Springfield residents dress up their pets for Yappy Howl-o-ween

Dog owners brought their furry friends to the park for live music, a costume contest, and special doggy treats.

“It’s so people can get out there and share some fun with their dogs and show off their little costumes,” said Sheila Snider, owner of  Wet Your Whiskers, a sponsor of Yappy Howl-o-ween.

PHOTO GALLERY: Yappy Howl-o-ween 

According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), $490 million is expected to be spent on pet costumes this year.

This is more than double of how much individuals spent on pet costumes in 2010.

The most popular pet costumes include:

“I think people are getting a lot more involved with their pets now a days,” said Snider. “Your younger people are having pets before children and your older people are living longer.”

This year was the first year for Yappy Howl-o-ween, hosted by the National Trail Parks and Recreation District. In years past, they have hosted Yappy Hours, a similar event without the costume contest.

These events allow individuals to take a break from their busy lives and spend time with their pets.

“Each year it tends to get bigger and bigger, more people are coming out,” Snider said. “It’s really just about making sure the dogs get a fair shake out there.”

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