Topeka Best Pets will be holding their Annual Pet Costume Contest on Saturday, Oct. 30, and is open to all friends, furry, scaly, or feathery.  The contest, held at 910 N.W. 25th Street, across the street from Dillon’s grocery store and Little Caesar’s Pizza, will include four different categories, including scariest, cutest, looks most like owner, and most original costume, as well as an overall winner.

Registration for the competition begins at 10 a.m. and the judging starts at 11.  Winners of each individual category receive a six-month supply of Royal Canin or Science Diet food, and the overall winner will collect a $50 gift certificate to the store.

Memory Makers photography will be in attendance to take pictures of pets in and out of costume with orderable prints.

The store opened Nov. 29 of last year.  The owners, Chris and Maribeth Hamilton have been in the pet store business for over 20 years, having owned and operated a separate store since 1989, before selling it last year. The store offers everything from adorable puppies, edible crickets, exotic birds, reptiles, and marine and freshwater fish.  A large variety of leashes, treats, chew toys, collars and victuals can be found.

“It’s going to be a whole bunch of fun,” said employee and clothed-animal advocate Elizabeth Michelle Tipton.   “We’re trying to put our name out there.  Maribeth and Chris Hamilton felt the need for there to be a quality pet store in all of Topeka.”