When it’s time for trick or treat, don’t forget your pet. Many stores offer canine costumes that run the gamut from cute to completely captivating. Or cut costs (more money for treats!) with one of these do-it-yourself ideas. (No Project Runway-level talent required!)
Get Crafty
For Ein, her 7-year-old Pembroke Welsh Corgi-turned-robot, Carly Richmond, 33, of Eldersburg, Md., covered a box
with duct tape, and attached an antenna for the tail and a tea strainer for satellite ears. Patience was required of both parties, but it was rewarded. “It took several adjustments to get the eye screen [cut from a gift bag] just right,” she says.
Repurpose
Kathryn Dunlap of Plainfield, Ill., created a biker costume for Rufio, her 4-year-old, 175-pound Neapolitan Mastiff, by cutting the arms off her own denim jacket, which fit him perfectly. The Mohawk: a costume store human hairpiece, held on with elastic. The tattoo: a mesh sleeve painted black to match Rufio’s fur.
Go No-Sew
Intimidated by needles and thread? Glue gun and felt to the rescue. Lindsay Indermill, 25, of Los Angeles, Calif., made a dragon costume for Penny, her 4-year-old Cairn terrier mix, for about $5. “This design is really great because it can be anything, depending on the color felt—a horse with a jockey, or Snow White,” she says.
Cast On
If you knit or crochet, look for free patterns online at Yarnspirations.com or RedHeart.com.
Keep It Cheap
A clever idea can trump expensive materials and fine craftsmanship. erika Lindquist’s last-minute brainstorm helped her transform her 6-year-old mini American eskimo mix sebastian into a “Cereal Killer.” the Fresno, Calif., crafter shows how to cut up a cereal box and attach a knife handle and splash of red paint on her blog SewDoggyStyle.com.
Lindquist, 31, also turned Sebastian into a superhero and a vampire by making a cape out of a men’s dress shirt.
Where to Buy Pet Costumes
Retails outlets such as Petsmart, Petco, Target, Walmart and PartyCity are great options, as are halloweenCostumes.com and CostumeCraze.com online.