Bolster Crate Mat Review: 36 x 22 Inch Pad for KONG Crates

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A bolster crate mat is a crate pad with raised edges around the top, so the dog can rest its head against a soft rim. This article reviews the one bolster crate mat that this keyword covers, a grey pad listed at 36 by 22 inches for KONG-style metal crates. It sets out what the listing states about fit, bolsters, cover, fill, washing and chewing, and where the listing contradicts itself. It is an independent research guide, not a test report, and it does not rank the pad against other bolster beds.

Quick answer

Consider this pad if you have a 36 inch wire crate and want a bolstered edge with a machine-washable cover. The listing gives a 36 by 22 inch size and says the pad is fitted to standard 36 inch KONG metal crates. Check the product dimensions before you order, because that line does not match the size line. Skip it if your crate is a different size, or if you need a mat that a determined chewer cannot damage, since the listing describes chew resistance and not chew-proofing.

What the listing states

Fit to a 36 inch KONG crate

The title and the first bullet give the fit: a 36 by 22 inch size, precise enough to fit standard 36 inch KONG metal crates. The bullet says the pad lies flat without bunching or sliding. A fit claim is only as good as the crate you own, so measure the crate floor wall to wall before you rely on it. The bullet describes the size as precise, but a measurement of your own crate is still the only check that settles the fit.

Bolsters and the sleeping edge

The bolsters are low, soft wraparound edges that the listing says cradle the head and neck. The bullets describe them as comfort bolsters for dogs of all breeds, and they suit a dog that likes to lean on an edge. A bolster takes some of the top surface, so the sleeping area is smaller than the outer size. A dog that lies fully stretched out may use the middle of the pad rather than the bolsters, so watch how your dog settles before you decide the edge is worth the lost space.

Cover, fill and washing

The cover is described as an oxford fabric with a stain-resistant top and a moisture barrier underneath. The fill line in the specs reads cotton, and a bullet describes a high-loft inner fill that the listing says will not clump. The bullets say the whole pad is machine washable, and that it can be tumble dried or line dried. A moisture barrier can help with urine and drool, according to the listing, but it is the maker’s description and not a test result. Read the care line before you wash, and follow the tumble or line drying note rather than a high dryer heat.

Chewing and durability

The title calls the pad chew-resistant and heavy-duty, and a bullet says it stands up to daily scratching, digging and mild chewing. The listing does not describe it as chew-proof, and no chew test is named. No crate mat is indestructible, so treat the chew wording as limited. For a dog that chews, supervise the pad closely, and remove any torn fabric or fill at once. A chew-focused alternative is covered in the guide to chew-proof crate mats.

Where the listing contradicts itself

The size line says 36 by 22 inches, which matches the title. The product dimensions line says 15 by 9.84 by 6.7 inches. Those two sets of numbers do not describe the same object. A 15 inch length cannot fit a 36 inch crate, so one of the two lines is wrong. Where two lines of one listing disagree, rely on neither until the seller confirms the size you will receive. Ask for the floor dimensions in writing, and ask which number the maker uses for the pad itself.

The breed line says all breed sizes, while the dog breed size line says large. That is a smaller conflict, but it matters if you are choosing by dog size. The size and the fit are the figures to confirm first.

Crate size and fit

The crate’s size decides the mat, and the listing’s fit claim depends on the crate. AKC advises choosing the right crate size as part of successful crate training, so treat the crate as the first purchase and the pad as the second. Measure the inside floor of the crate, not the box label or the outer frame. A pad that is larger than the floor will fold at the edges, and one that is too small leaves bare wire where the dog may slide. Measure in both directions and write the numbers down before you order.

Worked example: a dog that stretches to 28 inches

If the bolster takes 3 inches at one end, about 5 inches remain for the dog to turn and lie down. That is a workable margin for many dogs, but a dog that wants to stretch out fully will feel the bolster more than a dog that curls up.

Who should skip this pad

Skip it if your crate is not close to 36 by 22 inches, because the fit claim applies to a 36 inch crate. Skip it if you need a mat that a determined chewer cannot damage, and if you need a confirmed floor size before you order, since the two size lines do not agree. The listing does not give a weight limit, so a large dog may need a sturdier bed, and a dog that digs or pulls at fabric should not use a soft-edged pad without supervision.

How to choose

Use these rules in order:

1. Measure the crate floor wall to wall. If it is not close to 36 by 22 inches, do not choose this pad on the title alone.
2. Confirm the floor size with the seller, since the product dimensions line does not match the size line.
3. Choose a bolster if your dog rests its head on an edge. Choose a flat pad if your dog stretches out fully.
4. Read the care line before you buy, and follow the drying note on the listing.
5. Plan for supervision if your dog chews, and do not treat the chew wording as chew-proof.

The pad in this set

Other crate mats for a bolster-style look

Some owners want a bolster shape in a larger size, or a bed rather than a crate mat. For a broader look at bed shapes, see the guide to crate dog mats and the guide to extra large dog mats. Compare the outer size, the sleeping area and the weight line in each listing, and do not assume a bolster bed will fit a crate just because it has a bolster.

FAQ

Does this pad fit a 36 inch KONG crate?

The listing says it does, with a size of 36 by 22 inches. Measure your crate floor first, and confirm the size with the seller, because the product dimensions line gives different numbers.

Are the bolsters good for a dog that lies down flat?

A bolster helps a dog that rests its head on an edge. A dog that lies fully stretched out may use the middle of the pad more than the bolsters, so watch how your dog settles before deciding.

Can I machine wash the pad?

The listing says the whole pad is machine washable. Follow the drying note, which says to tumble dry or line dry, and avoid high heat.

Is the pad chew-proof?

No. The listing calls the pad heavy-duty and chew-resistant, and says it stands up to mild chewing. It does not describe it as chew-proof, and no chew test is named. Supervise any chewer.

Why do the size lines disagree?

The title and size line give 36 by 22 inches, while the product dimensions line gives 15 by 9.84 by 6.7 inches. Ask the seller which figure is correct before you order.

Does the moisture barrier stop accidents?

The listing describes a moisture barrier that helps block urine and drool, but it is the maker’s description and not a test result. Clean accidents quickly, and check the cover after each one.

Bottom line

Choose this pad only if your crate is a 36 inch KONG-style wire crate and the seller confirms the 36 by 22 inch size. Its bolsters suit a dog that rests its head, and its washable cover suits a dog that needs frequent cleaning. Its chew wording is limited, so supervise any chewer. If the size lines still disagree after you ask, do not order on the title alone.

Sources

• AKC: crate training: choosing the right crate size as part of crate training