Dinosaurs, Royalty and One Very Committed Granny: 8 Costumes That Aren't the Usual
Sushi, a stegosaurus, a squirrel in a hurry. The costumes that get a double take at the door, all under $35.
Y'all have gotten really good at this. Scroll any feed in October and there's a pug in a handmade taco, a cat dressed as a latte with foam ears, a golden retriever in a full DIY lobster rig. The bar for pet costumes keeps going up, and a store-bought pumpkin doesn't clear it anymore.
So we went looking for the ones that still get a double take. Nothing here is the costume you'll see three of at the dog park, and none of it needs a glue gun. And if your pet makes it clear costumes are not their thing, that's a completely valid answer. A photo of them wearing it for four seconds still counts.
Dress them as dinner
Frisco Sushi Costume
Best for cats and small dogs
Your cat already acts like the most expensive thing on the menu. This makes it official. A good pick for cats who'll give you about one photo's worth of patience.
Prehistoric
Dinosaur Headpiece Pet Costume
Cats and dogs
For pets who'll tolerate a hat but draw the line at a full outfit. All the dinosaur, none of the negotiation.
Frisco Stegosaurus Dinosaur Costume
Dogs
The full commitment version: plates down the back. It's especially good on a dog with a big stride.
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Grandma energy
Frisco Front-Walking Granny Costume
Dogs
The front-walking design makes it look like your dog is strolling upright to bingo. It gets a laugh every time it comes through the door.
Frisco Beauty Parlor Hair Curler Accessory
Dogs
Curlers in, errands to run. Wear it alone for a low-effort look, or add it to the granny outfit for the full Saturday-morning grocery run.
Royalty
Royal Cape with Crown
Cats and dogs
Less a costume, more a correction to the record. It's a cape and crown, so it's easy on and off, and fine for pets who won't wear anything with leg holes.
Cartoon classics
Rubie's Squirrel Pet Costume
Cats and dogs
Put your dog in the one thing they've spent their whole life chasing. Every other dog at the park will have questions.
Rubie's Acme Pet Costume
Dogs
Straight out of Saturday-morning cartoons. It's the priciest pick on the list, and the one most likely to get a "wait, is that...?" from the grown-ups.
Prices as of Sep 25, 2026, and they may change.
Before the photo shoot
Measure first. Check neck, chest and back length against the size chart on the listing. Sizes vary a lot between brands.
Do a trial run. Put it on for a minute a few days before, with treats. Short and positive beats a surprise on the night.
Watch their signals. Flattened ears, freezing, trying to back out of it or scratching at it all mean they're done. Take it off. The photo can be the costume on the floor next to them.
Keep them able to move and see. Nothing over the eyes, nothing tight around the neck, nothing they can chew off and swallow. Supervise the whole time it's on.
Love these picks? See what we'd pick for your pet.
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