I was leafing through the circulars that arrive every week when I came across an item that really caught my attention. The Wal-Mart flyer had a section of Halloween costumes, which in itself is not unusual at this time of year. However these Halloween costumes were for dogs! I didn’t just fall off the turnip truck and I am aware that pet accessories are all the rage. I’ve seen all manner of clothing, shoes, boots, designer collars and leashes, even Victorian brass bed replicas with duvets, but Halloween costumes! Have we gone completely mad?

Wal-Mart is selling 3 styles - Tinkerbell, Peter Pan, or Jack Sparrow - in sizes from XS - XL for $14.93. Have a look for yourself.

Wal-Mart is a clever retailer and clearly knows what they are doing. They report that in 2007 their sales of Halloween costumes for dogs were 10 times higher than a year earlier. I checked the pet stores and low and behold they are all selling dog Halloween costumes. PetSmart has a Dog Halloween shop and a Cat Halloween shop.

I’d love to see someone get a Halloween costume on a cat.

There are thousands of sites online and offline dedicated to the sale of pet Halloween costumes. There is even a pet costume outlet called Muttropolis and a store just outside New York City that caters to an uber-upscale market. E&E Hallstrom Haute Couture sells high-end Halloween costumes for dogs ranging in price from $200 US to $240 US. Clearly there are lots of people around with way too much money and not much to do.

It all boggles my mind! When did dogs and cats stop being beloved pets and become dress-up dolls instead? Why would anyone want to put a Halloween costume on their pet? It can serve no purpose but to irritate your dog or cat. If you are planning to dress up your pet this Halloween, please tell me why.