MITCHELL, SD (Mitchell Now) — From tiny pumpkins to furry superheroes, Halloween offers Mitchell pet owners plenty of ways to include their animals in the celebration.
For families choosing an outfit, these costume ideas offer a starting point:
- Pumpkin patch pal: A lightweight orange shirt can create a pumpkin look without an elaborate outfit.
- Team supporter: A properly fitted pet jersey or team-colored bandana lets animals join their owners in showing school spirit.
- Little superhero: A pet shirt featuring a superhero emblem offers a simple alternative to a costume with a trailing cape.
- Family sidekick: Coordinate a pet’s bandana or shirt with the family’s theme, such as a red bandana for a Western group costume.
- Festive fall friend: An orange, purple or Halloween-print bandana can add a seasonal touch for pets comfortable wearing one.
- Costume-free character: Place pumpkins or other decorations safely in the background for a Halloween photo without dressing the animal.
Comfort should guide the choice. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals advises that costumes should never restrict movement, vision, breathing or an animal’s ability to bark or meow. Owners should check for dangling pieces that could be chewed off and remove any outfit that causes distress. www.aspca.org
A brief trial before Halloween can help owners decide whether their pet enjoys the outfit. For animals that resist dressing up, a seasonal photo without a costume can still capture the occasion.