I picked up this idea at a SPCA web site. Volunteers make sleeping pads for the animals. Some animals are given their pad when they leave the shelter. It's comforting to have something with its own scent.
They should be washable, durable and survive strong disinfecting.
They asked for 3 sizes: 12 x 12 for cats, 24 x 24 for small dogs and
36 x 36 for biggies.
I took apart an old comforter spread and used its filling. The pads aren't filled very high -- again with an eye to maintenance.
Since it's pretty crude sewing -- no fancy quilting here -- it's a good beginner sewer project for scouts and children.
I also noticed the Las Vegas SPCA dressed up its adoptees with colorful neck bandanas. Just a triangle, but very appealing and perky patterns.
Joan