If you take your pet on vacation this summer, add a tag like this one to her collar. That way, if she strays, people will be able to reach you. 

Print your contact information on card stock. Using a 2-inch circular craft punch or scissors, cut out card stock and 2 pieces of clear self-adhesive shelf liner. Sandwich paper between pieces of liner. Punch a hole for a key ring to attach to a collar.

It's a dog's life -- and a cushy one at that. This soft bed, suitable for small pooches, can be refreshed with a quick switch of covers. You'll need 2 same-size dish towels, 2-inch-thick foam (cut 4 inches shorter and narrower than the towels), and iron-on Velcro fasteners. Lay towels on top of each other, good sides facing. Sew 3 sides, about 1/2 inch in from towel edges. Turn inside out, insert foam, and iron the fasteners to the open side. For a neat appearance, fold that end as if gift-wrapping a box and use the fasteners to keep in place.

Fancy hats and a "cake" make a birthday purr-fect. For hat, make a paper cone, and then stitch on a pom-pom and add a thin elastic cord for a chin strap. For collar, attach Velcro dots to the ends of pom-pom fringe. Turn out canned food for a cake. Pom-pom fringe, in 3/8 inches, $2.59 per yd., mjtrim.com. Pom-poms, 1/2 to 2 inches, $10.24 per 8-oz. pack, by Darice, from createforless.com.

Cats have a thing for cardboard, but a plain old box doesn't do much for your decor. Instead, tuck felines into this Modernist chalet ($23, loyalluxe.com). The faux-bois cabin, made from recycled cardboard, is shipped flat for extra eco-friendly credit. 

The Roll-a-Nest (from $5, at pet stores) looks like a decorative object but encourages natural nesting instincts. Woven from sisal, the hideout doubles as a snack for guinea pigs and gerbils in need of a nibble.

Keeping your dog's paws clean is simply a matter of a little preparation prior to walking out the door. 

You'll need a towel or Spotless Paw glove and a shallow container filled one-third of the way with room-temperature water. Place these items by the door you'll use upon returning. Once the walk is over, dip each of your dog's paws into the water. Dry them off and let your dog go about its business.

This practice is especially useful during the winter months when sidewalks and driveways are often covered with ice-melting agents.

Resources
Get more information on the Spotless Paw.