Best Dog Crate Pads
Dog crate pads offer comfort and make the crate more inviting for your pet. There are plenty of choices on the market–read on to find out which dog crate pads are worth your money!
It is a well-known fact that dog crates can be incredibly useful in the life of all dogs and their owners. Not only that a crate can give your pet a spot in the house that’s all cozied up just for them, but crates also help you ensure your pet is both happy and safe at all times. The variety of uses for dog crates is one of their best features, as they can serve a different purpose in different stages of your pet life. From safe and stress-free traveling to great assistance with training, all the way to a cozy and relaxing little house for your furry companion – the uses are many. However, if you want to make the most out of a crate and be sure that your pet enjoys it, you’ll have to spruce them up a bit–basic dog crates can really do with some well thought out accessorizing. With a few careful investments and some out-of-the-box thinking, you can totally redesign your pet’s ordinary crate – and create something entirely new, and way more pleasant to spend time in. You won’t just make their little den cozier, but also contribute to the overall safety, to warmth and cleanliness, and most importantly, the happiness of your dog. There are many choices on the market for crate accessories, including crate pans, covers, bowls and all sorts of nifty additions. But one basic accessory certainly stands out as the thing to start with- as it ensures both comfort and style- and that is a dog crate pad.
With dog crate pads, you can really transform an otherwise plain crate into a cozy nook in which your pupper will love to spend their time. This, in turn, also makes a big part of the “denning” training method. What is denning? It is a great chance to crate train your pet and offer him a safe and comforting cozy nook, which simulates a natural den. It can offer security, comfort, and peace for your dog, and immensely help with separation anxiety and pets that otherwise get very scared – especially when you are at work. This method is one of the quickest ways to change the life of your four-legged companion from one of stress and fear – to one of joy and comfort. And with a cozy, well-made crate pad, the whole process gets so much easier–and undeniably more enjoyable for your pet.
Why do I need crate pads for my dog?
Despite this, some owners consider dog crate pads to be more work than needed – but this so far from the truth. Crate pads are easy to maintain and inexpensive, and won’t be a hassle to keep tidy. Many brands today offer crate pads that are designed to be completely machine washable, machine dryable, resistant to stains, and non-absorbing. This means that keeping these accessories clean would be as simple as it gets. They also come in many stylish, patterned designs that offer a match for any pawrent’s interior decor and can help the crate blend in better in your home.
Of course, it can be a bit taxing going through all those dog crate pads to find an ideal match for your needs. You might not even be certain what you need to look for- and what will give you the best bang for your buck. Our buying guide will help you quickly make the right decision: scroll on to read more about the best dog crate pads in the market as well as learn more about the essential features these crate accessories need to have.
1. Editor’s Pick: Aiperro Washable Crate Pad
This is one of the best choices on the market when it comes to dog crate pads, and it is also quite affordable. Although not too thick, it is still incredibly comfortable, thanks to a special stitched cushion design on top. The stuffing is plush fleece, with an outer soft velour material. It has a textured, rubberized non-slip surface on the bottom, and is also an orthopedic pad as well. Being completely machine washable and dryable, it is easy to clean and maintain. It’s safe to say that this crate pad has all the features you’d want in one!
Aiperro Washable Crate Pad is one inch thick and comes in extra small, small, medium, large, and extra large size.
2. Runner Up: MidWest Homes for Pets Deluxe Super Plush Crate Bed
MidWest offers one of the coziest pads on the market, with this ultra fluffy, thick pad made from the softest materials. The first thing to notice is the outer material – made with the trademark Ombre Swirl pattern and from soft synthetic material. The next thing is the thick padding that really adds a lot of space between your pet and the ground – not to mention the immense comfort. Moreover, this stylish pad will work well outside of the crate as well – looking perfect on your sofa too. It is also machine washable and dryable and can be cleaned with ease.
MidWest Homes for Pets Deluxe Super Plush Crate Bed is super comfy at 3” of thickness and comes in sizes that match crates that are 18”, 22”, 24”, 30”, 36”, 42”, or 48” long.
3. Best Memory Foam: BarkBox Memory Foam Platform Dog Bed
This pad might seem a bit pricey, but this is well worth the investment. An especially designed therapeutic pad, it features a thick gel memory foam padding that is designed to relieve pain and pressure, helping with issues such as arthritis and surgery recovery. Not only that, but it also comes with a removable zippered cover, made from waterproof fabric- which happens to be machine washable and dryable. On the upper surface of the padding is a temperature-regulating gel material that ensures optimal temperatures for your pet in both winter and summer.
BarkBox Memory Foam Platform Dog Bed comes in two thickness options- 3” or 5”- and in small, medium, large, extra large, and extra-extra large size to suit pooches of all shapes and sizes.
4. Best Soft Pick: You & Me Comfort Dog Mat
This ultra-comfortable crate pad from You & Me really sets the bar high for other brands, and all that without breaking the bank. Made from really soft materials, it is as fluffy and as comfortable as can be. One neat feature of this pad are the raised sides, creating a secure and ultra-cozy setting. The pad is machine washable for easy cleaning and comes in several sizes that will fit most basic crates. This bolster style pad is really a favorite among canines and with good reason. This crate bed carefully balances quality, price, and comfort.
You & Me Comfort Dog Mat is 2” high in its smallest sizes and offers more cushioning at 3.5” of thickness for the larger dog breeds. It is available in extra-extra small, extra small, small, medium, large, extra large, and extra-extra large size.
5. Best Orthopedic: Petsure Memory Foam Dog Crate Mat
Another orthopedic crate pad that is a fantastic choice if your pet needs some recovery time, or just a cozier den that will help with the common symptoms of old age and arthritis. With a memory foam filling, it adapts to all shapes and offers maximum comfort. This means that the pressure will be evenly distributed and not concentrated on the joints. The durable, soft microfiber plush surface is quilted that adds extra fluff and is also easy to take care of. The bottom is covered with small rubber dots that ensure no skidding or sliding – a bit of extra safety that goes a long way when your dog is recuperating from surgery. Machine washable, and with a good price, this pad is an all-around great choice.
At an inch of thickness, Petsure Memory Foam Dog Crate Mat provides enough cushioning for most dogs and comes in one size that suits all 36” crates.
6. Best Pillow Type: Frisco Pillow Pet Bed Mat
Just as the name suggests, this Frisco pad is as fluffy and thick as a proper pillow – and equally comfortable. Perfect for large dog breeds, this is an ultra-thick and very cozy pad and is covered with a soft fabric. The edges are covered with soft faux suede, while the filling is a soft, fluffy polyester fiber. Another thing that is great about this pad is the step-on design, which caters especially to senior dogs that have trouble with raised edges.
Frisco Pillow Pet Bed Mat comes in medium and extra large size and is 6.5” thick for superior comfort and softness.
7. Best Budget: Animaze Foam Crate Pad
Who said that an inexpensive crate pad can’t be well made at the same time? The main feature that distinguishes this pad from others is the “egg crate” surface, which is great as a therapeutic “massage” for senior pets. The cover fabric is a soft, furry material that perfectly resembles natural fur – making it great for crate training. The padding is thick and soft, and best of all – removable. You can wash it independently in the washing machine, which really makes things fast and easy.
Animaze Foam Crate Pad is 2” thick and covers a wide range of sizes including extra-extra small, extra small, small, medium, large, extra large, and extra-extra large size.
8. Best Flexible: Hero Dog Crate Pad
Not all crate pads need to be thick to be comfy. Some are soft and fluffy even when somewhat thin, and this pad from Hero Dog is a great example. Great for inside and outside use, it is a flexible, durable pad with three layers of premium fabric. The top layer is made from soft fleece, while the middle padding is completely breathable cotton. On the bottom is a non-slip surface, which comes in handy if you use it outside of the crate. If simplicity is the style you’re after, this is the one.
Hero Dog Crate Pad is 2” thick and comes in sizes that correspond to crates measuring 35”, 42”, and 47”.
9. Best Medical-Grade: Furhaven Orthopedic Crate Pad
This medical-grade crate pad ensures a comfortable snooze for senior dogs and young pooches alike. The outer surface is covered with a soft poly canvas material that is completely water-resistant, and won’t absorb spills. To boot, this pad is reversible, so you can switch things up a bit when it’s time for washing or when you grow bored of seeing the same color. It is easy to clean and comes in several different sizes and colors. Affordable, unique, and very comfortable!
Furhaven Orthopedic Crate Pad is 1.25” of thickness, and is available in extra small, small, medium, large, and jumbo size.
10. Best Shredded Memory Foam: Brindle Shredded Memory Foam Dog Bed
When furnished properly, a dog crate can become a comfy, cozy, nook that feels like home- a crate is nothing without a soft and snuggly crate pad for your doggo to snooze on. This memory foam crate pad bed is an excellent choice as Brindle is a brand that does everything by the book and ensures that every dog will sleep in style and maximum comfort. One of the best features of this pad is the orthopedic aspect – senior puppers and those recovering from injuries will reap all the benefits of napping on this comfy memory foam pad. This comfy memory foam bed also features a soft micro-suede outer cover for the gentlest touch, which can also be removed for quick machine washing.
Brindle Shredded Memory Foam Dog Bed provides a 3” layer of orthopedic shredded memory foam for your pooch to snooze on and comes in the following dimensions: 17” x 11”, 22” x 16”, 28” x 18”, 34” x 22”, 40” x 26”, 46” x 28”, and 52” x 34”.
What to look for in dog crate pads
Choosing a proper crate pad can be more challenging than it seems. Once you take a closer look, you will realize that there are several important features that can’t be overlooked – if you want the proper fit and a minimum of maintenance. Of course, price and quality often go hand in hand – but there are several exceptions to that rule.
On the other hand, maybe you would like to splurge a bit on your furry friend – and get the best, fluffiest, and coziest crate pad out there. Still, you will have to pay attention to the design and features to make sure that your pet’s needs are truly met. Here are some of the key features in dog crate pads you shouldn’t overlook:
Material
While it might seem to you that any type of material would be suitable for a crate pad, you might be wrong. The surface and the quality of the material that makes up the outer cover of a pad is easily the most important part of the pad. First of all, cheap materials can cause irritation or discomfort for your pet, especially coarse nylon polyester fabric. The worst kinds will also absorb smells and stains over time and can be difficult to clean. And if they are not water-resistant, the padding below will quickly suffer as well. Luckily, many brands today recognize the importance of the outer fabric, and you can find several offers that are water-resistant and very easy to maintain.
Size
Choosing the proper size for your crate is crucial. As crates can often be unique and of different sizes, so are the crate pads – you need to measure with care. Too small, and you leave the corners exposed, and minimize your pet’s comfort. Too large, and you will squeeze it in causing a mess. Luckily, most wire crates come in pre-established sizes, so finding a proper fit shouldn’t be a challenge. On the other hand, some unique, stylish, one-of-a-kind crates might require some out-of-the-box thinking and really careful measurements.
Padding and thickness
The second most important aspect of a crate pad is the padding itself. You want to go for maximum comfort, and that means that the thicker and fluffier the padding is, the better. Warm, fluffy cotton is one of the usual padding types, alongside polyester, and it works great for the most part. But there are also special therapeutic and orthopedic foam pads that offer maximum comfort and adapt to your pet’s posture. This is a great choice if your pet is recovering from a surgical procedure, or generally has issues with arthritis – common in old age.
Special features
Some crate pads come with added nifty features, which you might find useful. Added velcro loops for easy and secure attachment, double-sided outer fabric, special waterproof inner liners, double patterns, and so on. When it comes to bells and whistles, of course, none of them are essential despite being quite useful- so it all boils down to your preference.
Durability
You want your pet’s new cozy nook to be comfy and supportive for as long as possible, which means that you need the cushioning to hold up. Cheap, polyester-filled crate pads can be a good temporary solution when you are on a budget, but they will quickly lose shape and you’ll end up having to replace them more often, losing money in the long run- instead, opt for quality materials such as foam. Another key point of durability is the cover fabric: go for heavy-duty, canvas-like fabrics that will stand up well to the wear and tear of your pet’s claws, stains, and other “perks” that come with your four-legged bestie.
Age and needs of your pet
A young, perky pooch will sleep on almost anything and seem not to be worse for wear, but for senior dogs, or those that suffer from joint pain, hip issues, or arthritis, inadequate sleeping surface can seriously worsen their symptoms. In these cases, be sure to go for more supportive, body-contouring materials that will cradle your pet’s body and relieve pressure from key stress points in the body while they snooze. Orthopedic crate pads usually use memory foam and other types of foam to achieve this effect- it’s usually the best choice for dogs that require something more supportive to sleep on.
Dog crate pads: important things to remember
Crates are supposed to be your dog’s cozy nook – a little den where they can spend their time and relax. But this also means that all sorts of dirt will quickly accumulate on the pad itself. From hairs to dirty paw prints, all the way to spilled water and food bits. And if you don’t take regular care of it, your dog’s crate pad can become really dirty and unhygienic. As a result, it can cause unpleasant smells in your house and a generally unsafe environment for your pet. That is why you need to remember that crate pads will require your attention. Wash them on a regular basis. Try finding the pads that are machine washable and easy to dry, in order to minimize your work.
If you have a large breed dog at risk for developing arthritis or a senior with aching joints, you should consider investing in a specially designed orthopedic dog crate made from memory foam. They work best with elderly puppers who suffer from arthritis and offer the right support for the spine and pressure points for dogs who require it. On average, these pads might have a bit higher price, but these investments are more than worth it- when your dog’s comfort and health are in question.
Of course, there are those pads that work great both inside and outside a crate, giving them two uses. In the wintertime, pets might prefer snoozing beside the fireplace instead of their nook – and that is understandable. But they should never lie down on the cold tiles, or the floor. That is where these pads can also come in handy, as a good protective layer between your pet and the cold ground. This is mostly the case with large breed pads that are easier to remove and handle.
All things considered, a crate pad can be a very smart investment if you put in the effort to look for the one that is well-made and suitable for your pet’s unique needs. It can replace an expensive dog bed and make crate more inviting, relieve joint pain in senior pets, and make a crate fit in better with your home’s interior. That’s plenty of benefits for such seemingly simple accessory!
How often should I clean the crate pad for my dog?
Unless your pet uses the crate once or twice a month, you will have to treat their crate pad the same as their bed, which means regular washings at least twice a month, more often if they have incontinence or other issues that require more frequent bed washing. Accumulated pet hair, smell, dust, and other grime such as vomit stains, pee stains, or food stains are all a common sight on a crate pad that’s not been regularly cleaned so don’t neglect hygiene in the crate- opt for machine washable crate pads to make it easier and more convenient for you to clean them often enough.
Additional resources:
We are committed to finding, researching, and recommending the best products. We earn commissions from purchases you make using the retail links in our product reviews. Learn more about how this works.
A proud mama to seven dogs and ten cats, Angela spends her days writing for her fellow pet parents and pampering her furballs, all of whom are rescues. When she's not gushing over her adorable cats or playing with her dogs, she can be found curled up with a good fantasy book.
More by Angela Vuckovic
