How to Make a DIY Dog Casket

While some may just dig a hole and bury their pet, others prefer placing their pet in a casket first. You can either purchase your dog casket from a vendor or make one at home yourself. So whether you’re planning to kickstart a business or arrange a burial for your dog, we’ll explain everything you need to know to create a DIY dog casket. 

Types of Dog Caskets

Biodegradable

A biodegradable dog casket is an eco-friendly choice that’s made out of either bamboo, willow or banana leaves. These caskets are excellent since they have no plastic or metal and eventually return to the soil.

Wooden

A wooden dog casket is the most common one and this is what we’ll teach you to create today.

Plastic

These are mostly made from styrene plastic and strong enough to resist water seepage and air from entering the casket. 

Step-by-Step Guide to Make a DIY Dog Casket

1. Determine the Size

Start by measuring the length, height, and width your dog will potentially take when in the casket. Here are some important points:

• You need to keep the length and width of the base at least 2-4 inches longer than your pet’s measurements.
• The height of all borders should be equal and at least six inches free over the top.
• The front and rear borders will be as wide as the width of the base.
• The right and left borders will be as wide as the length of the base.

2. Cutting the Wood

Once you have the correct measurements, you need to start cutting. Start by cutting the base and make sure you cut two pieces of this measurement — the second one would be used as a lid.

• Mark the pine board using a pencil or marker and draw each piece before cutting so you can make precise cuts.
• In total, you will need six pieces out of your pine board.

Once you have a base and a lid, you’ll be short of four borders to cut.

3. Fastening the Pieces

Once you’re done with the cutting, grab all the borders and place them over the base. You need to fasten the borders first so you have a structure you can later fasten to the base. You’ll need screws or nails for fastening. 

4. Installing the Lid

Installing the lid can be tricky if you aren’t used to working with wood before. You’ll need cabinet hinges and they’ll need to be installed on one side of the lid. Make sure the hinge is strong enough to withstand the weight of the lid when it’s opened.

For a more smooth operation, you can get cabinet pumps and install them on the top end for a smooth closing.

5. Applying Polish

Once you’ve got the complete structure, you can scrape it with sandpaper and make it smooth. If there are any holes in the wood, make sure you fill them up with wood putty. After you have a complete wooden casket, you can choose to paint it for a better finish. If you’re looking for a professional finish, start with a primer coat, followed by at least two coats of latex or oil-based paint.

The Bottom Line

Losing a beloved is always difficult and for most people, pets are a part of their family. If your loved one has just lost a dog, you could purchase or build them a casket. Holding a memorial service or organizing a funeral is meaningful for some people so this gesture could help them attain closure.