Halloween costumes for pets are bought for photographs, and there is nothing wrong with that as long as everybody is honest about it. The spider suit does that job well: a body sitting over the back with legs that dangle and bob as the animal moves, which is exactly what makes the picture work. It goes on in seconds and comes off just as quickly, and that second part is half of what makes a costume a good one.

It is sized S, M and L, and the fit is decided by chest measurement rather than by weight or by the size of collar your dog wears. Take a tape round the deepest part of the chest, just behind the front legs, and compare that against the size guide before ordering. A costume tight across the chest restricts breathing, and one that is too loose gets stood on. Small dogs and cats are the intended wearers.

• Spider costume with dangling legs
• Available in S, M and L
• Sized on chest girth measured behind the front legs
• Suits small dogs and cats
• Quick to put on and take off
• Supervised wear only

Costumes are for short spells. Never leave one on an unattended animal, overnight, in a crate or during rough play, and take it straight off if your pet freezes, flattens or tries to back out of it. Some cats and dogs will not tolerate clothing at all, and that is a preference to respect rather than something to train out in one evening.

Who it's for: Owners with a relaxed, dressing-up-tolerant small dog or cat, and a party or a photograph already in the diary.