Along with human Halloween parades and parties happening this weekend, there will be pet costume soirees. What are the most popular pet costumes this Halloween? Petco predicts that foodie costumes, like tacos, hotdogs and even sushi will be huge. They’ve also launched a new Star Wars Pet Fans Collection that I got a preview of last month, that may catch on.

Norman the Scooter dog mugs for the camera with a "friend" sporting Yoga ears from the Star Wars Pet Fans Collection at this year's Barkworld Expo.

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Making your pet standout in a sea of hamburger and pumpkin costumes can be daunting. Petco advises that personality should be a criteria in choosing a costume that will make your pet pop.

All pets are not alike. Some pets are shy, some are divas and others love attention. Letting a pet’s personality shine in their Halloween costume is a great way to stand out from the crowd.

Safety and comfort should also be of importance. Here are some additional tips from Lori Morton-Feazell, Director of Animal Care, Education & Compliance at Petco:

  • Get the Right Size: One size does not fit all! A Chihuahua and a Great Dane have different needs. Children’s clothing should never be put on pets. Clothes that don’t fit properly could potentially choke a pet or get caught on something, trapping a pet. Children’s costumes often have stronger elastic, which would irritate a dog around the head and neck areas.

  • Pay Attention to Fabric:Take a closer look at your pet’s costume and make sure it does not have small, dangling or easily chewed-off pieces that it could choke on. Also, ill-fitting outfits can get twisted on external objects or your pet, leading to injury.
    Avoid costumes held in place by rubber bands, which can be uncomfortable and, more importantly, rubber bands mistakenly left on a pet can quickly burrow into the animal’s skin and cause injury. Additionally, rubber bands in the wrong place can choke a bird.
  • Get Your Costume in Advance: Purchase your Halloween outfit or costume well in advance and allow your pet to try it out at home on several occasions. Dress your pet right before an event. If participating in a costume parade or contest, dress your pet just before the line-up, as some costumes can be warm. Take plenty of water along for your pet to lap up. Keeping your pet hydrated is very important.