Halloween Pet Trends 2026: The $920 Million Costume Craze

Updated September 28, 2026

The tiny hot dog costume has competition. Pumpkin is the leading pet-costume choice named in the National Retail Federation’s new Halloween survey, and shoppers are planning to spend $920 million on pet costumes this year.

That is a spending forecast, not a total already rung up at checkout. But it gives this season’s pet Halloween conversation a useful starting point: recognizable costumes, ideas for the whole household, and a good excuse for a cozy night together.

The pet Halloween costumes leading the 2026 list

NRF’s September 22 report names these popular choices:

The survey asked 7,889 consumers about their plans between September 1 and 9. These are survey results about intended choices; they are not a ranking of TikTok views or completed costume sales.

For your own photo, start with the story you want to remember. A familiar autumn walk, your usual spot on the couch, or the person who always volunteers for pet-sitting duty can make the moment personal. A photo does not need an elaborate setup to be worth keeping.

Matching outfits and oversized toys are part of the retail push

Petco’s 2026 Halloween launch includes matching skeleton and devil hoodies for pets and people, a new grandma costume, and oversized pumpkin-spice-latte and candy-corn toys. The collection was announced in July, so it is an established seasonal launch, not a new September release.

Our take: there is room to make the human part of the picture. You can wear something you enjoy while your pet stays as they are. Coordinate the mood with your own clothes, a simple background and a familiar location. Keep the moment short and let your pet walk away.

A cozy Halloween plan you can actually use

If your ideal October evening involves a movie and your favorite animal beside you, build around that. Choose one useful thing for the evening instead of filling a basket just because everything has a pumpkin on it.

• For the person staying in: the I Have Plans Hoodie has a cotton–poly fleece construction, a front pouch pocket and a double-lined hood. Check the hoodie measurements before choosing a size.
• For the coffee or tea ritual: the Pet Love Mug is glossy ceramic and listed as dishwasher and microwave safe. It is an everyday design you can keep using after the decorations come down.
• For a familiar resting spot: the Soft Paw Print Fleece Blanket comes in two listed sizes. Compare the measurements with the space you want to cover and follow its care instructions.

These Pet Love picks are everyday gifts and accessories. The costume examples above describe the wider Halloween trend; they are not products in this edit.

Check delivery before you plan the handoff

NRF reports that 49% of consumers plan to start Halloween shopping in September or earlier. That is a reason to plan, not a reason to rush a purchase you do not need.

For Pet Love orders, check each product page and the options at checkout. The hoodie and mug are printed to order. The fleece blanket comes from a partner warehouse and can arrive in a separate parcel. Avoid assuming everything in one cart will travel together or arrive on the same day.

If you are buying for someone else, check measurements and return information as well. A gift that suits the person is worth more than a last-minute guess.

Make the season yours

Choose the version of Halloween you will enjoy: a quick photo, a movie evening, or a small thank-you for the friend who loves your pet almost as much as you do. For that last idea, our pet-sitter gift guide has suggestions and a simple note to make your own.

Explore Pet Love Essentials for your October routine.

Sources

• National Retail Federation: 2026 Halloween consumer survey, September 22, 2026. Spending intentions, costume choices and shopping timing.
• Petco: Halloween collection announcement, July 27, 2026. Retail assortment examples.