Include a pet in any DIY challenge

What can we use if we don't have a measuring tape, cardboard, or stuffing?

When the instructions say to 'Measure your pet', use a piece of string or ribbon measured against a ruler instead of a measuring tape, replace the cardboard base with a shoebox lid or taped-together cereal boxes, and use old pillows or clean socks as stuffing.

My fabric keeps wrinkling or the corners pop open—what should I try?

Follow the 'Lay the fabric over the cardboard base' step carefully by smoothing from the center outward, cut and tuck the extra inches you added for seams, and have an adult hold the corners while you secure them under the base with strong tape or hot glue.

How can this activity be changed for younger kids or older kids?

For younger children, have an adult handle the 'Ask an adult to cut' and 'help glue or tape' steps while the child measures and decorates, and for older kids challenge them to sew a removable cover and precisely measure and cut the fabric on their own.

How can we make the pet bed cozier or more personalized?

To enhance the bed, sew or attach a removable cover with Velcro or a zipper for washing, glue a non-slip shelf liner under the cardboard, and personalize it using the 'Decorate the bed' step with fabric markers, ribbons, or a sewn name tag.