140. Halloween Special: Pet Costumes, True Crime & Keeping Pets Safe

It’s Halloween on the Pets Add Life Podcast! Hosts Chris Bonifati and Kristen Levine celebrate spooky season with incredible pet costumes, custom stuffed-animal keepsakes, a true-crime podcast where animals help crack the case, and one of Brooklyn’s most beloved Halloween traditions. Plus, they share Halloween-themed products and important tips for keeping pets safe, comfortable and happy during the festivities.

Story Time features:

Kristen digs into the National Retail Federation’s 2026 Halloween survey, which projects Americans will spend $13.5 billion celebrating Halloween this year—including $920 million on pet costumes. Pumpkin remains the most popular pet costume, followed by hot dogs and ghosts.

Chris shares the inspiring story of Sammy, a 12-year-old Chiweenie from New Jersey who uses a wheelchair after a spinal injury left him with mobility challenges. Sammy has become a local celebrity and Halloween superstar, winning six consecutive pet costume contests with elaborate costumes built around his wheels—including an unforgettable Amazon delivery truck.

Special Guests:

Scott Meier, CEO of Budsies & Petsies

Scott Meier takes us behind the scenes at Petsies, where artists transform photographs of beloved pets into one-of-a-kind custom stuffed animals. He explains the detailed process of recreating everything from a pet’s markings and expressions to wheelchairs and Halloween costumes, and shares some of the emotional stories behind the keepsakes.

Scott also discusses the deeper meaning these creations can have for families—from college students missing a pet back home to people looking for something tangible to hold after losing a beloved animal—and his work alongside The Sato Project and Wings of Rescue helping rescued dogs and cats from Puerto Rico reach new homes.

Paula Quintana, Creator, Host & Producer of Dog Days of Murder

Paula Quintana brings true crime to the Halloween special with Dog Days of Murder, her podcast exploring real cases in which animals played a role in uncovering the truth. Alongside her canine co-host Ein the Corgi, Paula investigates cases involving everything from search dogs and forensic evidence to animals whose behavior provided investigators with an unexpected clue.

Paula shares how a conversation during a dog walk inspired the podcast, along with remarkable cases involving animals that helped save lives or connect investigators to crucial evidence.

Alana Davis & Courtney Cox, Great PUPkin Event Coordinators, Fort Greene PUPS

Alana Davis and Courtney Cox take us inside the Great PUPkin, Fort Greene Park’s legendary Halloween dog costume contest, now celebrating its 28th year.

Alana also shares the story of her dog Howie, a Chiweenie who uses a wheelchair and won Best in Show in 2021 after Alana and Courtney transformed his wheels into an elaborate New York City hot dog cart. After experiencing the Great PUPkin first as spectators and then as winners, Alana and Courtney went on to help organize the beloved Brooklyn tradition themselves.

Pet Product Recommendations:

SodaPup Halloween Collection – https://sodapup.com/collections/halloween-collection

BLUE Boo Bars Pumpkin & Cinnamon Dog Biscuits – https://www.bluebuffalo.com/dog-treats/blue/boo-bars-halloween-biscuits/

Q&A Topics:

With candy everywhere, decorations, candles and trick-or-treaters constantly at the door, Halloween feels like a minefield for pets. What are the biggest Halloween hazards we should watch out for, and is there anything people are often surprised to learn can be dangerous? (Submitted by Lisa from Hoboken, NJ)

My family loves dressing up our dog for Halloween, but sometimes I can’t tell if he’s enjoying it or just tolerating it. What signs tell you that a dog is uncomfortable in a costume, and how can we make dressing up safer and more enjoyable? (Submitted by Jason from Austin, TX)

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