Retailers Share The Most Popular Pet Costumes For Halloween 2014

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) reveals that 36.5% of U.S. households own at least one dog (that translates to 43,346,000 dog owners!) and another 30.4% of American homes keep cats as pets. As pet owners, Americans go out of their way to find out what is best for their beloved furry friend or family member. Pet parents know the best foods, the best puppy day care facilities, how to find a good vet, and some of the best veterinarian hospitals in their local area. That does leave at least one pressing question unanswered, however: What are you going to dress your cat or dog as this Halloween?

Retailers Dish On The Most Popular Pet Costumes
Don't be ashamed! An estimated 23 million people will dress up their pets on Halloween and there is a perfectly reasonable explanation for dressing up your pet, too. "People tell us Halloween is one of the best holidays to celebrate and they want to include their furry friends in their celebrations," Kathy Grannis, a representative from the National Retail Federation (NRF), tells Today. A recent survey shows the most popular dog costumes are "a pumpkin, hot dog, devil, bumble bee and [a dog dressed as a] cat," Today continues. A major retailer says that they are personally selling the most shark and super hero -- including Bat Man, Spider Man, and Super Man -- costumes.

Only The Best For Your Pet...!
Believe it or not, most of the money owners spend on pets do not go to local veterinarians and veterinarian supplies. Pet owners spend the most money on food. Smaller portions of owners' money will go to vet visits and accessories, like the perfect Halloween costume. Yes, you can buy a fairly simple pet costume for just $10 to $20 this season -- or you can do it right. Some dog and cat costumes now come with built-in leashes and/or harnesses and sometimes even LED lights (for safety or just for fun).

It's almost time for Halloween. Don't miss the opportunity to dress up your favorite member of the family -- your dog or cat. Whether you are dropping him or her off at puppy day care or passing out Halloween candy to kids, everyone around you is likely to get a kick out of your pet's costume, too.