Ted in a pumpkin costume for Halloween
Oh, how we love dressing up our little ones in the family for Halloween. No, not the human kids in our household, but the four-legged furry children in our lives.
According to the data (National Retail Federation’s Halloween Consumer Spending Survey, 2015), Americans will spend a total of about $6.9 billion, or $74.34 per person. And for every $2.71, we spend on a kid’s costume, $1 will be spent on an outfit for the cat or dog.
With more than 179 million Americans planning to partake in Halloween festivities, up from 171 million last year, spending is slated to reach a record high in survey history. This year, consumers are expected to spend $9.1 billion, up from $8.4 billion in 2016 and $6.9 billion in 2015. 16 percent of consumers dressing their pet as a pumpkin.
Most Popular Pet Costumes:
1. Pumpkin
2. Hot Dog
3. Dog/Lion/Pirate
4. Bumble Bee
5. Devil
6. Batman character
7. Ghost
8. Witch
9. Star Wars character
There are animal-friendly events held all across the country that enable pet owners to strut their stuff. The 27th annual Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade in New York this past Saturday. CNN calls it “the largest dog costume parade in the world” with hundreds of dogs in costumes and thousands of spectators.
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On Sunday in Marina Vista Park in Long Beach, California, the 17th annual Haute Dog Howl’oween Parade featured more than 500 dogs dressed to the nines. A Boston Terrier named Lucy dressed as the Cat in the Hat came away with top honors for the costume contest.
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So how about you? Did you or your dog(s) get more dressed up this year? Let me know and send a photo that I can share with other readers. HAPPY HALLOWEEN!