How to Build a Pet Crate

Pet crates are useful for several reasons, such as traveling with your animal or crating your pet for a brief period of time at home, especially a dog who has anxiety--some dogs prefer to be crated because it makes them feel like they're inside a den. While pet crates are available to purchase online and at pet stores, building your own will allow you to customize a carrier that meets the needs of your animal.

Things You'll Need

  • 2 square boards
  • 4 rectangular boards
  • 2 medium sized door hinges
  • 3 slide locks
  • Sheet of mesh wire with small openings
  • Wire cutters
  • Nails
  • Small nails
  • Hammer
  • Sandpaper
  • Measuring tape
  • Craft glue
  • Carpet Square
  • Scissors
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure your animal using a measuring tape and write these measurements on paper. Add an inch or two to the height and width of the carrier to ensure that your animal won't be crammed while in the crate.

    • 2

      Buy square and rectangular wooden boards that are based your pet's measurements. If you can't find the exact measurements for your carrier ask one of the carpenters at the store to cut the wood to the appropriate size. Have one of the carpenters cut one of the square pieces of wood into a frame shape, which will serve as a window and door for the pet carrier allowing your animal to look out.

    • 3

      Lay one of the rectangular boards on a flat surface. Nail two rectangular boards to the sides of the bottom board creating a U shape. Next, hammer the square board (that doesn't have the cut out frame) to the back part of your carrier. Carefully use sandpaper on the areas that may be splintering in the crate.

    • 4

      Cut the sheet of mesh wire to fit the frame. Nail the sheet to the frame. Attach the frame to the crate using the two medium sized door hinges. Place one hinge at the top of the carrier and one at the bottom. Next, install the three side locks, so that your pet won't be able to break out of the crate.

    • 5

      Cut a piece of carpet to fit inside the crate and secure it using craft glue. Gently use sandpaper on each of the crates sides to prevent splintering. Allow to dry for an hour before putting your pet inside.