8 fun DIY pet projects

Create a birdbath from terracotta pots, make a custom pet accessory holder or build a cosy kennel – read below to find out how to do these and more.

As the weather gets colder and we spend less time outdoors, why not spend a weekend whipping up a cool DIY project for your favourite furry family member? These fun and super practical creations vary in difficulty, but there is an option for everyone to give it a try – even the kids. This list of eight ideas includes clever storage options, feeding stations and snug sleeping quarters.

#1: DIY pet dish drawer

Tucked in the empty space behind your kitchen’s kickboard, this handy drawer lets you conceal your pet’s food and water bowls, keeping them out of the way between mealtimes. Try this same idea in the bottom of an existing drawer by cutting a piece of MDF or ply to fit inside and cutting out twin holes sized to fit your pet’s food bowls. This one is painted Resene Ecru White to match the colour of the kitchen floor and the cabinetry is finished in Resene Sunbaked.

Check out the full step-by-step instructions here.

#2: Leash and accessories holder

Keep your pup’s walking accessories in order with this handy leash holder that can be attached to the wall. It’s made from a timber off-cut and a wooden pencil holder and is painted in Resene Soft Apple. The world is your oyster when it comes to choosing a colour, and the bone-shaped blackboard paint lets you personalise it with your pooch’s name.

Check out the full step by step instructions here.

Drawer interior and floor painted in Resene Ecru White and cabinetry in Resene Sunbaked.

Wall painted in Resene Coconut Cream, leash holder in Resene Soft Apple and dog bone in Resene FX Blackboard Paint.

#3: Treat jar

This project is the easiest of the lot – and the most kid-friendly – and is a great way to repurpose old glass jars. The glass needs to be primed with Resene Waterborne Sureseal, then taped to create a stencil for your paint. Again, Resene testpots provide the perfect amount for this project – or you could opt for Resene FX Blackboard Paint so you can change up the message whenever you want!

Check out the full step by step instructions here.

#4: Wall-mounted cat bed

Cats love a fuss and will fancy themselves king or queen of the house when perched in their special wall-mounted bed. It’s made from a thick woven basket – make sure you choose one that’s sturdy enough to hold your cat’s weight. Paint the inside and outside in contrasting colours that match your room’s aesthetic – we’ve used Resene Cashmere and Resene Mocha – then drill it into a load-bearing area of the wall. Pop in your kitty’s favourite blanket or toy and let them snuggle down.

Check out the step by step instructions here.

#5: Console table feeding station

If you’re sick of placing sticky, dirty dog bowls on the kitchen floor, try making your own feeding station to keep things neat, tidy and stylish. It’s cleverly tucked into the base of a console table and is made from plywood with circular holes cut out for the food and water bowls. Use a Resene testpot to paint it to match it to your home interior for a cohesive look – our one is painted in Resene Rivergum.

Check out full step by step instructions here.

Wall painted in Resene Coconut Cream, shelf in Resene Colorwood Bask and jars in Resene Duck Egg Blue with Resene Indian Ink (left) and Resene FX Blackboard Paint.

Basket painted in Resene Cashmere (outside) and Resene Mocha (inside) and wall in Resene Coconut Cream.

Console table and feeding station painted in Resene Rivergum and wall in Resene Silver Chalice.

#6: Terracotta bird bath

Birds can be charming visitors to your garden, so this fun bird bath project can help encourage more feathered friends to visit. Not only will you save some money on a store bought bird bath, but it will look great in your garden and can be painted in your favourite Resene colours. Gather some terracotta pots and saucers and be sure to thoroughly seal them with Resene Aquapel & Terracotta Sealer before painting and creating designs using Resene testpots in your favourite shades. Resene Brown Sugar, Resene Bone and Resene Kalgoorie Sands have been used here, with the little bird ornament also painted in Resene Bone.

Check out the full step by step instructions here.

#7: Concrete pet food bowls

This piece features two stainless steel bowls that sit in a concrete base sealed with Resene Concrete Clear for a professional looking, durable finish. The process is relatively straightforward and suits all confidence levels. This is a great project to get the kids involved with, as they can practise their paintbrush skills by sealing the concrete. Make sure you allow the concrete enough time to cure before coating it.

Check out the step by step instructions here.

#8: Dog kennel

Flex your creative muscles and make this DIY canine castle for your precious pooch to snuggle up in during winter. It’s made from plywood reinforced with timber battens, with the roof painted in Resene Element and walls in Resene Half Silver Chalice. Use Resene CoolColours when using darker hues to help keep the dog kennel cooler in summer.

Check out the step by step instructions here.

Bottom pot painted in Resene Kalgoorie Sands with stripes in Resene Bone, middle pot in Resene Bone with stripes in Resene Kalgoorie Sands, top pot in Resene Brown Sugar with stripes in Resene Bone and bird in Resene Bone.

Food bowl sealed with Resene Concrete Clear Satin, deck stained with Resene Woodsman Wood Oil Stain in Resene Natural and weatherboards in Resene Quarter Silver Chalice.