We're seeing it on the sidewalks, at the mall and at pet-specific parties: Pet owners are making their dogs into fashion accessories — bringing them down the street and into social situations when they're all dolled up.

Dressed in pink ballet clothes, nails painted with paw prints, riding a pimped-out stroller that reads "bad to the bone," or sporting matching outfits with their owners, our furry friends are becoming styled icons of ourselves. Which prompted us to ask: Why?

"Pet parents adore their dogs as their child and they truly are a part of your family, so why wouldn't you get them dressed up before you take them out to play and visit their friends?" said Valerie Ragaza-Miao, owner of Valerie Joseph Boutique in Ala Moana Center, which has just started selling canine clothes.

Ragaza-Miao said she takes her poodle, Sukoshi, everywhere she can, including a recent "Dogs are sweeter than candy" event at her shop.

There are still naysayers who believe it's unnatural for man's best friend to put on threads — "It's more of a 'look at me, look at me' thing," said Paul Marietti, who owns two golden retrievers named Hope and Kimiko — but that's not stopping owners from dressing up their pets.

The Associated Press reported in June that half of all American pet owners consider their pets full members of the family, according to an AP-Petside.com poll. In turn, many "baby" their pets by prettying them up.

PETS AS AN ACCESSORY

Inspiration to dress dogs while expressing ourselves fashionably started with Hollywood movies and celebrities (think "Legally Blonde" and Paris Hilton), and stuck around because, well, it's fun for dog owners. But do dogs really need couture beyond their fur?

"I can't imagine dogs wearing clothes in Hawai'i," said Gerri Cadiz, president of the Hawaii Kennel Club.

A breeder of cocker spaniels, Cadiz said Hawai'i's warm weather makes dog clothes redundant.

Others think styling up dogs is just another way to express love.

"My baby Sukoshi loves wearing hoodies and onesies. In fact, each time he comes out of the salon he is neatly groomed, complete with a ribbon or feather accessory in his hair," Ragaza-Miao said. "So many more people are becoming parents of furry babies that share the same passion."

While big dogs can wear clothes too, it's mostly toy or "teacup" dogs that are dressed up and carried around by their owners.

Pomeranians, papillons and Chihuahuas are among the dogs classified as teacups. They have been popping up in doggie fashion shows at malls or pet stores more often, Cadiz said.

Douglas Chang, the director of veterinary medicine at the Aloha Animal Hospital Associates Inc., said midsize and smaller dogs, obtained mostly for companionship, are becoming more popular.

FUNCTIONAL FASHION

Lu Lu, a silky terrier, was used to running around without clothes on. But the chilly Hilo weather worried her owner, Jade Chun, who runs J2 Marketing Solutions for Pet Events Hawaii. Chun dressed her dog in a shirt — and set on a potential new trend.

"It's fun, it's cute, it's fashionable and it educates people," said Chun, who now lives on the North Shore.

By education, Chun means getting people more aware of healthy lifestyles and accessories for dogs — including shirts, shoes to combat hot sidewalks, "Doggles" (goggles for dogs) to keep dust out of Fido's eyes during car rides, and even strollers.

Tammy Kubo, owner of Hawaii Pet Nannies, said a shirt helped one of her clients, a fluffy white Samoyed named Mattie, avoid scratching exposed skin patches.

"The dog didn't mind it at all," Kubo said.

GETTING INTO IT

Owners typically start dressing up their dogs as pups, so the pets grow used to it. But certain clothes can really irritate them — such as hats with tight rubber bands, which can chafe, or sealed pants, which interfere with bodily functions.

"You'll have to balance the 'cuteness factor' with safety issues," said Chang, the veterinarian. "Strings could choke them up like baby infants."

Caretakers have a responsibility to act as responsible parents.

Liane Onaga, owner of Fauna Collections, which stocks clothes for pets, advises that owners get clothes that are stretchy, durable, comfortable and appropriate for the season. It's also a good idea to pay attention to the materials used, as some can provoke pet allergies.

LET THE DOGS OUT

While pug owner Dawn Kim doesn't dress up her dog, she enjoys taking her pet to social occasions.

In her experience, Hawai'i is not a very pet-friendly place, she said — so it's important for her to support events that welcome her dog.

"I always encourage dog friends to get together," she said. "We like to expose Phoebe to many experiences because it's very important for dogs to get a chance to socialize instead of staying at home all the time."

Kim and other dog owners say hanging out with friends while including your pet is the rewarding part.

"If you don't socialize your dog with other (dogs), it'll be assertive," said Marietti, the golden retriever owner.

Private and public pet events range from family birthdays to public costume parties, including a Dog Day Afternoon event at Koko Marina tomorrow that includes a "Harry Paw-tter" dress-up contest.

Many pet owners said dogs need a chance to get out and about, too.

"These dogs are like family to me, I take them with me everywhere," Chun said.