If your pet struggles with the cold, then it's worth investing in one of the best heated pet beds. Animals that are small and lean might find it harder to keep themselves warm on those chilly winter nights and these beds are the perfect solution. They can also be helpful for pets who suffer from sore joints and arthritis, according to vet Dr. Hannah Godfrey.
You might have your own heated blanket lying around the house, but it's important that you opt for a pet-safe model to prevent burns and overheating. As the weather gets colder, it's a great time to swap the best dog bed or best cat bed for a cozier, warmer version.
Below, we've rounded up the best heated pet beds on the market which we've put to the test on our own pets. From self-heated pads to thermo-heated hammocks, we've selected a range of options that we know your pets will love. We've also asked Dr. Godfrey for her expert opinion on them and whether your animals can overheat inside.
The best heated pet beds 2024
The best heated pet bed for small/medium dogs
This dog bed is super snuggly, featuring soft foam walls for added security and a removeable heater for extra warmth. When your pet lays down, the thermostatically controlled heater automatically warms up, and when they get out, it stays at 10 to 15°F above room temperature.
We know how mucky dog beds can get, so we love that the cover is removeable for easy cleaning. There are two different sizes available (for dogs up to 30-50lbs), so if you have a larger breed, this might not be the best option for you. Instead, we would recommend the Clawsable bed in this guide.
Our tester Michael says: "Both of my dogs love it. The bed comes in a bag, and is already assembled; all that’s needed is to plug it into an outlet to warm up the pad inside of the bed liner."
Reasons to buy: Easy to clean, energy-efficient, removeable heater, removable cover.
Reasons to avoid: Not suitable for large dogs over 50lbs, requires a plug socket.
The best heated pet bed for large dogs
This heated pet bed is 48 inches long, making it a great choice for large breeds (or pets who like to stretch out). It's lined with comfortable, plush velvet that's soft and stylish, and the cover is removeable for easy cleaning.
The heater can reach up to 131°F and is controlled via a temperature regulator with six different levels to choose from. You can also set a timer for how long it's on for and a handy light will tell you how much time is left.
This is a great option for both indoor and outdoor pets, as it's water-proof, fire retardant and features an anti-chew cord. The bed comes in five different sizes, making it easy to find the right one for your home and pet.
Reasons to buy: Removeable cover, temperature regulator, timer control, water-proof, fire retardant.
Reasons to avoid: Requires a plug socket.
The best heated pet bed for cats
This heated hammock is such a brilliant idea, and as a cat owner, I know how much your feline will love it. It attaches to your window via two suction cups, giving your kitty a view of the world while they sit back and relax in the warmth.
It includes a removable heating pad that slides in the bottom, making it versatile for year-round use and easy to clean. The bed also has an insulated barrier to prevent your cat from feeling the cold on the window, and the fleecy lining is perfect for snuggles.
Our tester Laura says it's easy to set up and looks nice in her home, but she had to place a table near it so her cat could jump in.
Reasons to buy: Hammock design is perfect for cats, removeable heating pad, easy to clean, fleece lining.
Reasons to avoid: Not suitable for cats with mobility issues, requires a plug socket near window.
The best self-heated cat bed
This luxury self-heated cat bed is lined with the softest faux fur (I'm a little jealous I can't sleep on it myself!) Thanks to the reflective thermal heat technology, you won't need to plug it in or put it in the microwave - your cat's body heat will do the work.
Some pet beds can be a bit of an eyesore, but this one blends in beautifully with my home, and I love its simple design. I chose the color Shearling Cream, but you can also buy it in three other shades on the Cheshire and Wain website.
It's not as padded as other beds we've tried, so I like to place it on top of my sofa, a chair or my bed for extra comfort. You can remove the cover and put it in the washing machine, making it super simple to keep clean.
Reasons to buy: Self-warming, soft fabric, nice design, removeable cover, easy to clean.
Reasons to avoid: Padding could be thicker.
The best orthopedic heated pet bed
This orthopedic bed is made from 35D memory foam for support, and has a raised side for your dog to rest their head. You have total control over the temperature and duration of the heater, with the option to keep it on for up to 11 hours.
This three-in-one design features a mattress, a waterproof cover and a heat pad which can be separated in the summer. It's easy to clean, has overheat protection, and comes with a bite-resistant cord tube for added safety.
Reasons to buy: Removeable heater and cover, memory foam, machine washable, timer and temperature control.
Reasons to avoid: Requires a plug socket.
Other heated pet beds to consider
If you're looking for an affordable option, Snugglesafe's heating pad is a great choice. It works well with all types of pets, and can be placed inside their bed, cage, or on your lap for cuddle time. Simply put it in the microwave for one minute and it will stay warm for up to 10 hours.
It's is bite-resistant, fire-retardant and the contents inside is toxic-free — especially since our pets love to chew! You won't have to worry about any wires either. It comes with a fleece cover that's soft, cozy and has an adorable paw print design.
Our tester's pets wouldn't sit on it properly, but maybe yours will.
Photos from testing
How we tested the best heated pet beds
After searching high and low for the best heated pet beds, we put them to the test on our fur babies at home. Here's what we looked out for:
Comfort: There's no point buying a bed that's not comfortable, so this was the most important factor for us. We reviewed the material, padding and how much space they have to relax.
Value for money: Heated pet beds don't come cheap, so we weighed up whether the products are worth the price tag based on the quality. The last thing you want to do is spend over $100 on a bed that's not good enough.
Hygiene: As pet owners ourselves, we know how dirty our animals' beds can get. That's why we selected ones with removeable covers that are machine-washable where possible.
Here's more information on how we test.
How to choose the best heated pet bed
A heated pet bed or pad might seem like a simple product, but there are a few key points to consider before buying. Firstly, assess your pet’s mobility. If they struggle to step up or down onto different levels then a flat pad is likely the best option to ensure access to the bed isn’t an issue. Never leave an animal that can’t move voluntarily on a heated bed or pad, as this can lead to burns.
Heated pads are also a great choice for animals that favor routine, as they can be easily placed beneath existing beds or blankets if the manufacturers advise that it’s safe to do so. Safety is always important, especially if you’re looking for an outdoor bed. Make sure to choose an outdoor specific model to avoid any chance of shock or electrical malfunction.
If your companion loves to snuggle, opt for thick plush cushions and raised sides so they have somewhere to rest their head, but look out for notes on durability if you happen to have a digger or chewer on your hands.
Self-heating and microwavable beds and pads are great for those on a budget, using less energy than something which needs to be plugged in all day, while splashing out can mean some clever tech, from thermoregulation to sleep monitoring. By checking these few details, you’ll be sure to make the perfect choice.
Are heated pet beds good for cats and dogs?
Heated pet beds might be cozy, but are they any good for our pets? We asked Dr. Godfrey to find out...
She says: "Heated pet beds can be good for dogs and cats, especially if they are small or very lean and struggle to keep their body heat or if they’re older and struggling with sore joints from arthritis. However, most healthy dogs and cats don’t need a heated pet bed, as they’re perfectly capable of maintaining their body temperature. What’s more, heated pet beds can sometimes be dangerous, with risks of burns, overheating, or even electrocution, depending on the heating method."
Can pets overheat in heated pet beds and heated blankets?
It's unlikely your pet will overheat in one of these beds as they can simply move to a cooler spot if they feel too warm, assures Dr. Godrey.
She adds: "However, those who are unwell, weak, or have mobility problems may struggle to move away from the heat source, and these are at risk of overheating."
Megan is an experienced writer who joined the PetsRadar team last year. She has a passion for pet happiness and with two sleep-obssesed cats of her own, she knows how important a good bed is. She has a degree in Journalism from the University of Westminster.
Hannah is a qualified vet who graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 2011 and began work straight away at a busy mixed practice. Initially, she treated all specie, but focused on small animals from 2014. She has a passion for soft tissue surgery, ultrasound, and canine and feline dentistry, having completed additional training in these areas. She then began working at a smaller, independent practice close to home, in order to devote more time to her other love – writing comedy fiction. In February 2023, she moved from permanent clinical vet work to become an Editor for a global medical communications company. She hasn't given up clinical work altogether, though, and still does regular locum shifts at her local vet practices.
