Best Dog Beds for Kennels

Call them dog beds for kennels or dog beds for crates – it doesn’t matter, but they do. Crate pads or more substantial beds can significantly and positively affect your pup, especially if they suffer from joint or muscle pain.

We’ve heard stories of pet parents using puppy pads in crates. In most cases, though, they’re not thick enough to relieve the furry tenant from the wires or plastic. Fortunately, many models will do the trick, ranging from crate pads to structured beds with bolsters. 

To make your shopping trip or virtual shopping quest easier, we’ve narrowed the list to five of the best dog beds for kennels. Our picks range from inexpensive crate pads to thicker mattresses that’ll make your pup sigh with relief. Oh, and if you’re looking for something to ease anxiety for your precious pooch in boarding kennels, they’re also transportable.

1. PetFusion – PuppyChoice Dog Crate Mat

The name is the giveaway, as PetFusion’s PuppyChoice dog crate mat is the ideal dog bed for kennels, especially when you’re puppy-training. The L-shaped bolsters make this model a standout, as sidewalls don’t typically go hand in hand with crate mats. 

PuppyChoice comes in six sizes with a minimum of 1.2” thickness, so your fur baby is cushioned from hard wires or uncomfortable plastic floors. And, any little oopsies won’t destroy this kennel bed, as the cover and inner foam liner are both waterproof.

Bottom Line – PetFusion’s PuppyChoice is excellent for puppies and dogs with incontinence. Available sizes will accommodate most crates or portable kennels, and although this isn’t the cheapest, it’s still a lower-priced option.

2. Kuranda – Elevated Crate Bed

The Kuranda elevated model is a unique dog bed for kennels that can convert to a higher-profile bed for other use. With a 3” rise, it’s much easier for an arthritic pup to lay down and get comfortable.

It’s chew-proof and holds even jumbo breeds up to 100 pounds. Plus, you can select one from two shades of PVC, an all-aluminum, or a slimline model. Kuranda also sells various accessories, including pads that fasten to the legs, so they stay put.

Bottom Line – Kuranda is a bit pricier than other crate beds on our list. But if you have a pup with joint or muscle pain, it’s an excellent choice. It’s also one of the easiest to clean as you can wipe it down or use a hose, and it’s good as new. On the flip side, this might not be the best for boarding kennels as some assembly is required.

3. K & H Products Crate Bed – Machine Washable with Odor Control

Like the previous two we’ve listed, K & H Products Crate Pad is a wise choice for incontinent dogs or potty-training puppies. It’s not only easy to clean but has a charcoal pad for odor control. 

You’ll appreciate the slit corners and non-slip material on the bottom, as this simple mattress-style pad will stay put and do its job. It’s only about a half-inch thick, so it’s enough to keep the user comfy but won’t take up precious room in the not-so-spacious kennel.

Bottom Line – There’s nothing fancy or unusual about the K & H Products kennel bed. But the microfleece surface is soft, the pad is machine washable, and the price is pretty darn attractive.

4. Big Barker – Orthopedic Crate Pad

When you’ve got a supersized kennel, you need a big bed, and Big Barker’s fits the bill. But it’s not just the size that matters, as a clinical study demonstrated that a Big Barker bed could improve your pup’s health in just 28 days. 

Larger breeds are prone to hip dysplasia and other joint and muscle ailments. So, Big Barker’s triple-layer, 4” thick orthopedic mattress is cushioning, comforting, and bounces right back after use. 

Bottom Line – Not only is the Big Barker Orthopedic Crate Pad one of the best kennel dog beds because of its mattress but it’s built to last. The company claims its water-repellent military-grade fabric is the strongest fabric on the market, and customers agree. So, if you’ve got a jumbo fur baby, you now have the best sleeping option, in or out of the kennel, boarding kennels, too!

5. Carhartt – Duck Canvas Dog Bed

It’s rugged, water-repellent, and works both in and out of crates, indoors and out. The Carhartt dog bed is one of the best options if you want a model that does it all. Instead of spending money on different mattresses, you can pick this one up and move it wherever you want – and that includes on camping trips, in the back of the car, or inside a kennel or portable crate.

Because the Carhartt dog bed is a soft mattress without bolsters, it’s easy to bend and fit through kennel doors. For the most part, you can wipe it clean, but it’s also machine washable.

Bottom Line – You’ll spend a bit more on the Carhartt dog bed for kennels. However, if you and your best furry friend spend time outdoors, you’ll make good use of it. It has the same look as the recognizable Carhartt duck jacket in a neutral color that’s ruggedly stylish whether you keep it in the kennel or it becomes part of your décor.

Are there different types of dog beds for kennels?

Yes. Even though most crate beds are simple, relatively thin mattresses, other options are available these days. Some pet product providers, like PetFusion, include low-profile bolsters, and you’ll also find elevated pet beds for kennels, like the 3” high version by Kuranda.

Should I use a crate bed if my puppy is potty training?

Your new family member might appreciate the coziness of a kennel but still wants to feel comforted and comfortable. While you don’t want to use an expensive dog bed for a kennel that could be destroyed with a few little oopsies, you could get a simple crate mattress with a waterproof liner. Until your puppy has successfully mastered their potty habits, it’s also a good idea to cover the crate mat with a disposable puppy pad. 

What’s the best type of crate bed for arthritic dogs?

Two types of dog beds for kennels are the best for arthritic dogs – elevated or orthopedic. A cot-style bed with low elevation is more accessible for them to navigate, as long as the kennel is roomy enough. Orthopedic dog beds tend to be thicker and more supportive, easing your ailing fur baby’s pressure points. And, if your go-to boarding kennel allows, sending the orthopedic crate bed with your pup for overnight stays is a good idea.

Can you recommend a dog bed for an outdoor kennel?

Water resistance is one of the top features you’ll need in a dog bed for a kennel you’re keeping outside. We recommend a simple mattress-style rugged indoor-outdoor dog bed, like Carhartt’s. It’s got a heavyweight, water-repellent cover that’s easy to remove and clean. You might also consider buying a crate cover that’ll go a long way toward keeping your pup’s bed pristine and dry. Chewy has quite a few affordable covers and even sells an insulation kit.

Tips for Buying the Best Dog Beds for Kennels

Identifying special needs – Incontinence, potty training, and joint or muscle aches are all important considerations when shopping for a crate bed. If you’re using the kennel for potty training, you’ll want waterproof fabric or something like an elevated crate bed that you can hose off to clean. Dogs in pain appreciate a good, thick, quality mattress and might also benefit from low-profile bolsters.

Grab a measuring tape – Knowing your dog’s size or even the crate’s dimensions isn’t enough. You also have to consider the width of the door, especially if you’re looking for a bed you’ll be moving in and out of the kennel.

Consider clean-up – Consider substance over style with a dog bed for the kennel. It’s being used in a relatively small space, and accidents can happen if your pup is confined. Look for models with water-resistant or water-repellent material, waterproof liners, and machine washability.