Make an E.T. look your dog can move in: use a lightweight brown or tan vest, cape, or back panel, then add a few flat, soft details such as large felt eyes and an optional red chest accent. Keep the face, legs, breathing, and leash access clear. If you would rather skip sewing, the Rubies E.T. Pet Costume is a ready-made option—but it still needs to fit comfortably and be supervised.
Choose a dog-friendly E.T. design
E.T.’s recognizable look comes from a combination of human and animal features, not a particular costume shape. PBS NOVA’s discussion of the character encourages creators to study how animals move when developing an alien personality. For a dog, that makes a simple interpretation more practical than a rigid full-body replica: use a soft brown or tan layer as the base, then add expressive eyes or a small red “heart” detail.
A cape, vest, or panel resting on the dog’s back can carry the visual joke without covering the face or restricting the shoulders. A rounded headpiece is optional; leave it out if your dog dislikes anything near its head.
What you need
- Lightweight fabric or fleece for the base layer.
- Soft felt for eyes and other facial details.
- Hook-and-loop fastener or suitable elastic for an adjustable, removable closure.
- Blunt, secure stitching; optional reflective material or leash-compatible details.
StarWars.com’s official DIY pet-costume example uses materials including fleece, felt, cardboard, fabric or elastic, hot glue, and hook-and-loop fastener. For a real dog’s costume, favor the lightest comfortable build and avoid hard or sharp components, loose decorations, and anything the dog could chew off. Do not rely on glue alone to secure a detail that could detach.
#1 Best Overall
- OFFICIALLY LICENSED UNIVERSAL STUDIOS: This E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial dog costume is an officially licensed Universal Studios product, celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the iconic film with an accurate character-inspired design.
- ATTACHED HOOD COMPLETES THE E.T. LOOK: A character-inspired hood is sewn onto the costume body to replicate E.T.'s iconic appearance, giving your dog a recognizable Extra-Terrestrial look for Halloween or themed events.
- SOFT MACHINE WASHABLE POLYESTER: Made from ultra-soft, lightweight 100% polyester fabric designed for extended comfort during Halloween wear, and can be laundered in the washing machine on a cold cycle then line dried.
- ORDER UP FOR THE RIGHT FIT: This is a Size Medium costume and runs small compared to standard dog apparel, so ordering one size up from your dog's regular measurements is recommended to achieve a comfortable, well-fitting result.
- DESIGNED FOR EXTRA SMALL BREED DOGS: This Size Medium Halloween dog costume is tailored for the smallest breeds and features lightweight polyester construction with an attached hood that does not restrict movement or vision.
Make the costume
- Measure your dog standing naturally. Measure neck circumference, chest or girth, and the length from neck to tail. Compare all three with the pattern or product size chart; do not choose a size based on breed or weight alone.
- Draft a vest or cape. Leave generous room at the shoulders and keep the design clear of the collar or harness, leash attachment, legs, and face. Check that your dog can walk, sit, and rest without the fabric pulling or shifting into the airway.
- Add a few E.T. details. Attach large felt eyes or other soft details flat against the fabric. Add a small red chest accent if desired. Keep each piece light and firmly secured; a headpiece should be used only if your dog comfortably tolerates it.
- Make removal quick. Use an adjustable hook-and-loop closure. Avoid ties that could tighten, dangling cords, hard edges, and small detachable decorations.
- Check the fit before adding wear time. Fasten the costume and check for rubbing, pressure, slipping, or blocked movement. Make sure the collar or harness and leash remain accessible.
Introduce it safely
Costumes should be comfortable, easy to remove in an emergency, and loose enough for normal movement and breathing. American Humane Society guidance also calls for conditioning and training animals to wear costumes. The American Kennel Club warns against toxic decorative materials and choking hazards, and says a costume must not interfere with seeing, hearing, breathing, walking, or resting. AAHA emphasizes that suitability depends on both the individual pet and the costume, and recommends dressing only pets accustomed to clothing.
- Let your dog inspect the costume, then try it indoors for just a few seconds.
- Reward calm behavior and increase the time gradually only while your dog stays relaxed.
- Supervise every wear session. PetMD veterinarian Sandra C. Mitchell recommends measuring the dog, removing loose chewable pieces, and treating costumes as supervised-only items.
- Remove the costume immediately if your dog resists, overheats, cannot move normally, or tries to chew it.
American Humane Society’s published production guidance states: “Costuming and/or props for animals shall be made available to American Humane Society for inspection prior to filming.” That is production guidance, not a claim that a costume made at home has been inspected; the practical home priorities are fit, comfort, supervision, and quick removal.
Rank #2
- COSTUME INCLUDES: E.T. Pet Costume
- OFFICIALLY LICENSED: E.T. THE RIGHT FIT: Pet size medium (11-20LBS), when deciding size, note costumes run smaller than apparel. Refer to the size chart and sizing video before choosing. Do not select size based on breed alone, as fit may vary.
- IMPORTANT DETAILS: E.T. "walkie" pet costume features a step in hooded shirt with faux arms and legs
- EVERY DAY IS AN OCCASION: Great for Halloween, themed parties, festivals, cosplay events, or anytime, because life is more fun in costume.
- COSTUME DESTINATION: Rubies aims to spark joy and creativity worldwide as your go-to destination for expertly crafted costumes, accessories, and all celebration needs
Make it yourself or buy a ready-made costume?
| Option | What it offers | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| DIY vest, cape, or back panel | You control the fit, weight, color, and details, and can simplify the look to suit your dog’s tolerance. | Measure before cutting; keep the design light, secure, and easy to remove. |
| Rubies E.T. Pet Costume | Petco lists this officially licensed costume as polyester, with a walking costume and headpiece secured by hook-and-loop closure. | Measure your dog and check Petco’s current size chart before ordering. The listed small size is for a 17-inch minimum and maximum girth and an 11-inch neck-to-tail length; those dimensions describe that size listing, not a general fit recommendation. |
Buying saves sewing time, but a packaged costume still needs an individual fit check. If its headpiece, coverage, or fastening does not suit your dog, leave it off or choose a simpler alternative.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 【Funny Design】The funny dog costume is a padded body with additional padding arms and trousers sleeves. The clothes has a knife-shaped attachment that enhances fear and tension but is also very cute, sticks firmly to the costume but is adjustable or removable. With a funny look, this dog costume is a good choice for your pets!
- 【SUPERIOR MATERIAL】Made of breathable,soft and skin-friendly cotton and polyester fiber, they make the dog feel comfortable all the day.
- 【Easy to Wear】Two slings are designed on the clothes, the neck and chest of costume is designed with user-friendly to make it convenient to adjust suitable size for cats or puppy, easy to wear and take off, ensure your pet is more comfortable to wear.
- 【Used Widely】A good choice, whether for holiday or daily wear. Especially suitable for Halloween birthday parties, masquerade parties and any other parties, your dog will be the focus of the party.
- 【SIZE】Size S : Chest girth: 16"-20'', Neck girth: 12"-14'', Back Length:10", Suggest weight: 10-22 lb; Size M : Chest girth: 20"-24'', Neck girth: 14''-16", Back Length:11", Suggest weight: 22-44 lb; Size L : Chest girth: 24"-28'', Neck girth: 16''-20", Back Length:12", Suggest weight: 44-66 lb; Size XL : Chest girth: 28"-32'', Neck girth: 20''-24", Back Length:14", Suggest weight: 66-80 lb. Please measure the measurements carefully and choose the most suitable product for your pet.
Rank #4
- He is a proud lion, as least he thinks so-- just dress your dog up with these most realistic & best-fitting dog halloween costumes and give him the heart of a lion. Now he is no more a dog but noble king of the jungle! Show time for him!
- Let him join the Halloween together with you-Whether it’s Halloween, Christmas, dog shows or any parties, don’t forget about your dog friend, let him join us with this funny dog costumes. Your pet dog will always be set to be the most eye catching one of the event!
- Easy to put on and fits most MEDIUM TO LARGE sized dogs – This lion mane from is designed to fit perfectly for medium to large sized dogs like German Shepherd, Rottweiler, Labrador, Hound, Boxer, or Golden Retriever. Compatible neck size for dogs ranges from 60 cm to 80 cm
- Decent quality and light weight- Our best friend deserves the best gift for him.The mane is made of top quality soft long plush which is eco-friendly and does not release colors. It is lovely to feel with non-irritable soft touch for your pet.
- Easy to wash-- No need to worry about clean issues. These apparel can either be washed by hand or washing machine as the material is quite durable and well made.
Rank #3
- OFFICIALLY LICENSED UNIVERSAL STUDIOS: This E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial dog costume is an officially licensed Universal Studios product, celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the iconic film with an accurate character-inspired design
- ATTACHED HOOD COMPLETES THE E.T. LOOK: A character-inspired hood is sewn onto the costume body to replicate E.T.'s iconic appearance, giving your dog a recognizable Extra-Terrestrial look for Halloween or themed events
- SOFT MACHINE WASHABLE POLYESTER: Made from ultra-soft, lightweight 100% polyester fabric designed for extended comfort during Halloween wear, and can be laundered in the washing machine on a cold cycle then line dried
- ORDER UP FOR THE RIGHT FIT: This is a Size Extra Extra Large costume and runs small compared to standard dog apparel, so ordering one size up from your dog's regular measurements is recommended to achieve a comfortable, well-fitting result
- DESIGNED FOR EXTRA SMALL BREED DOGS: This Size Extra Extra Halloween dog costume is tailored for the smallest breeds and features lightweight polyester construction with an attached hood that does not restrict movement or vision
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