National Dress Up Your Pet Day (Jan 14): Cute Outfit Ideas + Pet Costume Safety Tips
Atamjeet Kaur
Halloween may have passed, but there is another reason to dress up your pet in fun ways. Today is National Dress Up Your Pet Day, and if you play it right, it could be as fun as your pet’s birthday!
National Dress Up Your Pet Day is celebrated every year on January 14—aka the perfect excuse to break out the pet bandana, snap a few photos, and make your dog or cat the main character for a minute. The best dress-up moments are quick, low-pressure, and full of treats. If your pet isn’t having fun, it’s not worth it.
Below is a simple guide to celebrate with dog costume ideas, cat costume ideas, and a safety-first checklist that keeps things comfy.
What is National Dress Up Your Pet Day?
This unofficial pet holiday was founded in 2009 by celebrity pet lifestyle expert and animal behaviorist Colleen Paige. The idea is to celebrate pets, share joy online (often with #DressUpYourPetDay), and keep animal welfare front and center.
Before you dress up: a pet costume safety checklist
A “safe” outfit is one that your pet can move in like normal.
- Fit = freedom. Your pet should walk, sit, lie down, and potty normally. No tugging at the neck, chest, or belly.
- Don’t block senses. Avoid masks or pieces that restrict breathing, vision, or hearing.
- Avoid chewable parts. Buttons, strings, and plastic accessories can become choking hazards if swallowed.
- Watch for stress signals. If your pet freezes, hides, pants hard, or paws at the costume nonstop, skip it.
- Overheating is real. Keep sessions short and indoors if your pet runs warm (or is a thick-coated/flat-faced breed).
- Supervise 100%. Costumes are for photos—remove them for naps, crates, and unsupervised time.
How to pick an outfit your pet will actually tolerate
Start with the lightest option and “level up” only if your pet stays relaxed:
Bandana → bow tie/collar flower → lightweight shirt → dog sweater or hoodie → pet pajamas (indoors)
Choose soft, breathable fabric and a size for comfort. If you’re between sizes, go slightly larger so nothing rubs or pinches.
10 easy outfit ideas (low-stress, high-cute)
These work especially well for quick photos, TikTok/Reels clips, and “matching outfits” content.
- Classic bandana (the universal crowd-pleaser).
- Bow tie for instant formal vibes.
- Cozy dog sweater for winter walks and a quick porch photo.
- Pet hoodie + “street style” leash shot.
- DIY cape hero (attach to a harness, not a collar).
- Tiny chef apron for one kitchen pic, then off.
- WFH look: a little tie + laptop background.
- Matching pet-and-owner outfits: same color hoodie or flannel.
- Pajama party: pet PJs + blanket fort = calm indoor content.
- Accessory-only costume: wings/hat/headband for one shot, then remove.
HardyPaw tip: If clothing goes over a harness, double-check for rubbing at the chest and underarms, then reward with a cozy recovery nap.
Make it a tradition: photo tips that actually work
Use natural window light, shoot at the pet's eye level, and keep it under five minutes. Cue attention with a treat next to your phone camera, take a burst of photos, then reward immediately. If your pet won’t pose, switch to “action shots” (walking, sniffing, sitting) instead of forcing a still.
Wrap-up
National Dress Up Your Pet Day is best when it’s simple: a safe outfit, a quick photo, and a happy pet who gets paid in treats. Bookmark this for January 14, and make it your annual tradition.
FAQs
Q1: When is National Dress Up Your Pet Day?
A: National Dress Up Your Pet Day is celebrated every year on January 14, making it an easy annual tradition for photos, treats, and fun.
Q2: Who started National Dress Up Your Pet Day?
A: The holiday was founded in 2009 by Colleen Paige, a celebrity pet lifestyle expert and animal behaviorist known for creating pet-themed holidays.
Q3: Is it safe to dress up my dog or cat?
A: It can be safe if the outfit fits comfortably, doesn’t block breathing or senses, avoids small parts, and is supervised.
Q4: What if my pet hates costumes?
A: Skip full costumes and choose a bandana or bow tie for one quick photo, then remove it and reward calmly.
