The 10 Best Dog Crate Mats
This wiki has been updated 30 times since it was first published in May of 2016. Whether you're planning an outdoor adventure with a four-legged friend, helping a canine who's suffering from arthritis, or transporting a pet to the vet, ensure its comfort at all times by letting it rest on one of these dog mats designed for crates. Our selections include beds cushioned with fleece, memory foam, and other soft materials that will give a dog all the support it needs. When users buy our independently chosen editorial picks, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Big Barker Orthopedic
2. Hero Dog Mattress
3. Milliard Premium
Editor's Notes
February 27, 2021:
After careful review of our current recommendations and the other options available on the market, we have determined that no changes should be made to our current selections at this time. In addition to all of the options here continuing to prove they have the ability to stand up to use over time, they also represent a wide variety of styles, from thick memory foam to easily washable cotton to cooling gel, so there is one for every dog's needs. That being said, we will be checking back to this category frequently to see if the situation changes.
March 25, 2019:
In my opinion, the most useful dog crate mats are those that can function as both a convenient accessory, to comfort a pooch forced to stay confined for long periods of time, as well as a standalone slumbering option for pet owners who want to make sure their dogs have a cushy place to sleep regardless of where they go. That said, I included options that can serve both purposes. Of equal consideration, of course, is the material from which these mats are constructed. There isn't any sense in investing in a crate mat that's little more than an extra-large pancake, as such a resting place will not provide any support for senior dogs or those who may be recovering from surgeries and arthritis. Balancing form and function is key in this category. The Big Barker Orthopedic, for example, offers a 4-inch thick platform full of foam materials that retain their shape over time, so it's a great option for use in large metal cages. I also added the Hero Dog Mattress for its slip-resistant bottom and breathable inner liner. The Milliard Premium also has a resilient inner structure along with a convenient, dual-sided zippered cover that's easy to remove for machine washing. I thought the Gorilla Grip Reusable was a pretty innovative choice, particularly for potty training purposes and supporting dogs who suffer from incontinence. Its quilted top surface is also ideal for canines with sensitive skin and paws. I also included the Arf Pets Self-Cooling Mat due to its internal cooling gel, which helps to regulate a dog's body temperature. It can do its job effectively for up to 3 hours before requiring a "recharge", which involves simply leaving it alone for about 10 minutes before the next use. I maintained the Slumber Pet Sherpa for its bolstered edges and lightweight design. For those wishing to personalize their doggy decor, the reversible Custom Catch Kennel Mat offers an ability to customize its exterior design, while also imprinting a pet's name right on the front. Also kept the Downtown Pet Supply Nap Pad for its low profile and tough seams that will withstand abuse from heavy chewers. Finally, I maintained the Brindle Soft for its shredded memory foam construction and tear-resistant seams that withstanding excessive digging.
Special Honors
Gorilla Ballistic Kennel and Crate Pad If you have a chewer on your hands and you are tired of constantly buying new beds, it may be time to consider the Gorilla Ballistic. It is crafted from incredibly rugged materials, including a proprietary puncture-resistant fabric, military-grade Velcro, and a zipper that can withstand up to 268 pounds of force without breaking. gorilladogbeds.com
Purple Dog Bed Though admittedly a bed rather than a mat, you could certainly toss the Purple Dog Bed inside your four-legged family member's crate. And, considering the company is known for making high-quality mattresses for people, there is no reason it won't be plush and comfortable enough for your companion. purple.com
4. Gorilla Grip Reusable
5. Arf Pets Self-Cooling
6. Mid-West Quiet Time Deluxe
7. Slumber Pet Sherpa
8. Custom Catch Kennel Mat
9. Downtown Pet Supply Nap Pad
10. Brindle Soft
Jeff is a dedicated writer and communications professional from San Francisco with a bachelor of arts in anthropology from UC Berkeley. He began his career in computer consulting and later branched out into customer service. Jeff focuses on making complex topics easy to understand. With over 10 years' experience in research, his relentless curiosity fuels a love of writing and learning how things work, and has helped to build expertise in categories such as heavy-duty power tools and computer equipment. Jeff's passion for animals affords him a strong understanding of pet products, including dog houses, beds, and grain-free foods. When he's not writing, he prefers spending time with his family and three dogs, while kicking back and relaxing with a nice glass of red wine.