Did you know our Halloween tradition originated with the ancient Celtic festival Samhain, when people lit bonfires and wore costumes to ward off ghosts? We imagine your pet likes to avoid ghosts as much as you do. So here are five fun DIY Halloween costumes to get your furry friend in the Halloween spirit.

#1: Pet Ewok

Remember the cuddly tree-dwelling Ewoks from the Star Wars movie, The Return of the Jedi? If your dog’s coat is a curly match, you can turn them into an Ewok this Halloween. To be fair, it’s technically a teddy bear outfit and you’ll have to sacrifice a stuffed bear for this super cute costume. You can either steal one from your child or find a used teddy bear at a second-hand store.

Materials:

• Teddy bear or similar stuffed toy that’s as tall as your dog
• Backup plan: you can buy a Pandaloon that turns any colour pet into a walking panda or teddy bear. Visit Pandaloon here.

#2: Spider Pet

Cute by day and spooky by night, this spider pet costume is cheap and easy to make, and good for pets who don't like wearing costumes. All you’ll need is a quick trip to the craft store or dollar store and you’ll be all set. Just be careful around people who are easily scared—in dim light, this costume could feel like you’re watching the spider head in The Thing.

Materials:

• Collar
• Thick pipe cleaners that match your pet’s colour (the costume works best with black pipe cleaners that match black fur)

#3: Martini Pet

We love this martini pet costume. Note that it only works for pets who don't mind wearing a cone collar (or if your pet is already wearing one). You can make the olives and the olive pick with objects you have at home or get from the craft store.

Materials:

• Clear plastic Elizabethan collar (a.k.a. a cone collar, E-collar or the cone of shame)
• Styrofoam balls
• Non-toxic green and red paint
• Wooden dowel to serve as the martini olive pick

#4: Pet lion

Do you like to knit? Then turn your pet into a lion king! This works best on light-brown and golden dogs or cats. And as this is only a headpiece, there’s a better chance your cat will tolerate wearing it versus a full-body costume. To complete the lion's mane, you’ll need some medium-weight yarn, circular knitting needles, and a crochet hook. Here’s how to make a lion costume for your pet.

Materials:

• Yarn and needles (if you’re knitting), or
• Faux fur, paper, tape, soft lycra, and velcro strips if you’re making this faux fur lion costume

#5: French chef

Your cat or dog will be the cutest chef in the kitchen this Halloween. First, you’ll create a mini version of a chef’s toque blanche, then turn some red fabric into a jaunty neckerchief (or foulard désinvolte as the French would say). Magnifique! Read the DIY tutorial here.

Materials:

• Clear tape
• White card stock
• White tissue paper
• Red cotton fabric square, at least 18" (45 cm) long and 6" (15 cm) wide
• Iron
• Red matching thread
• Scissors
• Ruler
• White elastic cording
• Hook-and-loop tape

Completely cover your pet this Halloween

There you are: five fun ways to disguise your pet this Halloween. Of course, the best way to cover your pet is with insurance (see what we did there?) in case they need veterinary care and treatment for accident, injury, or illness.

You’ll get peace of mind that your furry friend (and your wallet) are protected by BCAA Pet Insurance through our partnership with Pets Plus Us. BCAA Members save money, too, as Members automatically save 13.5%*.

Learn more about BCAA’s new pet insurance partner Pets Plus Us and get an online quote today. Happy Halloween!