STORY: Halloween went to the dogs in Peru on Friday (October 31) as furry companions strutted down a festive catwalk in a costume contest that inspired smiles and wagging tails.

Dressed as pirates, superheroes, bees, and even wearing wigs, pets and their proud owners gathered in Lima's Magdalena neighborhood to take part in the costume contest.

One nervous contestant lifted it's hind leg and relieved itself on the hem of the host's dress while on stage.

The activity was part of the Halloween Pets event, where 30 animal shelters brought some 80 dogs and cats for adoption and a vet-campaign, according to Magdalena’s mayor, Francis Allison.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

SHOWS: LIMA, PERU (OCTOBER 31, 2025) (REUTERS – Access all)

1. OWNERS WEARING HALLOWEEN COSTUMES WITH THEIR PETS IN STREET/ DOG APPROACHING CAMERA

2. DOG IN PIRATE COSTUME

3. DOG IN CLOWN PENNYWISE COSTUME

4. DOG IN RED TOP HAT

5. DOGS IN SQUID GAME COSTUMES

6. DOG IN BEE COSTUME

7. PARTICIPANTS QUEUING TO TAKE STAGE FOR THE CONTEST PARADE

8. (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) PARTICIPANT, KATERINE ALVA, SAYING:

"Firstly, animals are therapeutic. Psychologists generally recommend that a person have a pet because animals bring emotional stability and encourage you to exercise, as you have to walk them and play with them. They're part of the family, not simply pets; they become part of the family."

9. DOG IN FIONA COSTUME PARADING

10. DOG IN WONDER WOMAN COSTUME PARADING

11. DOG IN PRINCE COSTUME PARADING

12. DOG IN SQUID GAME’S COSTUME ON STAGE

13. DOG PEEING ON HOST’S FEET

14. DOG IN CHUCKY’S GIRLFRIEND’S COSTUME

15. DOG IN “CHAVO DEL OCHO” COSTUME

16. (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) SPOKESPERSON OF ANIMALIST UNION OF PERU, ERIKA YARAHUAMAN, SAYING:

"Today we're celebrating 'Halloween Pets' here in Magdalena. Since yesterday—the 30th and 31st—more than 40 animals have registered, including dogs. The contest took place today, and there were several prizes."

17. PARTICIPANTS AND OWNERS ON STAGE