The post Pumpkins and Hot Dogs: The Halloween Costumes Americans Pick Most for Their Pets first appeared on Crafting Your Home.
Halloween is not just for people anymore. Pet costumes have become part of the holiday celebration, and some classic looks continue to stand out among the choices owners make.
According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), Americans were expected to spend $860 million on pet Halloween costumes in 2025. The organization’s survey found that pumpkins remained the most popular choice, followed by hot dogs, with bumblebees, ghosts, and superheroes also appearing among the top selections.
The rankings come from an NRF consumer survey conducted from September 2–9, 2025. The percentages represent the share of surveyed consumers who planned pet costumes and selected each costume choice, not the percentage of all pets wearing those costumes.
Pumpkin: The Classic Halloween Favorite
The pumpkin costume took the top spot in NRF’s 2025 ranking, with 9.8% of respondents who planned pet costumes choosing the seasonal favorite.
It is easy to see why pumpkins remain a familiar Halloween choice. The look immediately connects with the holiday and offers a recognizable theme without relying on a frightening design.
For many owners, a pumpkin costume also fits the simple fun of Halloween photos and seasonal celebrations. Among the options included in the NRF ranking, the pumpkin stood out as the most selected choice in the survey.
Hot Dog: A Food-Themed Favorite
Coming in second was the hot dog costume, selected by 5.4% of surveyed consumers planning pet costumes.
The hot dog’s appeal comes from its playful idea: dressing a pet in a costume inspired by a familiar food. It has remained one of the most recognizable novelty costume choices in the NRF ranking.
While food-themed costumes can take many forms, the hot dog ranked highest in the 2025 survey results.
Bumblebee: A Cheerful Seasonal Look
The bumblebee costume ranked third, with 4.0% of respondents selecting it.
This choice offers a different style from the top two options, moving away from food themes while keeping a familiar, seasonal look. The bumblebee look provides a recognizable costume option for owners who want some