Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing soft padded bedding for pets, such as for cats and dogs. The invention comprises: a flexible foam-core sidewall; a flexible foam-core base; and a cover having a sidewall enclosure, a separate base enclosure, and a floor, the sidewall enclosure capable of at least partially enclosing the sidewall, and the base enclosure capable of at least partially enclosing the base. The invention may also be configured to have a general appearance of a boat or one of several different tepees.

Abstract: A shelter for pet animals is formed of a molded unitary polyethylene plastic shell having a concave interior surface defining a cavity for sheltering a pet animal. The structure of the shell is formed of a solidified foam core encased within a rigid skin. The pet animal shelter is fabricated by heating a charge of polyethylene plastic under pressure and releasing and dispersing a blowing agent, such as nitrogen gas, into the polyethylene charge. The charge is passed into a mold shaped in the form of a shelter for pet animals. Pressure is reduced on the polyethylene charge in the mold, thereby, allowing the blowing agent to expand the interior of the plastic charge to form a foam core encapsulated within a polyethylene skin. The pet animal shelter insulates the cavity enclosed therewithin from both heat and cold.