Michigan’s Most Popular Pet Halloween Costumes, Revealed in a New Study

Photo by RDNE Stock project

Article courtesy of CertaPet 

• Michigan’s favorite pet costumes this Halloween are a pumpkin and a dinosaur.
• In the US, a dinosaur costume is the most popular costume idea for pet owners this Halloween.
• Emotional support animal expert reveals tips to keep your dressed-up pet calm this Halloween – including signs of stress to look out for.

A new study reveals the most popular pet costumes in America this Halloween season.

Emotional support animal experts CertaPet used Google Keyword Planner to analyze the number of Google searches on a state and national level for pet Halloween costumes.

In 2025, Americans spent an estimated $860 million on pet costumes for Halloween, which was a 22.9% increase from 2024, according to the National Retail Federation. This figure is expected to be even higher this year.

So, what are the most popular Halloween costumes for those hoping to get their furry friend in on the action this year?

Michigan’s findings:

The state’s two most popular pet Halloween costumes this year are a pumpkin, with 150 monthly searches on average and a dinosaur, with 130 searches.

America’s 10 most popular pet Halloween costumes

#1 Dinosaur

The number one pet costume for Halloween 2026 is a dinosaur, which is perfect for cat or dog owners who prefer opting for playful outfits over creepy costumes. This choice benefits from versatile sizing, meaning both small and large dogs can participate in the fun, and is typically designed with comfort and mobility in mind.

#2 Pumpkin

A pumpkin is the second-most popular pet Halloween costume this year, which is easily customizable for different dog sizes to make sure your pooch can move around. Whether you’re looking for a small or large pumpkin costume, a jack-o’-lantern headpiece, or a pumpkin that sits on your pet’s back, there are plenty of options to join in the trend.

#3 Hot dog

While it’s not spooky, a hot dog costume is third on the list, which is guaranteed to bring in the laughs. A hot dog pet costume can also be worn for themed parties and fun photoshoots, making it a reusable option for multiple occasions, not just Halloween.

#4 Shark

Next is a shark costume, which can be easily DIY-ed for your furry friends. There are many tutorials on YouTube, including one from Martha Stewart where an online shark fin template is used to cut two fins from a sheet of 14-ply chipboard and two fins out of grey felt. Once attached, you can add Velcro to the fin and stick it to elastic to fit around your dog’s chest.

#5 Ghost

Simplicity is key when it comes to the fifth-most popular costume for dogs, because all a pet owner needs to turn their furry friend into a ghost is a bedsheet and a pair of scissors. The rise in popularity around this outfit may also be attributed to the ghost photoshoot trend on TikTok, which sees dog owners snap a series of spooky yet adorable shots of their pooches in the simple-yet-effective costume.

#6 Chucky

Even though some of us prefer cute costumes over spooky ones, it turns out that some dog owners are big fans of classic horror icons, with red-headed serial-killing doll Chucky coming out in sixth place. This may be due to the long-standing nature of the film franchise, which started in 1988 with Child’s Play and is still going strong, with the latest film released in 2019.

#7 Lion

Turn your pet into the king or queen of the jungle this Halloween with a lion costume. A lion’s mane is a great option for big or small dogs as it can be lightweight and easily removed to ensure your furry friend is comfortable. This costume is also versatile for other themed events and is particularly cute for golden dogs, as the mane will blend into their fur.

#8 Ewok

Dog owners are eager to transport their very own creatures from the forest moon of Endor to their homes right here on Earth, with Ewoks placing eighth on the list. Not only are they endearing and versatile – as they’re available in a wide variety of sizes and styles – but they’re also perfect if your family is particularly into the Star Wars fandom and looking for a group costume.

#8 Scooby-Doo

Mystery Solved! The beloved dog has come out as one of the top 10 most searched-for dog Halloween costumes across the US – and it’s no surprise as to why. As far as recognizable canine characters go, you can’t get much better than the animated dog-detective – and it’s another great opportunity for a group costume if you’re heading out to trick or treat as a family.

#10 Grinch

Although the Grinch is typically associated with Christmas more than Halloween, the recognizability and seasonal relevance of the character mean it’s a perfect choice for pet owners. The warmth of the furry, green outfit can also help keep your pooch cozy and warm while you’re out and about this Halloween. Alternatively, the Grinch’s best friend Max is a super easy costume to pull together for those looking for a last-minute idea.

Prairie Conlon, clinical director at CertaPet, commented on the findings:

“We all love seeing how adorable our dogs look dressed up in their costumes, and it’s great that owners think of their pets as part of the family.

“However, some dogs may not feel the same love for their costumes as we do. Dressing up may even cause some of our pets to become stressed and anxious, especially if they’ve never worn anything similar before. They’ll be less spooky, and more spooked.

“If you’re planning to dress up your furry friend this year, there are some signs of stress you may want to look out for, including whimpering, excessive panting, rubbing or scratching. This may be caused by discomfort associated with parts of their costume, or sensory overload caused by a new sensation. If you notice these signs, it may be time to lose the outfit and take your pooch back home.

“To help calm your dog if they’re feeling uneasy, make sure they have an easily accessible safe place. This may be the room they sleep in or cuddled up on the couch under a blanket. You’ll want to ensure the place is quiet to allow your dog time to return to its usual happy state. We love Halloween, but we love our pets too, and this way, we can ensure a safe and enjoyable Halloween for everyone.”

Sources:

Google Keyword Planner

National Retail Federation

Methodology:

1)    Google Keyword Planner was used to analyze the search volumes on a state and national level for pet costumes between June 2025 and July 2026. The search combinations used for the analysis included “[costume] dog costume,” [costume] for dogs” and “[costume] for cats.”

2)    An average monthly search volume was calculated for each pet costume.

3)    The ranking has been created based on the costumes with the highest average monthly search volumes.