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Stop scrolling. Look at your dog. Look at your cat.

Does he look a little... underdressed?

That is because today, Wednesday, January 14, is National Dress Up Your Pet Day.

Now, we know what you are thinking. "I didn't buy a costume. I am not ready."

Relax. You do not need a full lobster suit to participate. In fact, most pets prefer the low-maintenance approach.

Whether you have a Golden Retriever who loves the spotlight or a Tabby cat who is plotting your demise, here is your last-minute guide to celebrating the cutest holiday of the year (safely).

The Golden Rule: Consent is Key

Before we start, a disclaimer: Read the room.

If your dog is wagging his tail? Go for it.

If your cat has flattened her ears and is making a low growling noise? Abort mission.

A cute photo is not worth a trip to the Urgent Care.

The "Shop Your Closet" Ideas (No Shopping Required)

You don't need to run to the pet store. You have everything you need in your hallway closet.

1. The "Business Professional":

• Grab an old tie or a clip-on bowtie.

• Loosely drape it around their neck.

• Caption: "He has a meeting at 2:00 PM about the lack of treats."

2. The "Bandit":

• Use a regular human bandana.

• Tie it loosely.

• Caption: "Here to steal your heart (and your sandwich)."

3. The "Intellectual":

• Do you have reading glasses? (Or sunglasses for a "Cool Guy" vibe).

• Gently rest them on their nose for 2 seconds—just long enough to snap the pic.

The Secret Weapon: High-Value Bribery

If you want them to sit still while wearing a scarf, you need to pay them. Dry kibble won't cut it today. You need the "High Value" currency.

• The Recommendation: Stewart Freeze Dried Beef Liver Treats

• Why they work: They smell strong. They are single-ingredient (pure meat). Dogs (and even pickier cats) go absolutely insane for them. It is the only way we get a non-blurry photo in this house.
  Shop Freeze Dried Liver Treats on Amazon

For Next Time: The "Low Stress" Accessory

If you realized today that your pet actually likes the attention, grab this for the future.

• The Gear: A Pet Mane Wig

• Why: It turns your dog (or large cat) into a Lion. It sits comfortably on their head like a hat, doesn't restrict their legs, and is objectively the funniest thing you will ever spend $12 on.
  Shop the Lion Mane on Amazon.

Show Us Your Fur Babies!

We want to see the outfits! (And the fails).

Snap a photo of your dressed-up pet and tag us on Instagram and Tiktok @OnManyOccasions.  

We will be resharing our favorites all day long!

Happy Pet Day!

Don't Miss the Next Fun Day

January is heating up!

Next week brings National Popcorn Day (Jan 19) and National Hugging Day (Jan 21).

Make sure you never miss a moment by downloading our Free 2026 Celebration Calendar.