How to Make a Pet House: Ideas For Your Pet to Feel at Home

Don’t worry about spending lots of money at a pet store or hiring a professional to help you. With some creativity and few supplies, you can build a house that prioritizes your pet’s comfort and security. No matter what type of pet you have, these DIY examples will help you build your pet’s sanctuary at home.  

Why Is It Important For Pets To Have Their Own Space?

Just like people, pets need their own spaces to relax. Pets like to have their own special spaces to lower their anxiety and stress. Pet houses can even help contain fur since the pet house can help set boundaries for pets indoors. It can also be used to confine pets to a less desirable area outside, like the garden, when they are playing outside.

Deciding on a Location and Measurements

Location and size for the pet house should be decided before any actual building begins. Indoor pet houses are best for calm spots and warm corners. Those would be locations like a tucked away, quiet zone like under the stairs, or close to a radiator. For outdoor pet houses, consider the placement of a pet house near a tree or under a roof, for elemental protection.

Another aspect to watch out for when providing a comfortable space for your pet is the size. Your pet should be able to stand straight and turn around without any restriction. Measure the distance from your dog’s nose tip to the base of their tail while they are standing. Next, while your dog is seated, take a measurement from the floor to the tips of their ears. A pet house should be cozy, but it should never be cramped.

Materials You’ll Need

DIY pet houses are easy to build and highly customizable. You can use a variety of materials, including reclaimed wood, sturdy cardboard boxes, and plastic storage containers. If you are building a pet house for outdoor use, make sure that the materials you use can stand the weather, like wood or other water-resistant materials.  To provide some comfort and insulation, you can use cushions, foam pads, or blankets. If the pet house is outdoors, you can use Dibond panels for the roof or walls, as it is great for that since it is waterproof and will not warp or lose shape.

Simple DIY Ideas for All Skill Levels

Cardboard Castle (beginner)

You can make this DIY house for pets without using any tools. Just find a large cardboard box, cut a hole on one side for a door, and decorate the outside to your liking. Your furry friend will love it, regardless of your decorating skills. Just make sure you are using non-toxic paint.

Wooden Crate Conversion (intermediate)

If you have any wooden wine crates or vintage fruit crates, you can make a lovely pet house (cats and small dogs) using that material. Just put a hinged top on it to make it a roof, and add some furniture legs to raise it off the ground. This will keep your pet from getting cold.

Pallet Dog House (advanced)

If you want to make a DIY dog house and have some larger, outsized outdoor projects, shipping pallets are great construction material because they are strong and cheap. They will need to be taken apart, nails removed, and then reconstructed into a box (with four walls and no roof, so use a sloped roof). Make sure there are no gaps where any of your dog’s paws could get stuck. It is highly recommended that the floor is elevated by using bricks and that a waterproof layer is added underneath the roofing material. 

Essential Features for Ultimate Comfort 

When it comes to designing a comfortable space for your pet to live in, there are many different ways to go about designing it and making it inviting for your pet. 

For example, you should incorporate ventilation into your pet house by either installing air holes or windows at or near the top of your pet’s house. Additionally, having an elevated floor will allow your pet to be out of moisture and cold, which is especially important if your pet’s house is located outdoors. 

If your pet’s house is located outdoors, then the entrance to the house should always be facing away from the wind. You will need to provide insulation, especially if you plan to use it year-round. This can be accomplished through lining your walls with non-toxic, safe foam boards or other types of recycled materials. Having a washable surface underneath your pet’s feet will also help during cleaning times.

Personalization and Final Touches

Your creativity is really going to come into play at this point. Once you’re done building that pet house, your furry buddy is gonna love it, mostly for everything you’ve done to make it feel like home. You could just do something simple, like paint their name over the door. Or, you could add some fake flowers and make a cute little porch.

Other things could be added if your pet house is indoors. You could add fairy lights (that your pet cannot reach) to provide some soft lighting, or you could paint the inside of the pet house to match your room. If your pet house is outside, you may want to put a small awning above the front door and/or feeding station.

Maintenance

Regardless of what design you choose, your pet house will require ongoing maintenance and that means you will need to change your pet’s bedding at least once a week and check for any signs of wear and tear.

Building a home for your pet can really make you closer. It doesn’t matter if it’s a fancy wooden house or just a simple cardboard box, it will give your pet a special place to call their own. Start simple, don’t sweat making it perfect, and create something your pet will enjoy for years.

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