Americans Will Spend Nearly $500 Million on Halloween Costumes for Pets This Year
More than 29 million Americans plan to create or buy more than just one Halloween costume this year. In addition to choosing an outfit for themselves, they also plan to dress their furry friends in spooky and thrilling frocks. According to the National Retail Federation, pet owners will shell out $490 million on Halloween costumes for their dogs, cats, and other fur babies this year. The rise in holiday-related spending is in line with budgets for other Halloween festivities; Americans are expected to spend over $9 billion on costumes for kids and adults, decorations, candy, and other festivities in 2019.
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The most popular Halloween pet costumes are also hilariously ironic. Most people choose to create one more Jack-o'-Lantern in the house by dressing up their pets as a pumpkin. But a punny "hot dog" look is the second most popular costume overall, closely followed by bumblebee, superheroes, and cat costumes (which we're sure puppies just love!).
Related: Our Best Matching Halloween Dog and Owner Duo Costumes
Most cat owners would agree it's tough to even get your kitty close enough to snuggle with, let alone dress up in a costume—which is why it makes sense that most of the National Retail Federation's data is based on canines. According to a separate survey conducted by pet services provider Rover.com, half of dog owners around the nation will either shop for or create unique costumes for their pups this year. They're expected to spend $20 on average; and per Rover's survey, classic options like witches and ghosts are among the most popular options, as well as a few stars from popular TV series.
Halloween costume costs aren't the only rising budgets for pet owners in the United States. Americans spent more than $72 billion for veterinary care, medications, supplies, and food in 2018, according to the American Pets Products Association. "Today more than ever, pet owners view their pets as irreplaceable members of their families and lives," Bob Vetere, the association's CEO and president, said in a press release. "It's clear that giving pets the best lives possible is still a top priority for pet owners, and they're willing to spend more on the quality products and services they consume if it means more quality time with their beloved companions."
