Pet bed sizing guide: how to measure and choose the right bed
A bed that is too small gets ignored, and one that is far too large can feel exposed to a pet that likes to curl up. The good news is that getting the size right takes a tape measure and two minutes. This guide covers how to measure, how to match a bed style to the way your pet sleeps, and what to check for chewers, older pets and crates.
Step 1: Watch how your pet sleeps
Most pets have a favorite position, and it changes which bed works best:
- Curlers tuck into a ball with their nose near their tail. Round beds, donut beds and beds with raised sides (bolsters) suit them, and they can often use a slightly smaller bed.
- Sprawlers stretch out on their side. They need a flat, rectangular bed or mattress-style pad sized for their full length.
- Leaners like to rest their head on something. A bolster bed with one or more raised edges gives them a built-in pillow.
- Burrowers dig under blankets. A cave or hooded bed, or a bed with an attached blanket, suits them, and many cats fall into this group.
Step 2: Measure
- Wait until your pet is lying down in their usual sleeping position, or ask them to lie on their side.
- Measure from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail. Leave the tail out.
- Measure from the floor to the top of the shoulder, which helps with bolster height and crate sizing.
- Add 6 to 12 inches to the length for a sprawler, or about 6 inches for a curler. That is the minimum inside length to look for.
Compare your number with the inside sleeping area listed on the product page, not just the outside dimensions. On bolster beds, the raised edges can take several inches off the usable space.
A rough size chart
Weight ranges on packaging are a useful starting point, but body shape varies a lot. A long, low dog and a tall, compact dog of the same weight need different beds, so always confirm with your own measurement.
| Typical pet | Approximate weight | Bed length to start from |
|---|---|---|
| Cats and toy dogs | Up to 15 lb | 18–24 inches |
| Small dogs | 15–30 lb | 24–30 inches |
| Medium dogs | 30–50 lb | 30–36 inches |
| Large dogs | 50–80 lb | 36–44 inches |
| Extra-large dogs | 80 lb and up | 44–54 inches or more |
If your pet falls between two sizes, choose the larger one, especially for a sprawler or a growing puppy.
Step 3: Choose the fill and support
- Polyfill or fiber-filled beds are soft, light and affordable. They flatten over time, so look for a cover that lets you fluff or replace the filling.
- Foam beds keep their shape longer. Thicker solid foam or memory foam bases, often sold as orthopedic-style beds, spread weight evenly and are popular with large and older dogs. Check the foam thickness in inches; a base that bottoms out under your dog's weight will not stay comfortable. If your pet has joint or mobility concerns, ask your veterinarian what kind of support they recommend.
- Elevated cot beds lift your dog off the floor on a taut fabric surface. They are easy to clean, allow airflow underneath and work well on patios and in warm rooms.
Step 4: Check the cover
Accidents, mud and shedding are part of life with pets, so the cover matters as much as the filling.
- A removable, machine-washable cover with a zipper is the single most useful feature. Check whether the whole bed or only the cover can be washed, and the drying instructions.
- A water-resistant liner protects the foam from accidents and spills, which is helpful for puppies and senior pets.
- A non-slip base stops the bed sliding on hard floors.
- Fabric: short, tight weaves such as canvas or microfiber shed less hair and stand up to claws better than long, plush faux fur, which is cozier but harder to keep clean.
Chewers and diggers
No bed is truly indestructible, and a product described that way deserves some skepticism. For dogs that chew or dig, look for durable fabric such as heavy ripstop or ballistic nylon, hidden or covered zippers, minimal loose seams and no stuffing that can be pulled out. Supervise a new bed for the first few days, and remove any bed that starts to come apart, since swallowed filling can be harmful.
Crate pads and travel beds
For a crate, measure the inside floor of the crate rather than your dog, then choose a pad that fills it without bunching up. Standard crate sizes are usually named by length: a 36-inch crate takes a pad of about 35 by 23 inches, but crate brands vary, so check the dimensions on both. For travel, a roll-up bed or a pad with a carry strap is easier to pack and wash.
Cats
Most cats prefer warm, enclosed or raised spots. Cave beds, bolster beds around 18 to 24 inches across, window perches and heated pads (for indoor use, following the manufacturer's instructions) are popular choices. Many cats ignore a new bed at first: place it where they already like to nap, and add a blanket or a piece of clothing that smells familiar.
Where to put the bed
- Choose a quiet spot away from drafts and direct heat sources.
- Keep it near where the family spends time; many dogs like to see you.
- For older pets, avoid places that need a jump or stairs to reach.
- Consider a second bed for the bedroom or the room where you work.
Pet bed checklist
- I measured nose to base of tail and added 6–12 inches.
- The inside sleeping area, not the outer size, fits that number.
- The style matches how my pet sleeps.
- The fill and thickness suit my pet's size and age.
- The cover is removable and machine-washable.
- It has a non-slip base for hard floors.
Ready to compare?
Browse Pet Supplies or shop by department to see all 13 departments. Every order ships free to U.S. addresses, and unused items can be returned free within 30 days of delivery. See our returns page for how it works.
