How to Measure Your Pet for a Bed
A useful bed measurement starts with your pet, not a size label. “Medium” in one style may have a different footprint from “Medium” in another. Use a flexible tape measure and compare actual dimensions before choosing.
1. Measure a familiar resting position.
Watch where your pet naturally settles. For a side sleeper, measure from the nose to the base of the tail while they are stretched out, then measure the width their body and legs occupy. For a curled-up sleeper, measure the length and width of the circle they make. Do not pull or reposition a sleeping pet just to take a measurement.
2. Allow room to move.
Choose a surface with space beyond the measured resting shape, so your pet can change position. The amount of extra room depends on the way they sleep. A dog that extends its legs needs a different outline from a cat that curls tightly. A smaller label does not necessarily make a cozier fit.
3. Distinguish outside size from sleeping space.
A bed’s outer length includes bolsters and sidewalls. A 35-inch bed does not automatically provide a 35-inch usable surface. On our product pages, listed dimensions are external unless identified otherwise. When internal dimensions are not listed, do not estimate them from a photograph; contact us if your pet’s fit depends on that measurement.
4. Check the entrance and height.
For a cave, consider the opening as well as the footprint. Your pet should be able to enter, turn and leave freely. For a sofa or cot, look at the entry height and overall structure. If an entrance measurement is not supplied, ask before ordering rather than relying on body weight alone.
5. Measure the room, too.
Mark the bed’s footprint on the floor with a folded towel or tape. Leave an easy approach and keep the bed away from heaters, cords, door swings and busy walkways. A tent needs room above its sleeping surface for the poles and canvas roof.
6. Check the selected option.
Read the option label, dimensions and materials together. Centimeters appear alongside inches where measurements are available. Keep the original packaging and check the bed while it is unused; our return policy explains how to request a return within 30 days of delivery.