chaos of Halloween. See below for Rover’s top Halloween safety tips and check out our comprehensive Halloween safety guide for more – including pet-proofing your home, preventing escapes, choosing appropriate costumes, and managing pet anxiety.
Whether your pet is a classic witch or a tiny hot dog, keep Halloween safe and fun with Rover’s top safety tips. Heading to a monster mash? Find a sitter or walker on Rover to help your pet have a happy howl-oween.
