Camp Bow Wow® Reveals America’s Most-Searched Dog Halloween Costumes

Camp Bow Wow
Published: October 6th, 2026

Expert offers tips for safely dressing up dogs for Halloween, plus other safety callouts

October 06, 2026 // Franchising.com // WESTMINSTER, Colo. – Camp Bow Wow®, the leading dog daycare and boarding franchise, found that pet parents across the country are relishing one costume above all others this Halloween, according to Google Trends search data: the hot dog.

Rounding out the top 10 dog costume Google searches are chicken, shark, spider, princess, ghost, dinosaur, pumpkin, dragon and lion. Pet parents are expected to spend nearly $1 billion on pet costumes this year, according to the National Retail Federation.

Halloween enthusiasm is especially high in some parts of the country, with Wyoming leading the nation in searches for dog Halloween costumes, followed by New Hampshire, Utah, California and Colorado.

With costume plans underway, Camp Bow Wow is sharing expert tips to help pups stay safe and comfortable throughout the holiday.

“Halloween is one of the most fun times of year to celebrate with our dogs, but a great costume should never come at the expense of their comfort or safety,” said Holle Janzen, senior manager of training at Camp Bow Wow. “Whether your pup is dressing up for trick-or-treating or staying cozy at home, a little planning goes a long way toward making the holiday enjoyable for everyone.”

Dog Halloween Costume Safety Tips from Camp Bow Wow’s Expert

• Make sure the dog can see. Avoid costumes with masks or anything that covers your dog’s eyes or blocks their vision. Your dog should be able to see clearly and move comfortably while wearing their costume.
• Get the right fit. Measure your dog instead of relying only on small, medium or large sizing. A costume that’s too tight can restrict movement or breathing, and one that’s too loose can trip your dog or get caught on something. If you’re taking your dog trick-or-treating, make sure there is enough room to attach and use their leash comfortably.
• Add reflective gear. If you’re heading out trick-or-treating after dark, consider a reflective collar, leash, vest or other gear so drivers, cyclists and other pedestrians can see your dog.
• Check for fire hazards. If your dog’s costume includes glow sticks or battery-powered lights, make sure all parts are secure and kept away from open flames like jack-o’-lanterns or candles. Choose flame-resistant materials whenever possible and never leave your costumed pup unattended near lit decorations.
• Skip the makeup and hairspray. Decorative dyes, face paint and color sprays made for people can be toxic if swallowed. Dogs tend to lick themselves and each other, so anything applied to their fur could end up in their stomach. Stick to costumes and accessories and avoid any coloring products not specifically labeled as pet-safe and nontoxic.

General Halloween Safety Tips

• Keep candy completely out of reach. Chocolate, sugar-free candy containing xylitol and other Halloween treats can be dangerous for dogs. Keep the candy bowl somewhere your dog can’t reach, and keep wrappers out of reach, too.
• Be extra careful around the front door. With trick-or-treaters coming and going, the front door will open often, which makes it easy for a dog to slip out. Consider keeping your dog behind a gate, in another room or securely leashed during peak trick-or-treating hours.
• Consider a Boo-cation. If your dog gets anxious around strangers, loud noises or the constant activity of Halloween night, consider sending them on a Boo-cation at Camp Bow Wow. While you enjoy the festivities, your pup can have a fun, enriching stay with activities designed to keep their body and mind engaged, including:
  
  • Play Pals: Games like fetch, tug-of-war and obstacle courses get dogs moving and help them burn off extra energy.
  • Sniff & Seek: Food puzzles and scent-based games, including ball pit exploration, hide-and-seek and scavenger hunts, keep their minds busy.
  • Snuggle Time: Calm activities like story or music time, belly rubs and head scratches help dogs wind down with some extra TLC.

To find a Camp Bow Wow location near you or book a Boo-cation, visit www.campbowwow.com.

About Camp Bow Wow®

Camp Bow Wow® is a leading dog daycare and boarding provider in the rapidly growing pet care industry, with over 225 units in 42 states and Canada. For more than 25 years, Camp Bow Wow has brought joy to dogs and pet parents with the highest level of safety, service and fun. In addition to daycare and overnight boarding, the company offers personalized enrichment opportunities, including the proprietary Pawsitive Start Jr. Program for puppy education and socialization, grooming services and a rewards-based dog training program. The Camp Bow Wow brand also includes the Bow Wow Buddies Foundation®, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing urgent medical care funds to rescue groups and pet parents who cannot afford their veterinary bills. Camp Bow Wow is part of the Propelled Brands® family of brands, a recognized leader in the franchising industry, and has been ranked on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 list for the past 17 years. To learn more about Camp Bow Wow, visit campbowwow.com.

SOURCE Camp Bow Wow®