Halloween can be a fun and pleasant experience for humans and pets alike. Some dogs like the extra attention they receive when they are dressed up.
. Photo courtesy of Pets Supplies "Plus."
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Halloween is synonymous with fun. There's no presents to buy. No calendars filled with commitments. No stress. Just put together a costume, stock up on candy and get ready for the trick-or-treaters.
Simple, easy, fun.
So, it's only natural that people who love their pets would want them to join in the fun and excitement. Indeed, Halloween can be a pleasant experience for pets and humans alike.
Most people get their four-legged friends involved by dressing them up in costumes. Cats or dogs, it doesn't matter as long as the animal is willing to wear a costume and parade around. Pet costumes are popular purchases at local pet stores.
Craig Steger, assistant manager at PetCo in Farmington Hills said jailbird and princess costumes are all the rage this season.
According to a survey of 265 pet owners conducted by Pets Supplies "Plus" is August, the two most popular pet costume themes are pumpkins and devils. Other great choices listed were witches, insects, princesses and angels.
Suzy Fucini, a spokesperson for Pet Supplies "Plus," which is based in Farmington Hills, said people also like to dress their pets as other animals, like roosters and zebras, as well as superheros.
"I bet there will be a lot of Detroit Tiger costumes this year," she added.
Many will also coordinate their pet's costume with their own.
Over the past couple of years, interest in pet costumes has continued to rise. Why? Well, people view pets as members of their family, said Fucini.
As such, they want to include them in the holiday celebration, she said. Dressing them up fits the bill perfectly.
"It's a very popular thing. People love it," said Steger about pet costumes.
The trend is so big that the unscientific survey from Pet Supplies "Plus" revealed that a full 29 percent of dog and cat owners will be dressing up their pets in Halloween costumes this year and 21 percent will be taking their pets trick-or-treating with them.
Steger said he's seen a number of dogs out on Halloween and has started keeping a bowl of dog treats and biscuits in a separate bowl by the candy to hand out to trick-or-treaters. Many other people do the same to give pets a little treat.
PetCo sells festive Halloween-themed treats for dogs, he said.
Another way to celebrate with your pet is to attend local Halloween parties where pets are welcome. Some stores and local organizations host such events in the days and weeks leading up to Halloween. Check out the calendar of events on page D4 for more details on Oakland County festivities.
For those who don't want to go all out for Halloween costumes, PetCo offers bandanas while Pets Supplies "Plus" has bandanas as well as Halloween T-shirts.
A clown costume can be lots of fun for dogs.
Photo courtesy of Pets Supplies "Plus."
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It's important to remember that not all cats and dogs want to wear Halloween costumes. Some love the extra attention they receive. Others, especially cats, can't even stand to entertain the thought.
Take it slow, advises Fucini, and see how the animal reacts. Don't force the issue, she said.
Pets Supplies "Plus" also offered these costume tips in a company press release:
Before purchasing a costume, make sure that the one you are buying does not interfere with the pet's vision and that it is easy to put on and take off.
Costumes should not have foil, buttons or other objects that can be swallowed by a dog or cat.
Never cover a pet's nose or mouth with a costume. 
