Dog and cat costumes: Day of the Dead and Halloween ideas
Easy ideas to dress up your pet this season and, above all, how to do it without your pet having a bad time.
Reviewed by Paola De Valeri, veterinarian, October 17, 2026.
Day of the Dead costume ideas
- Catrín or catrina: a bow or a small hat and a fabric flower collar (real marigolds can irritate your pet if it chews them).
- Skeleton: a dog sweater or T-shirt with printed or sewn-on bones, instead of painting its fur.
- Alebrije: a brightly colored cape or bandana with embroidered or felt shapes.
- Guide to Mictlán: an orange and purple cape in honor of the xoloitzcuintle, the dog that, according to tradition, guides souls on their journey.
Halloween costume ideas
- Pumpkin: an orange sweater or a bandana with a pumpkin face.
- Bat: light fabric wings attached to the harness, without covering the head.
- Little witch or wizard: a short cape and, if your pet accepts it, a small hat with a soft elastic.
- Characters: a pet T-shirt with the character's print instead of a full costume.
How to choose a safe costume
- It must not cover the eyes, ears, nose or mouth: your pet needs to see, hear, breathe, bark, eat and drink normally.
- It must let your pet move, sit and go to the bathroom without trouble.
- No small or dangling pieces, and no fabric that tears easily: if your pet chews them, it can swallow them. Watch puppies especially.
- No tight elastic around the neck, legs or tail.
- Don't paint or put makeup on its fur or skin with products made for people.
- Never leave your pet alone with the costume on, not even for a moment.
Based on recommendations from the ASPCA and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). This guide is for information only and does not replace your vet's advice.
How to tell if your pet is comfortable
- 1. Try it on first. Put it on a few days before, a few minutes at a time, with treats and praise.
- 2. Watch its body. Tail between the legs, ears back, trying to hide, scratching nonstop or freezing are signs of stress: take it off.
- 3. Dress up your cat only at home. If your cat isn't used to going outside, the street can scare it; a frightened cat may hide in a tight spot, get the costume caught and choke. At home and supervised, a light costume is a good option.
- 4. If it doesn't want to, that's fine. A seasonal bandana looks just as good in photos.
Frequently asked questions
- Is it bad to dress up my dog?
- No, as long as the costume is comfortable, doesn't stop it from seeing, hearing, breathing or moving, and it wears it for a short time and supervised. If it shows signs of stress, take it off.
- Can cats wear costumes?
- Yes, at home and supervised. Don't take your cat outside in costume: if it isn't used to going out, it can get scared, hide and get the costume caught, with a risk of choking.
- Can I use marigold flowers on the costume?
- Use fabric flowers instead: real marigolds (Tagetes) can upset its stomach or irritate its skin if it chews them.
Related guides
- Dog events in Mexico City: October and November 2026Events to go to with your dog in Mexico City this season: a costume contest, runs and Day of the Dead tips.
- Pet ofrenda: Day of the Dead for petsWhen pets are remembered on Day of the Dead (October 27), what goes on a pet ofrenda and how to keep the pets at home safe.
- Dog parks in Mexico City: where to walk and let your dog off leashFenced off-leash dog areas in Mexico City, parks for leashed walks and their rules.
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Sources
Safety recommendations from: