I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: I’m a big fan of all things Halloween. From the creepy movies to the seasonal spooky finds, it’s a holiday that truly speaks to my soul—particularly as someone who feeds on creativity. I can’t help but relish in seeing all of the imaginative costumes the internet can dream up—particularly in this Godforsaken year of the COVID. While there was no shortage of genius human costumes to be seen in 2020 (I quite literally shrieked with joy at my cousin Jason and his wife Kristine’s turn as Dottie Hinson and Jimmy Dugan from A League of Their Own), I found myself especially enthralled by some of the ensembles donned by our furrier companions. That’s right, friends, I’m talking about pet costumes!
People went all out this year when it came to looks for their four-legged friends. I quickly fell into an Instagram rabbit hole, grinning from ear to ear over a sphynx Bride of Frankenstein, a mad scientist ferret, a Persian material girl and many, many more. In an effort to help brighten your day (and maybe even ease some of your impending election anxiety!), I’ve decided to compile a list of my favorites. Below, in no particular order, I give you the best of the best pet costumes of 2020!
She’s Alive!
I was absolutely blown away by the inventiveness behind this sphynx Bride of Frankenstein costume from @farrahpawcettofficial. (It is, in fact, the photo that inspired me to write this post!) Everything about Frank’s ill-fated mate, from the structured flowing gown and chiseled cheeks to the on-point props and hair-raising wig, was impeccably executed, making Farrah a bonafide scream queen.
The Force Is Strong With This One
Chewie the Chi, whom I more or less Instagram stalk on a daily basis (along with his 200,000+ other fans), melts my heart on a normal day with his adorable little underbite, but this little rescue pup served up some serious *lewks* this Halloween, including one from Dwayne Johnson’s pre-“Rock” days. *Squeals of delight entirely appropriate.*
The Material Girl
The Mad Scientist
With a white lab coat, a flurry of electric-white hair and a beaker full of experiments, Rhett the ferret (who just so happens to have a very talented photographer as his human), experimented with plenty of Halloween spirit this year. The result? Pure magic.
The Cutest Villain
Found at Instagram account @titanandlola, this little nugget may be dressed like the evil queen Maleficent, but I’ve got a sneaking suspicion that this Seattle-based Frenchie is as sweet as they come underneath those horns.
Sister Mary Walternate
I couldn’t have prayed up a better look than the one @walterbishopthecat served up as a fluffy nun. I have no clue how Walter’s owners managed to get him into a robe, a collar AND a habit to create this epic nun homage, but I’m so, so glad that they did.
This Tiny Ghost With the Most
Sure, I may be partial to Beetlejuice costumes (I did dress up as Lydia Deetz in her best bridal attire, after all), but I think we can all agree that little Krew here is definitely the ghost with the most.
Hereeeeee’s Chucky!
By now, you’ve undoubtedly seen a pup or two in the hilarious Chucky pet costume that’s taking over the interwebs, but none of them made me chuckle harder than Instagram star Tyson of @patch.molly_bulldogs fame, who demanded some snacks from his owner … or else. His sidekick, Molly, who donned some spirited garb of her own, also gave him a leg up over the competition.
Dynamic Duo
Dogs and cats aren’t the only animals who can pull off a fierce costume! Here to prove it are these tiny chickens from @happyhenhaven in Iowa, who made for a perfectly plucky pair as a little winged devil and angel.
Little Bo Peep
Little Bo Peep—a.k.a. @jolenethedollydoodle—may have lost her sheep, but she certainly found me as a fan with this darling nursery rhyme recreation. Just look at those gorgeous, flowing curls!
The Sweet Swashbuckler
Tiny Pirate Pablo is looking for loot in the form of a Halloween treat or two, and with that sweet face, who could refuse? Bonus points for that too-cute Halloween bucket dangling from his neck!
The Hopeless Romantic
This little lady, whose name is Heidi, stepped into the shoes of Say Anything‘s Lloyd Dobler and into the internet’s hearts with her boombox, khaki jacket and tousled mop. Check out the rest of her ingenious looks over at @heidis.wildlife.
The Artisté
Technically, @teddy4president donned this epic Bob Ross getup way back when in 2017, but between his rolled-up button-down, artist’s palette and the paintbrush stuffed into his breast pocket, it was simply too good not to include.
Long Live the Queen
Sadie the Frenchie gave Frozen‘s Queen Elsa a run for her money in this icy blue ensemble topped off with a snow-lined crown—all the better to accentuate those big “cuddle me” peepers.
A Royal Cutie
You can’t have a queen without a king, and our own baby boy, Sullivan (a.k.a. Chubs, a.k.a. Boo, a.k.a. Chunk), makes for the perfect ruler on high. Not only does he dictate my sleep schedule around his feedings, he claims all the primo lounging spots, both in the bed and on the couch, for himself, so it was only fitting to outfit him with the cape and crown he deserves—all he’s missing is a sceptre.
Which animal do you think took home the prize for best pet costume? Tell me in the comments below!
Xo, Nicole
