Janis Carleton-Allen - Vintage Clothing Hatpins & Costumes

The very first thing to do before you start designing your pet costume is ensuring that your pet is going to be comfortable. When trying the clothes on or measuring make sure that you have your pet in a coolish area as not to overheat. These are delicate little creatures which can overheat & even die suddenly from heat stroke. By observation of them in the heat you will notice that they will lay on their bellies fully stretched out to cool down, this is even on a day when it is not overly hot to us. Always use a cotton fabric for the underneath of the clothing, this will help to keep them more comfortable, do not make the costumes that cover the pets legs as this is very restricting for them, it may look cute, but it's not fun for them.  Allow yourself alot of spare time to begin the task of dressing your pet, if your guinea pig/cavy/hamster does not like to have clothing on do not become frustrated with your pet. Only allow short periods of wearing their costumes for photo taking.

 Our cavies enjoy the attention of being dressed up, they will wait patiently.

We give our cavies lots of fruit & vegies including treats of bananas, apples, they especially love celery.

I will be adding to this article shortly as time permits.