Frequently asked questions

The MessMate splash guard fits round bowls 7 to 9 inches across the top, in stainless steel, ceramic or plastic. Measure straight across the top opening, where the inside walls meet the rim (not the base, and not the outside of a thick lip). Between 7 and 9 inches and you’re set. Our fit guide walks through it step by step.

Medium to extra-large dogs and large cats: the pets who eat from bowls in the 7–9 inch range. MessMate isn’t designed for small dogs, toy breeds or kittens, and we’d rather say so up front than have you send it back.

A set is the safer choice for most people. The Bowl + Splash Guard Set and the Complete Mealtime Set come with a bowl and guard sized to each other, so there’s no measuring and the fit is guaranteed. Buy the guard on its own if you already have a round 7–9 inch bowl you want to keep using.

Measure the narrowest direction across the opening: that’s the number that decides whether the guard will seat properly. If you’d rather not measure, choose a set: the bowl that comes with it is the right shape and size for the guard.

Yes. The raised silicone wall works the same way for dry food, wet food and water, including dogs who paw at their water bowl or drink like they’re bobbing for apples.

Flex the guard, seat it inside the rim of the bowl and press the edge down. It holds by fit alone: no tools, no adhesive.

Lift the guard out in one motion and put it on the top rack of the dishwasher. The stainless steel bowl and the silicone mat are dishwasher safe too. For the mat, the top rack is best; skip the heated dry setting now and then to keep the silicone in good shape.

The guard and mat are made from food-grade, BPA-free silicone and the bowl is food-grade stainless steel. MessMate is a feeding accessory, not a chew toy, so keep an eye on pets who like to chew.

A mat catches mess after it lands, so you’re still cleaning up. The splash guard keeps food and water in the bowl in the first place. Many owners use both: the guard stops the mess, the mat catches the last drips.

The underside is textured silicone that grips smooth hard floors like tile, hardwood and laminate. Wipe the floor dry before you lay it down: a film of water or grease underneath reduces grip. If your pet pushes it around, set it against a wall or cabinet.

Orders are packed and shipped within 1–2 business days. Standard U.S. shipping is free and usually arrives 3–5 business days after it ships. You’ll get tracking by email as soon as your order leaves us.

Enter your address at checkout to see the options and costs available for your country. If yours isn’t listed, send us a message and we’ll see what we can do.

Yes, within 12 hours of ordering. After that your order may already be packed or on its way. Contact us with your order number as soon as possible.

Sign in to your account with the email you used at checkout. There’s no password: we email you a one-time sign-in link.

You can return unused items in their original packaging within 30 days of delivery. For hygiene and pet-safety reasons we can’t accept items that have been used. Full details are on our shipping & returns page.

Email us within 48 hours of delivery with your order number and a few clear photos of the item and the packaging. We’ll send a replacement or refund it at no cost to you.

Once your return arrives and is checked, the refund goes back to your original payment method. Please allow 3–7 business days for it to show.