Instructions to Make a Pet Cot

Dogs or cats can enjoy lounging on a cot. Of course, the size of the cot and how strong it needs to be will depend on your pet's weight. A homemade cot will be easier to manage for a smaller pet. In order to make one of these beds, you'll need to construct a frame and stretch fabric over it.

  1. Homemade Pet Cot

    • Construct a rectangular frame with four legs or feet. You can construct your frame out of PVC or wood. If you have a heavy animal, you may wish to use wood. In that case, be sure that no nails are sticking out and that the frame is sanded smooth. Use 1-by-4s or something similar in size. For the feet, you can use short pieces of 4-by-4s.
      If possible, use PVC pipe instead to create the rectangular frame. This will be smooth and without the dangers of nails. At each of the corners, use a three-way joint so you can connect two of the sides and have a third direction going down for a short length of pipe to serve as the feet. You can also get end caps for the ends of the feet or find rubber stoppers that would fit the pipe. Use PVC cement to hold the pieces in place.
      Stretch fabric across the frame. Wrap any overlap around the frame and attach it. To make the cot washable, you should make the cot bedding removable. So while you could permanently stitch the fabric in place (the easy solution), the better solution is to sew into place several heavy-duty snaps that would snap on the underside.
      Another strategy is to not cement the PVC into place, so you can dismantle the cot. Make casings around the edges of the bedding and thread the PVC sides through, joining the pieces at the joints where the legs attach.
      The bedding portion of the cot needs to be taut enough that it won't sag to the ground while your pet is lying on it. For making the bedding, consider canvas or heavy mesh fabrics.