A bare crate is just a box; the right accessories make it a comfortable den. Bedding cushions joints, a cover can make the space feel calmer, a bowl that cannot tip keeps water available, and a pen gives a puppy more room when you are out for longer. Some accessories also create risks: bedding that a puppy shreds and swallows, covers pulled into the crate, or collars that catch on wires. This guide covers each accessory, how to choose it and how to use it safely, drawing on RSPCA, Humane World for Animals and veterinary guidance.

Safety basics: remove collars with dangling tags before crating (veterinarians quoted by PetMD warn tags can catch on crates and cause choking); give only chew toys that cannot be broken into swallowable pieces; and remove bedding a dog is chewing apart. Supervise until you know how your dog treats each item.

Bedding and crate mats

The RSPCA recommends soft bedding in the crate. Options:

Type Pros Cons Best for
Fitted crate mat Covers the tray; washable Thin versions offer little cushioning Most dogs
Orthopaedic or thicker pad Supports joints Bulkier; reduces headroom Older or large dogs
Chew-resistant mat Durable Firmer Dogs that chew bedding
Vet bedding or blankets Easy to wash, flexible Can bunch up Puppies in training

Measure the crate’s internal floor, account for bedding thickness in the height, and wash bedding regularly. For puppies that shred bedding, use durable vet bedding or a bare tray until the habit passes, and never leave a puppy with fibres or stuffing it is swallowing. See crate mats.

Crate covers

Many dogs settle better in a covered crate that feels den-like. A purpose-made cover leaves the door and at least one side open for airflow and visibility. Watch for:

  • Ventilation and heat: do not fully cover a crate in a warm room or in direct sun; the RSPCA advises keeping the crate out of direct sunlight.
  • Chewing: if a dog pulls the cover through the bars, remove it.
  • Fit: loose fabric should not dangle into the crate.

See crate covers.

Bowls and water

For crate stays longer than a short training session, the RSPCA recommends water in a bowl that clips on so it cannot be tipped over. Choose stainless steel for durability and easy cleaning, and mount it where the dog will not lie on it. During early toilet training some owners limit water shortly before bedtime; ask your veterinarian what is appropriate for your puppy. See crate bowls.

Chew toys and enrichment

A safe chew toy gives a dog something to do and builds positive associations with the crate; the RSPCA suggests safe chew toys in the crate, and Humane World for Animals recommends a toy inside when you use the crate as a safe space. Choose toys sized for your dog that cannot be broken into pieces small enough to swallow, and check them regularly for damage. Food-dispensing toys can make crate time more appealing, but introduce them while you are present.

Cleaning supplies

  • Enzyme-based cleaner for toileting accidents removes odours that encourage repeat accidents.
  • Pet-safe surface cleaner for trays; rinse well.
  • Spare bedding so one set can be washed while the other is in use.

Follow product labels and keep cleaners out of the dog’s reach. See cleaning supplies.

Portable pens

A pen (playpen or exercise pen) gives a puppy more room than a crate when you need to leave it longer than its crate time limit. Humane World for Animals advises that puppies under six months should not be crated more than three or four hours at a time; a pen connected to an open crate, with a toilet area at the far end, is a common alternative for longer periods. Make sure the pen is tall and stable enough that the dog cannot climb or push it over. See portable pens.

Accessories by life stage

Puppies

Puppies chew, have accidents and grow quickly. Durable, washable vet bedding, a divider panel to keep the space the right size, enzyme cleaner and a pen for longer periods are the most useful items. Expect to replace bedding and toys as the puppy grows and its chewing changes.

Adult dogs

Adults usually settle with a fitted mat, a favourite durable toy and, for longer stays, a clip-on water bowl. If the crate is in a living room, a cover or furniture-style crate may suit both dog and home.

Senior dogs

Older dogs benefit from thicker, supportive bedding, a crate with a low threshold that is easy to step into and a quiet location. Changes in behaviour around the crate, such as reluctance to lie down, can signal pain; mention them to your veterinarian.

Accessories to avoid or use with caution

  • Collars with dangling tags in the crate.
  • Toys with small parts, stuffing or squeakers for dogs that destroy toys.
  • Heating pads not designed for pets, or any cord the dog can reach.
  • Full covers in warm rooms.
  • Bedding that is too thick for the crate’s height.

Starter accessory list

  1. Washable crate mat sized to the internal floor
  2. Clip-on stainless bowl
  3. One or two durable chew toys
  4. Breathable partial cover (if your dog likes enclosure)
  5. Enzyme cleaner
  6. Pen, if you will be out longer than crate time limits

Frequently asked questions

Should I put a bed in a puppy’s crate?

Yes, if the puppy does not chew and swallow it. Start with durable, washable bedding; if the puppy destroys it, remove it until the chewing phase passes.

Are crate covers necessary?

No. They help some dogs settle; others prefer to see the room. Watch your dog’s behaviour and keep airflow good.

Accessories work best with good training; see how to crate train a dog and crate types compared. All accessory guides are under Crate Accessories.

Do crate accessories help with toilet training?

Indirectly. A divider keeps the space small enough that a puppy is less likely to toilet in one end, and enzyme cleaner removes odours that attract repeat accidents. Regular toilet breaks matter most.

Sources