Animals in Costumes: Cute or Cruel?

It’s that time of year again, when young and old alike shed their everyday clothes and transform into someone or something new. But it’s not just humans getting in on the fun of Halloween, animals also don costumes – sometimes whether the like it or not.

Some pets certainly do like their costumes and the attention they get from them. If puppies are trained to wear clothing, they can easily adapt to it.

Pets in costumes cause many people to squeal in delight at the sight of a pug pirate or a lab police officer. Animals in costumes are adorable, and if the animal is okay with it, what’s the big deal?

But, undoubtedly, many animals can’t stand costumes. They’re itchy, uncomfortable and can even be a safety hazard.

Some people think dressing your pet up in costumes, even if they like it, is simply ridiculous and embarrassing for the animal. Dogs and cats aren’t Barbie dolls, after all – they’re living, breathing creatures.

What do you think – is dressing pets up in costumes cute or cruel? Take the poll below and voice your opinions in the comments.

See Also: Cutest Pet Costumes?

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Miriam W.

4:04AM PDT on Apr 2, 2012

some are worse than others. some dogs need sweaters in colder weather. anything that goes beyond this constriction is unreasonable.

send a green star

Danuta W.

1:51AM PDT on Mar 30, 2012

cruel

Michele W.

3:00AM PDT on Mar 29, 2012

It is cruel!
I hate seeing animals in clothing, unless of course, they are wearing them for a reason such as illness.
They already have their fur, clothing is not needed.

Shirley C.

5:08PM PDT on Mar 27, 2012

I have never liked the idea of animals being subjected to being 'dressed up'. I believe they have a right to their dignity. The only time my dog is 'dressed' is when she is walked in cold weather. Then she has a coat on. Ideally, a coat should be introduced when your pet is a puppy. Introduce slowly, as with all things until it gets used to it.

Shirley

Elaine R.

3:23AM PDT on Mar 23, 2012

I think it is Cute if there are loads of photo's of animals wearing cute outfits it can break down a barrier where comes to animal cruelty more people will see animals as adorable and if an animal is being mistreated in their neighbourhood they will act upon it. the animal her/him is gettin love and attention and thriving on it if they don't want to wear they will soon tell you and then you respect their wishes hence buildin up communication

Joe R.

4:18PM PST on Feb 15, 2012

Silly.

Birgit G.

10:00AM PST on Jan 6, 2012

autsch - my owner trained me not to wear outfits, guess im not a good persian now? - I wonder if the owners better get some dolls and then get nice outfits to them - cause I hate it! Just the opinion of my beloved persian...

Brandi K.

6:44AM PST on Nov 23, 2011

Cruel & stupid. They are living, sentient beings, not dolls. If you want something that you can dress up in costumes & cute clothes, get a Barbie. Pets are living, breathing, animals that have no need for clothing. Dressing them up for your own entertainment is cruel.
As for coats & boots for animals, they are also cruel. If the climate where you live is too cold for your pet, maybe you picked the wrong breed. It is cruel to take an animal that is built for warm weather & have it in a place where you get feet of snow in the winter. Just like it is cruel to have an animal built for cold climates in very warm climates.

Viky X.

2:01PM PST on Nov 18, 2011

Depends. As for me, I'd say it's not really wise and smtimes even stupid (no offence meant.)
But if an animal like it, or if an animal really need it (in case of bad weather, rain, frost), --then it's just fine.

Sarah L.

6:04PM PST on Nov 11, 2011

Some like it some don't you can tell with there behavior, animals just want to be loved and cared for.