pet bed can be a special, designated place for your cat or dog to sleep.  In many cases, this means he or she will not be sleeping in your bed or on the couch.  Letting a dog or cat sleep on the bed or couch can lead to a lot of fur that needs to be cleaned up regularly.  It can also mean less room on the couch or in the bed for you and your spouse.  Many people simply do not want their pets in the bed or on the couch, while others may have allergies.  In some cases a pet bed can just be a luxury gift to spoil your pet.  Whatever the reason for buying a pet bed, there are many different types you will need to choose from.

You will need to find a bed that fits your pet.  Your pet should be able to fit in the bed comfortably, while still having it offer comfort and support.  Beds can be made out of a variety of fabrics and are commonly lined with fleece, flannel, denim, faux suede, or microfiber.  A pet bed will typically contain polyester filling or foam padding.  Some beds will have removable covers which can be very beneficial for washing. 

A standard or basic pet bed will look like a large pillow, with no edges or rims and is typically used for dogs.  Standard dog beds are available in many shapes, sizes, materials and colors. They can range in price greatly depending on whether you purchase a basic bed or a designer dog bed.

Nesting beds can be purchased for cats or dogs. These pet beds have raised edges around part or all of the bed.  These beds allow dogs or cats to lean against or curl up against the sides and may made pets feel more comfortable and safe.  Donut dog beds are a variation of these and are round and very plush.

There are also covered or tent pet beds.  These are often made for small dogs and cats and part of the bed is covered by more fabric.  This may be great for cats or small dogs that like to lie under blankets.  They are also good for shy pets who like to hide.

If you have an old or injured dog or cat, you may want to consider a heated pet bed.  A heated pet bed works like an electric blanket or heated pad.  If you live in an especially cold climate, a heated pet bed might be a good idea.  For older or injured dogs and cats, a heated pet bed can be therapeutic.  A heated pet bed is especially therapeutic for a dog with achy joints.  Dogs who spend their lives outdoors may also benefit from a heated pet bed when it gets cold.  Be sure to follow all manufacturers instructions when using a heated pet bed.

might be too many things he or she could chew or soil.  A pet barrier will often resemble a baby gate and you can even use a baby gate as a pet gate.  A pet barrier or baby gate can be purchased at a pet supplies store, department store or baby care store.  A pet barrier can also be purchased online.  Some pet barriers will be especially designed for use in the car.  These pet barriers are made so that your pet can travel safely in the back of your car without distracting the driver or causing problems. 

When looking for a pet gate, you will need to consider the size of the doorway.  Most gates are adjustable to fit the typical doorway, but you should check the specification of the pet gate and measure your doorway before purchasing.  If you have children, you should be sure to purchase a gate that is safe for both children and dogs.  You do not want the gate to have openings that a baby or puppy's head could fit through.  The height of the gate is also important.  A pet gate should be twice the height of a dog if he or she can jump.  It should be tall enough that children can't reach over it if you need to separate them from the dog. 

There are many different kinds of pet gates.  Gates can be wooden, plastic, metal mesh or any combination.  The gate should be durable enough that your dog will not break it and nice enough to match with the design of your home.  Most will work by applying pressure on the walls to keep them in place but others will have hardware to attach them to the walls and will create holes from nails or screws.  Consider whether you want the pet gate to be permanent or not.  Another important feature is whether the pet barrier has a gate that swings open or whether you will have to step over the pet gate.  This is important for children who need to get through a gate or those not flexible enough to step over a taller pet barrier. 

Pet barriers for the car also come in many different styles.  Some pet barriers for the car will consist of an entire mesh or metal wire wall that is adjustable and creates a compartment in the rear of the car for the dog.  These typically run from the floor to the ceiling of the car.  There are also smaller pet barriers that are typically made of mesh and run from the ceiling to the top of the back seats.  Other pet barriers for the car may include a smaller, usually fabric pet barrier that goes between the two front seats to keep a pet from climbing through the opening. 

needed for an older dog to get up on the bed.  Pet ramps are often used to help pets get in and out of cars.  In many cases a young dog will be able to jump onto and off of couches, beds and cars easily and eagerly.  However, a small dog may need more help and an older dog may experience pain when jumping in and out of the car or onto and off of a bed.  Although you may be able to pick your dog up and help him or her, you may not always be around when Fido needs to get off the couch and some dogs may be too heaving to constantly help.  Additionally, pet ramps and pet stairs may help prevent joint injury and pain in older dogs if it is used for young dogs.  In any of these cases, pet steps can be used.

Pet steps can help dogs and cats get on and off high surfaces like couches and beds.  Pet steps can be made or purchased.  They may be made of wood, foam or plastic.  Foam is typically used for small, lightweight dogs and will not be adequate for larger, heavier dogs.  Pet steps should be chosen to match the height of the couch, bed or other surface that your pet is having trouble getting on and off of.  If pet stairs are going to be a permanent addition to a room for an aging or small dog, you may want to consider matching them with the decor.  There are a wide range of patterns, colors and styles available for pet stairs.  A pet ramp may be a better solution for temporary pet needs or if you need something portable because they can easily be moved and stored.  Pet ramps are often made so they can be folded as well.  Longer pet ramps are safer for your pet because they make the climb less steep.

When choosing pet stairs or a pet ramp, you should also consider your dogs weight.  Many pet steps will specify the weight of the animal they are intended to hold.  In order for the pet stairs or ramp to be safe, it should not be too steep and should have a nonslip surface.  Foam or wooden stairs will often be carpeted and plastic stairs are typically made to be nonslip.  Pet stairs should be wide enough so that your pet will not accidentally fall of the side.  If your pet stair is more than 30" high, you may want to consider railings.  These can be beneficial for elderly or arthritic dogs who will be using pet steps as well.  The vertical pieces of the railing should not be wide enough to allow your pet to fall through. 

walking rabbits.  This article will deal with essential pet apparel.  For more information on other pet apparel, see the article on pet clothing. 

The most important piece of pet apparel you will buy for your dog or cat is their collar.  A pet's collar is likely to be more important and more frequently used than other pet accessories, with the exception of their food and dishes.  A cat or dog should always wear a collar and some other pets may have collars too. 

Pet collars serve several purposes.  First, a pet collar should have tags on it.  These tags should identify your pet and have contact information should your pet get lost and someone finds him or her.  A collar may also have tags indicating that the pet is registered with the town and has had certain important vaccines, like a rabies shot.  For cats, a collar may also have a bell on it.  This will enable you to easily find a cat and also prevent your outdoor cat from sneaking up on rodents and birds and eating them (which could make your cat sick or cause disease).  Collars also serve as a way to attach a leash to your pet to take them on walks.  Additionally, a collar can be an easy way to catch a scared cat or hold a dog that is excited about something. 

Collars come in many styles and colors, much like other pet accessories.  You can buy collars to match other pet apparel such as your dog's leash or cat's bed.  Collars can be nylon or leather.  For cats, nylon is preferred because they often have an elastic panel that will stretch if your cat gets caught on something.  Cat collars should have a breakaway feature that will release the collar if your cat gets caught on something in order to avoid strangling.  Collars should be snug enough that your pet cannot slip out of them but not too tight. 

There are other pet accessories that you may need for a dog.  Some dogs will require special collars.  Chain collars, prong collars and choke collars are all designed for hard to control dogs.  They apply pressure on a dog's neck when he or she pulls on the leash.  Other special pet apparel includes dog halters and harnesses, which wrap around the nose or shoulders and work by applying pressure at the scruff of the neck, and muzzles, which prevent dogs from biting. 

A dog's leash can be an important part of your pet accessories.  Dog leashes come in many different styles and varieties.  Basic leashes are made of nylon or leather and clip on to the dog's collar.  Retractable leashes usually have a hard plastic case and a narrow nylon cord that has a clip on the end.  These are typically used for smaller dogs and allow dogs more freedom of movement while also preventing them from getting caught in a loose leash or you from tripping on it.

cages, and food, can be purchased locally or on the Internet. When you consider buying these items, you will need to account for the size, type, and preferences of your reptiles.