The Green Pet Shop Cooling Mat Review
Grab-and-go cooling for homes and vans without freezer space
Quick Overview:
- Type: Pressure-activated gel cooling mat (no water/power)
- Best For: Light-moderate summer heat, short rest breaks, households without freezer access
- Features: Self-cooling gel core, auto “recharge” after 15–20 mins of non-use, foldable and portable, wipe-clean surface
- Includes: 1 × cooling mat (various sizes available)
When Your Dog Needs Quick Relief
Hot day. Heavy panting. Your dog flops onto the tiles but still can’t settle.
Not every home or van can run fans or air-con all day and that’s where a pressure-activated gel mat helps. The Green Pet Shop pad cools on contact and recharges itself when not in use which is handy for quick relief at home or on the road.
Why It’s Worth Considering
- Zero setup: No water, no freezing, no electricity.
- Quick comfort: Cool to the touch, great for between walks or car breaks.
- Travel-friendly: Folds flat; wipe clean; slips under beds, crates, or van seats.
- Budget-smart backup: Pairs nicely with fans/shade when you don’t have freezer-based gear.
“Worth the extra money… they lie on it together when it’s hot.” – Verified buyer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
What People Love
- No-mess cooling: Works the moment your dog lies down.
- Portable: Light, foldable, easy to move between rooms, car, and caravan.
- Low maintenance: Wipe-clean surface; no parts to rotate or refreeze.
- Versatile: Use on floors, beds, crates, or under a fan for better effect.
- Multiple sizes: Choose coverage for small to large breeds.
Common Complaints
- Shorter cooling window in high heat: Can warm quickly on very hot days indoors.
- Surface wear: Reports of lumps/dents forming with heavy use or scratching.
- Discolouration: Some units arrive with minor marks; mostly cosmetic.
- Not a “cold pack”: Provides cooling relief, not ice-level chill.
None of these are deal-breakers, but they’re worth knowing if your dog spends long hours outdoors.
Where to Use It
- In the car for short trips and rest stops
- On tiles, timber floors, or dog beds at home
- Inside crates, under a shaded awning, or next to a fan
- As a topper on elevated beds for extra airflow
Best For / Not For
Best for:
- Dogs needing quick, low-effort cooling between activities
- Homes/vans without freezer space or constant power
- Senior dogs that enjoy cool, lightly cushioned surfaces
- Backup cooling when travelling light
Not for:
- Extreme heat without shade/airflow
- Heavy scratchers/chewers (supervise use)
- Owners wanting hours-long cold without cycling off the mat
Pros and Cons Summary
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| No water, power, or freezing needed | Can warm quickly on very hot days |
| Self-recharging gel (15–20 mins) | Reports of lumps/dents with heavy use |
| Lightweight, foldable, wipe-clean | Occasional surface discolouration |
| Works anywhere (home, car, caravan) | Cooling is mild–moderate, not “ice cold” |
| Multiple sizes for better coverage | Not ideal for destructive chewers |
Size Guide:
M/L: ~76.2 × 50.8 × 0.5 cm
- Small dogs (<15 kg): S–M
- Medium (15–25 kg): M/L (often a comfortable single pad)
- Large (25 kg+): L/XL or combine with an elevated bed for airflow
Tip: Place on cool flooring or under a fan to extend the cooling window.
My Take
Based on detailed research and owner feedback, The Green Pet Shop Cooling Mat is a no-fuss, quick-relief option for light to moderate heat.
It won’t replace freezer-based systems on scorching days, and some wear-and-tear reports exist, but for households that want simple, portable, wipe-clean cooling, it’s a solid pick, especially as a travel backup or everyday topper.
Looking for the best cooling mat for your dog? Check out my top picks and see how they stack up side-by-side.
Verdict at a Glance
| Category | Rating | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| Cooling Performance | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Quick surface cooling, best in shade |
| Safety & Materials | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Non-toxic, pet-safe gel |
| Durability | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ | Some reports of lumps or wear |
| Ease of Use | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | No setup, easy to clean |
| Value for Money | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Worth it for travel and general cooling |
Final Thoughts
The Green Pet Shop Cooling Mat is one of the best low-maintenance cooling options for Aussie dogs. It’s safe, portable, and keeps dogs comfortable through the worst of summer – without needing power, ice, or prep. Just remember, it’s for gentle relief, not ice-cold miracles.
(Note: Summer stock often sells out before Christmas. If your dog struggles with the heat, grab one early.)
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it stay cool?
Typically offers short bursts of cooling; will warm faster indoors on very hot days. “Recharges” after 15–20 minutes off the mat.
Is it safe for chewers?
The gel is non-toxic, but supervise dogs that scratch or chew.
Can I use it outdoors?
Yes, avoid direct sun and place in shade for best effect.
Will it make seats wet?
No water inside; pop a towel underneath if your dog is damp from a swim.
Is there a better option for extreme heat?
For long, high-heat periods, consider water/ice-based systems or pair the gel mat with shade + airflow.
Every Pawtal product review is independently researched to help Australian dog owners make practical, informed choices for home and travel.
About the Author
Written by Katherine English, Pet Travel Specialist and Founder of Pawtal.
Katherine researches and shares practical ways for Australians to travel safely with their dogs.
Pawtal was inspired by her dream to one day explore Australia with her anxious Golden Retriever, Murphy.