How to Make a Dog Backpack

If you enjoy taking your dog on hikes and other outdoor activities, you may want to create gear for your dog to carry his own supplies. You can buy a backpack for a dog at local pet stores, but it may be a bit on the pricey side. You can also custom make a backpack that fits Fido's (or Fifi's) needs.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Child's backpack Straps with clips Thread Sewing machine Ribbon, appliqué or other embellishments (optional) Leash ring (optional) Light reflector strip (optional)
Child's backpack
Straps with clips
Thread
Sewing machine
Ribbon, appliqué or other embellishments (optional)
Leash ring (optional)
Light reflector strip (optional)

Step 1

Pick out a child size backpack. You can purchase a backpack that is made for a child and then customize it to fit your dog. Make sure that the backpack you choose is proportionate to the size of your dog because the arm straps need to adjust to fit around your dog.

Step 2

Fit the straps. Some child backpacks come equipped with a strap that your child can fasten around their chest or waist (or both). If the backpack doesn't have these straps, then you can sew two straps on the back of the pack. Before you sew the straps on, pin one toward the top and one toward the bottom on the back of the pack. Fit your dog with the backpack to make sure that one strap fastens around its chest and the other down toward his tummy. Make adjustments as necessary.

Step 3

Sew straps. Once you have the straps in the right positions, use a sewing machine to attach the straps to the backpack.

Step 4

Add a leash ring. You may also wish to sew a small leash hook to the front of the pack so that you can hook your dog's leash to the backpack. This would be particularly useful if you typically hook your dog's leash to a harness rather than a collar.

Step 5

Decorate. To give your dog a backpack as unique as its personality, you can also use appliqués, ribbon and other embellishments to decorate the outside of the backpack. If you'll be backpacking with your dog at night, you may want to add a light reflector on the front of the pack so car lights will reflect off of it.

Article Written By Kristie Lorette

Kristie Lorette started writing professionally in 1996. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in marketing and multinational business from Florida State University and a Master of Business Administration from Nova Southeastern University. Her work has appeared online at Bill Savings, Money Smart Life and Mortgage Loan.

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