Petmate has been making pet gear for decades, and its Aspen Pet sub-brand quietly sells some of the most widely used dog beds on Amazon. The lineup spans self-warming budget beds, orthopedic bolsters, cuddle cups for small dogs, and flat kennel mats, but not every model is worth your money in 2026. We’ve slept-tested, washed, and lived with these beds long enough to know which ones actually hold their shape and which ones flatten out fast. Here’s our current, re-checked take on which Petmate and Aspen Pet dog beds deserve a spot in your home this year.
The Petmate & Aspen Pet Beds Worth Buying in 2026
Aspen Pet Self-Warming Corduroy Pet Bed by Petmate
- Self-warming layer works without electricity
- Machine washable cover
- Very affordable for the size range
- Flattens over time with heavier dogs
- Not much bolster support for dogs who like to lean
Petmate Ortho Bolster Dog Bed
- Supportive orthopedic-style base foam
- Raised bolster edge for head and neck support
- Removable, washable cover
- Firmer feel won't suit dogs who want a plush sink-in bed
- Cover zipper needs careful handling to avoid snags
Aspen Pet Rectangular Foam Dog Bed by Petmate
- Straightforward foam construction holds shape
- Wide range of sizes for small to large dogs
- Easy to spot-clean cover
- Cover isn't as plush as premium options
- Foam density is basic, not true orthopedic-grade
Petmate Cuddle Cup Pet Bed
- Enclosed, cave-like design comforts anxious dogs
- Machine washable, quick to dry
- Lightweight and easy to move room to room
- Better suited to small and medium dogs, not large breeds
- Walls compress with very heavy use over time
Aspen Pet Round Bolster Nesting Dog Bed by Petmate
- Good fit for dogs that curl up to sleep
- Compact footprint compared to rectangular beds
- Reasonably priced for the size
- Less ideal for dogs who like to stretch out fully
- Bolster is thinner than the Ortho Bolster model
Petmate Kennel Mat Pet Bed
- Fits standard wire and plastic crate dimensions
- Low profile doesn't reduce usable crate space
- Durable through repeated crate use
- Minimal cushioning compared to standalone beds
- Not intended as a primary sleeping bed outside a crate
How We Picked These Petmate and Aspen Pet Beds
Petmate’s catalog is huge, and a lot of it overlaps in shape and price. Rather than list every SKU, we narrowed this down to six models that each solve a distinct problem: warmth without electricity, orthopedic support for aging joints, an everyday foam workhorse, an enclosed comfort bed for small or anxious dogs, a round option for curl-up sleepers, and a flat mat built specifically for crates. We looked at how the foam and fill held up after repeated use, how the covers washed and dried, and whether the sizing ran true to what dog owners actually need.
Choosing the Right Petmate Bed for Your Dog
Match the Shape to How Your Dog Sleeps
Dogs that sprawl out flat do better on a rectangular foam bed like the Aspen Pet Rectangular Foam model, while dogs that curl into a ball tend to gravitate toward round nesting beds or enclosed cuddle cups. Watch how your dog naturally rests before assuming a bolster or an open flat bed is the right pick.
Consider Age and Joint Health
Puppies and younger, healthy dogs generally do fine on basic foam. Senior dogs, large breeds prone to hip or elbow issues, and any dog recovering from surgery benefit from a firmer orthopedic-style base like the Petmate Ortho Bolster, which resists the sinking, hammock-like sag that soft foam develops after a year or two of daily naps.
Don’t Overlook Crate Use
If the bed’s real job is living inside a wire or plastic crate, skip the bulky bolster styles entirely. A flat kennel mat fits the footprint without crowding your dog, and it’s far easier to pull out and hose down after an accident during crate training.
Washability Matters More Than It Seems
Every bed on this list has a removable or fully washable cover, which matters more than most buyers expect. Dog beds pick up dander, drool, and outdoor grime fast, and a bed you can’t easily wash tends to get replaced within a year regardless of how well the foam holds up.
| Bed | Best For | Support Level | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aspen Pet Self-Warming Corduroy | Cold floors, budget shoppers | Light | $ |
| Petmate Ortho Bolster | Senior and large-breed dogs | Firm/Orthopedic | $$ |
| Aspen Pet Rectangular Foam | Everyday all-purpose use | Medium | $ |
| Petmate Cuddle Cup | Small dogs, anxious sleepers | Soft/Enclosed | $ |
| Aspen Pet Round Bolster Nesting | Curl-up sleepers | Medium | $ |
| Petmate Kennel Mat | Crates and travel kennels | Light/Flat | $ |
Related buying guides
- All dog bed reviews and guides
- Cooling mattresses for hot sleepers
- Best mattresses under $300
- Platform bed frame guide
- Bed sizes and dimensions guide
- How we test beds and bedding at Talk Beds
- About Talk Beds
Ready to pick a Petmate bed for your dog?
Compare current prices and sizes on Amazon before you buy.
Check price on AmazonIs Aspen Pet the same company as Petmate?
Yes. Aspen Pet is a sub-brand owned and manufactured by Petmate, so you’ll often see both names on the same product packaging and listing.
Are Petmate dog beds machine washable?
Most Petmate and Aspen Pet beds have a removable, machine-washable cover, though the foam or fill insert typically should not go in the washer or dryer.
Which Petmate bed is best for a senior dog with joint pain?
The Petmate Ortho Bolster Dog Bed is the firmest option in the lineup and gives older dogs more support pushing up off the bed compared to softer foam models.
Do the self-warming beds need to be plugged in?
No. The Aspen Pet Self-Warming Corduroy bed uses a reflective core that bounces a dog’s own body heat back, so there’s no electricity or heating element involved.
Are Petmate dog beds good for large breeds?
Several models, including the Rectangular Foam and Ortho Bolster beds, come in large and extra-large sizes, but always check the listed weight capacity before buying for a bigger dog.
How long do Aspen Pet foam beds typically last?
With regular washing and normal daily use, most owners get a couple of years out of these beds before the foam noticeably compresses, though heavier or more active dogs will wear them down faster.
Is a kennel mat enough as a dog’s only bed?
A kennel mat works well inside a crate but offers minimal cushioning, so it’s best paired with a more supportive bed for time spent outside the crate.
What size Petmate bed should I buy?
Measure your dog from nose to tail while lying stretched out and add a few inches on each side, then check that measurement against the specific bed’s listed dimensions rather than relying on breed size alone.
Sophie Laurent
Sophie Laurent is TalkBeds' Beds & Bedroom Editor. With more than ten years covering home and furniture, she leads everything on the site that isn't the mattress itself: bed frames, platform beds, headboards, bunk and kids' beds, sizing, and the interiors decisions… Full profile & sources →