Halloween is the perfect time of year for pet parents to get a little creative. Dogs of all shapes and sizes make the cutest little ghosts, goblins, and everything in between during spooky season.
But if you’ve ever struggled to come up with a fresh costume idea, the dogs at the Washington Square Park Halloween Parade will give you endless options. One look at this lineup and you’ll have inspiration for years to come. The pet parents went all in, and the results were nothing short of incredible.
Check out the artistic genius in this TikTok shared on October 26:
The costumes were over-the-top in the best way. There was a Moulin Rouge moment, a pup dressed as a Keurig machine, and two fluffy Poms as spaghetti and meatballs. A Wednesday and Thing duo from “The Addams Family” made their appearance, and even an Elvis-inspired cart turned heads.
Related: 10 Funny Halloween Costumes for Dogs That’ll Make You Laugh
One of the most clever? A dog dad and pup pair hold a skull-and-bones sign that reads, “How do skeletons say hello?” with the punchline, “Bone Jour.”
With so many creative looks, choosing a winner couldn’t have been easy. But someone had to take the crown. The video’s creator @mickmicknyc shared, “The Guns N’ Roses 40th Anniversary pups took first place today, and Sushi closed the show with an honorable mention!”
Washington Square Park’s Annual Halloween Dog Parade
The Washington Square Park Halloween Parade has become one of New York City’s most beloved fall traditions, drawing dogs and pet parents from across the city. The event features a costume contest, themed activities, and some of the most imaginative looks you’ll see all season.
If you don’t want to miss out next year, keep an eye on their official site and social media for dates and entry details.
Otsphoto via Shutterstock
How to Help Dogs Feel Comfortable in Costumes
While Halloween is fun for us, costumes can sometimes make dogs uneasy. According to Manners for Mutts, the best way to help dogs feel confident is to introduce costumes slowly, using positive reinforcement with lots of praise and treats.
Start by letting them sniff and inspect the costume, then try it on in short increments. Always make sure your pup can move comfortably and isn’t stressed. After all, they should enjoy the spotlight as much as we enjoy seeing them in it.
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From spaghetti and meatballs to rock ‘n’ roll legends, this year’s Washington Square Park parade was a reminder that Halloween is just better with dogs.
This story was originally reported by Parade Pets on Oct 31, 2025, where it first appeared in the Pet News section. Add Parade Pets as a Preferred Source by clicking here.