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Halloween, Other Holidays Give Owners Reason to Dress Up Dogs and Cats

Pet Age Staff//October 26, 2017//

Halloween, Other Holidays Give Owners Reason to Dress Up Dogs and Cats

Pet Age Staff //October 26, 2017//

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Lions and pumpkins and pirates, oh yes! This Halloween, don’t be surprised to see the streets and social media haunted by an increasing number of cute, costumed pets, according to market research firm Packaged Facts in the recent infographic “Top 4 Halloween Costumes for Dogs.”

The infographic is based on research published in the 2016 Packaged Facts report “Durable Dog and Cat Petcare Products in the U.S.”

As noted in the report, the pet apparel category lends itself to fun, whimsical products that are largely for the entertainment of pet owners looking to play dress-up with their dogs and cats. Costumes, pajamas, hats and scarves are all fun options to add to a pet’s wardrobe. Currently, about 13 percent of U.S. dog- or cat-owning households purchase apparel or fashion accessories for their pets, with dog owners dominating market share.

“If the pet humanization trend has taught us anything, it’s that more and more dog- and cat-owners are treating their pets like surrogate kids. And what proud parent doesn’t enjoy a good photo op?” says David Sprinkle, research director for Packaged Facts. “Holidays such as Halloween and Christmas provide pet parents, especially millennials, the perfect opportunity to have fun with their pets and show them off. This has helped fuel the ongoing boom in pet apparel and fashion accessories.”

Between 2011 and 2016, the market for apparel and fashion accessories designed for pets enjoyed a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of almost 4 percent, as sales increased to $285 million. Looking ahead to 2021, Packaged Facts forecasts this momentum will carry the market segment to even greater gains.

Packaged Facts predicts retailer competition will escalate, especially as the pet apparel market continues to extend to a wider range of animals such as guinea pigs and rabbits.