How to Make a Pet Bed from Old Dresser Drawers

Recycling or re-purposing items such as an old drawer as a pet bed is a good use for an unwanted piece of furniture.

Pets are more popular and important than ever before. They are members of the family; our furry children and our best friends. We treat them like a person, buying expensive food, treats, clothing, and taking them with us on vacation. They can help keep one's sanity in these tough times and will love us when no one else will.

Another indulgence bestowed on our beloved companions is a wonderful place to sleep. No, sleeping on the bed is not an option since they may tend to take over the bed. Some owners may think an old blanket on the floor will suffice, but why do we always find them on the sofa when we return?

They want the softness and comfort that we want. Sleeping on a hard floor, is especially painful on the joints of an older pet. That's why a bed off the floor, or elevated bed would be a good choice for an older pet.

The most simple beds are not expensive to build. You can use some recycled materials in the garage or shed. Just look around and find some ideas. An old unused dresser will do the job. This article is intended for a small dog or cat or any other small domestic pet you may have.

Materials needed to make an elevated pet bed:

• old dresser drawer, approximately 22" x 18" x 8"
• old bed pillows
• pillow cases
• soft material such as velor or brush cotton towel
• 4 - 5 inch pegs or dresser legs
• glue sticks
• hot glue gun
• self sticking Velcro® tape
• 4 " heavy duty needle
• thick heavy duty thread or
• sewing machine
• heating pad

1. When you find an old dresser you want to use for this project, measure the size of the drawer and be sure it is at least 5 inches more than the size of the pet that will use it. In other words, place the pet in the drawer, and either measure tor draw an outline around them, lying down. You may need to hold them down, while doing this.

2. Lie the dresser on it's back and start to remove the legs, either by turning to unscrew or gently tapping them with a hammer.

3. begin to attach the legs at each corner under the drawer, with the hot glue

4. You may have to wait an hour or more for it to fully dry

5. Measure the edges of the material needed to cover the pillow(s). Cut the Velcro® strips for each edge

6. and either sew or hot glue the strips along all the edges of the material that will cover the pillow. (if you cannot find the self sticking kind)

7. Wait an hour for the legs on the drawer and Velcro® strips to fully dry and wrap the material around the pillow.

8. Insert the pillow into the raised bed and then place the cat or dog into the new bed. Let them get used to this; it may take a few tries to get them used to this. be sure to place a toy or something familiar to them. Their blanket with their own scent may help them to accept it faster.

9. You can have a heated pet bed by placing a heating pad under the pillow on colder days.

You may want to sand down the drawer if it is rough.No one wants to try to pull out a splinter from a crying pet.

Another idea is to paint it and put the pets name on it. Even though your pet is smart,they will not be able to read. It's strictly for your satisfaction.

Be sure to wash the cover each week, and have another one on hand. no one wants to smell a stinky pet blanket; especially the dog.

A foam pillow would be better than a feather pillow since it would retain it's shape. The feather pillow will flatten in a heartbeat.

You may want to cut one side of it, for easy entry for a pet that has trouble lifting their legs over the drawer edge.

You should also want to make sure legs are set before placing pet in drawer. Lastly, place bed away from traffic flow so someone doesn't trip over it