Important: Dogs in Halloween Costumes in Your Area

Are you certain that your beloved dachshund would outshine all the other dogs in their adorable Halloween hotdog costume? That the public must see your pug in a USPS mailman getup, delivering a little package?

Know that your instincts here are completely right and that yes, you should indeed enter your child in a Halloween costume contest or parade focused solely on pets — of which there are several throughout the Bay Area this weekend and next. (This reporter does not envy the job of the judges — because truly, we are all winners here.) 

Read more on what events are available — many of which are free — and be sure to check details before heading out, in case of any cancellations or delays because of weather. 

In preparation for spooky season celebrations, your pet can have their portraits taken for free at pet daycare and supply shop Expert Pet in the city’s Ingleside District. 

Be sure to reserve a spot on Eventbrite.

This canine-centric Halloween celebration in Mission Bay’s SPARK Social SF food truck spot is free to attend, although an RSVP on Eventbrite is required.

The event includes vendors, a pup cup eating race, a costume contest and a parade.

Also hosted by Ingleside’s Expert Pet, this party and dog contest offers a first prize of a goodie bag worth $100. There’ll also be treats and pet portrait sessions. The event is free, but be sure to RSVP on Eventbrite.

While the in-person contest is for dogs, there is a cat version online, in which the winner gets a $50 goodie bag. But you’ll need to have your feline’s picture taken at the shop’s free pet portrait sessions on Saturday.

The Santa Cruz Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is hosting these fearsome festivities at Aptos’ Seacliff Inn for free. 

Here, you can also meet dogs that are up for adoption, adding more members to your family (to dress up for next Halloween).

On Halloween night, the city of Sausalito is throwing a parade from around 5:45 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. 

Then, at 6:30 p.m., you’ll be treated to the dog costume contest, with categories like “Best Little Dog,” “Best Big Dog” and “Best Couple (human and dog).”

On Halloween Saturday, the Nob Hill Association is hosting a dog costume contest in Huntington Park. 

According to social media, no sign-up is required — so you can spontaneously show up.