Have you always wanted to take off with your furry friend on an endless drive without a care in the world? But for the trip to be really carefree, you’ll need to use the best dog car seat covers to protect your vehicle’s interiors.
If not, it is likely that you’ll find your seat drooled on, the door panel scratched, and your dog’s fur everywhere. Dog car seats serve other purposes than just saving your car’s upholstery; they can also provide a sense of security to an anxious pup.
Below, we’ll explore the other benefits of getting a good dog car seat cover—even if you don’t have a dog that sheds excessively—they can be used for all dog breeds! We’ll also help you understand some of its important features so that you can make an informed purchase.
Why Is a Dog Car Seat Cover Important?
While you may think that a bedsheet or a towel thrown over a car seat can do the same job for you, it is definitely not a long-term or very safe option. You need a dog car seat based on the frequency with which you take your pooch on car drives, whether to the vet or a salon visit, long road trips, or just for relaxing drives. Here’s why:
Protects Your Car
It protects your car interiors from scratches, dirt, fur, and accidents. This, in turn, may help with your car’s resale value.
Provides a Designated Space
It creates a designated space for your pooch, reducing distractions to the driver and enhancing the overall travel experience for you and your four-legged companion.
Addresses Dog Anxiety
It offers a comfortable and secure area for your dog, reducing stress and ensuring a smoother ride
Offers Break-free Safety
It promotes safety by preventing sliding or falling during sudden stops or turns.
Easy to Clean
Many covers are waterproof, which helps in easy cleanup after muddy adventures or accidents. Some are also machine-washable for added convenience.
What Types of Dog Car Seat Cover Are There?
Let’s explore the different types of dog car seat covers to help you find the perfect fit for your car and your canine companion:
Bench Seat Cover
This classic option covers the entire back bench seat, creating a secure and comfortable space for your dog. Some even come with built-in bolsters to provide a little extra comfort and support to your precious pooch. Available in various sizes and materials, they are a good option for medium-sized dogs, and our smaller furry friends can easily cozy up and stretch out in these spaces.
Bucket Seat Cover
This type of cover is designed to fit over a single bucket seat, creating a designated spot for your pup. Bucket seat covers are perfect for smaller dogs who need their own space or for situations where you need to keep a passenger in the back seat alongside your dog. You’ll often find a practical tether attachment on these systems, made specifically for clipping onto your dog’s harness and keeping them by your side.
Hammock-style Covers
These guard your car’s interior, blocking out stains and spills like a heroic shield. They attach to the headrests of both the front and back seats, creating a barrier between the seats and the floor. They are suitable for bigger breeds or nervous pups that get the urge to snuggle up front with their owners.
Cargo Liner
As the same suggests, cargo liners are perfect for protecting your car’s trunk or cargo area when transporting your dog. They are typically made from heavy-duty, waterproof materials and often have raised edges to contain dirt, mud, and debris. If your furry friend likes to spread out or get a little messy during car rides, a cargo liner is the perfect solution.
The Best Dog Car Seat Covers to Buy in 2024
We at DogTime have curated a list of the best dog car seat covers available in 2024 for when your dog sits in the back seat, rides shotgun, or travels in the cargo area. From waterproof designs to plush interiors, these covers offer durability, style, and ease of cleaning while also keeping your furry friend comfortable and secure on your long drives.
BEST OVERALL
URPOWER Dog Car Seat Cover
PHOTO CREDIT: URPOWER
Why We Love
Can be used in three ways
Waterproof and durable
Non-slip rubber backing
Velcro seat belt openings
Available in six colors
No-smell material
But…
Not machine-washable
If you are a pet parent who is always on the go, then this hammock-style URPOWER dog seat cover is for you. Its no-smell, heavy-duty polyester construction ensures durability and protection against scratches, spills, and dog hair, and the waterproof material safeguards your car seats from mud and any messes. The more luxe your car interiors are, the better protection they require, and we can safely say this is the best dog car seat cover for leather seats.
With its universal fit and adjustable straps, you can quickly and securely install it in any vehicle. You can also use it as a car bench, backseat hammock, or trunk cargo liner. The non-slip backing keeps the cover in place and makes sure your dog is stable while in motion. You can vacuum it or clean it with a damp cloth. Plus, the side flaps and seat belt openings add extra convenience and safety.
BEST HAMMOCK
nzonpet 4-In-1 Dog Car Seat Cover
PHOTO CREDIT: nzonpet
Why We Love
6-layer design
Durable
Waterproof back seat cover for dogs
Features a mesh window
360 protection of backseat
Suitable for many vehicles
But…
Non-machine washable
This car seat dog cover from Nzonpet is a good fit for pet parents seeking protection and comfort during car rides. Its waterproof and scratchproof design effectively saves seats from spills, dirt, and doggie claws, ensuring your car’s clean and tidy interior. It can be used in three ways: in the car and outdoors as a camping mat.
Featuring a mesh window that allows better airflow while also allowing your furry friend to see you, the hammock-style construction provides a safe and relaxed space for dogs and prevents them from sliding or falling during transit. The cover is also easy to install, and its adjustable straps make it compatible with a variety of vehicles. Additionally, it can be cleaned easily with a damp cloth, saving you time and effort.
BEST FOR FRONT SEAT
Paw Jamboree Scratch-proof Pet Car Seat Cover
PHOTO CREDIT: Paw Jamboreer
Why We Love
Made from scratch-resistant materials
Waterproof
Machine washable
Non-slip backing
Easy to install
Leak-resistant quilted design
But…
It does not have a storage pocket
Made from scratch-resistant and waterproof materials, this durable Paw Jamboree front seat cover effectively protects your car. It features a skirt that helps keep all parts of the passenger seat or bucket seats protected from spills, dirt, and dog nails. The cover’s easy and quick installation process is an added bonus, too.
Featuring a non-slip design, two sets of adjustable buckles, and a seat anchor, the cover will not slip or slide no matter how much your furry companion moves, making it safe for them and you. And if you’re worried about cleaning this cover, all you have to do is throw it in the washing machine, and it will look as good as new.
BEST BENCH-STYLE
4Knines Dog Seat Cover
PHOTO CREDIT: 4Knines
Why We Love
7-layer durable design
Machine-washable
Velcro slots for seat belt access
Non-slip backing
Waterproof
Sturdy seat anchors
But…
No pockets
This dog seat cover from 4Knines works well for pet parents looking for a bench-style protective covering for their car’s back seat. Made from 7 layers, the cover is durable and completely waterproof, ensuring your car’s interiors are safe from scratches, dirt, and, more importantly, spills and messes.
Whether you’re taking your furry friend on a road trip or simply running errands around town, the effortless installation of this cover turns your back seat into a cozy space for them in a jiffy. It also features velcro slots that give access to two seat belts and latch anchors, allowing you to secure your dog with a seat belt harness should you choose to. Plus, the non-slip backing ensures the cover does not bunch up, even with a hyperactive dog.
BEST MACHINE-WASHABLE
Hanjo Pets Car Hammock for Dogs
PHOTO CREDIT: Hanjo
Why We Love
5 layer design
Machine washable
Multiple pockets
Mesh window
Double-reinforced stitching
Waterproof
But…
The mesh window may not be very durable
This cover is suitable for all types of cars and is a comfortable and secure option for both your dog and your vehicle. Designed from dust-proof and water-proof fabric, it also has double-reinforced stitching, ensuring nothing, wet or dry, gets past the cover and onto your car seat. Configurable in two styles, bench, and hammock, the seat has a mesh window and multiple pockets for water bottles, umbrellas, and other dog paraphernalia.
Your pup will love its hammock design, which offers ample space to relax while preventing them from slipping or falling while moving. Its five-layer design is highly durable, and because it can be machine-washed, it is easy to maintain. What’s not to love?
BEST UNIVERSAL-FIT
Active Pets Dog Car Seat Cover
PHOTO CREDIT: Active Pets
Why We Love
Made from durable material
Universal fit
Waterproof
Available in fun colors
Velcro seat belt slots
Easy to clean
But…
No pockets
The universal fit of this seat cover from Active Pets makes it suitable for use in the backseats of most cars, trucks, and SUVs. Its waterproof and scratchproof material protects your car upholstery from dirt, spills, and pet hair, ensuring a neat and clean interior.
Moreover, the cover’s non-slip backing and two sturdy seat anchors give it a secure fit, which minimizes shifting or sliding even with active and adventurous dogs. The velcro slots for seat belt buckle access mean you can use a seat belt harness for your pup and provide an added layer of security. Cleaning is as easy as wiping it down with a damp cloth or vacuuming, and its trim, which comes in four colors, makes it a fun addition to your car.
BEST WATER-RESISTANT
VIVAGLORY Front Dog Seat Cover
PHOTO CREDIT: VIVAGLORY
Why We Love
Universal fit
Quilted top layer
Four-layer design
Anti-slip mesh backing
No skirt design
Waterproof coating
But…
No pockets
As far as front seat covers go, the skirts make them specific to use only in a few cars, which is why the no-skirt design of the Vivaglory cover is suitable for most vehicles’ front seats and bucket seats. It features four-layer fabric with a water-resistant coating, which acts as an effective barrier between your pup’s nails, fur, slobber, and the car seat.
The quilted top layer is comfortable, while the anti-slip mesh backing ensures stability, keeping your pooch secure even during sharp turns. The cover is not machine washable, but due to its water-repellent coating, you can wipe off any liquid mess or rinse and air dry it, and it will be ready for round 2 of driving around.
How We Choose the Best Dog Car Seat Cover
At DogTime, our experts curated this list of the best dog car seat covers by assessing factors such as fit, durability, ease of cleaning, easy installation, and overall value. They further consulted with industry professionals to gain more insight into the top-selling products, using their guidance and experience to bring our readers the very best. When you choose one of our recommended products, you can rest assured that you’re making an informed purchase from the best brands available on the market.
FAQ
Who makes the best seat covers for dogs?
Determining the “best” seat covers depends on the dogs’ individual needs and the car’s build. Brands like 4Knines and URPOWER are known for their high-quality covers, which protect car seats and ensure your furry friend’s safety and comfort. The Orvis dog seat cover is also a popular choice among pet parents.
How to protect car seats from dogs?
To protect car seats from dogs, use branded seat covers made of durable, waterproof material. Train your dog to stay on the cover, and consider using a harness or barrier for added safety.
Do dog car seat covers work?
Yes, dog car seat covers effectively protect your car upholstery from scratches, dirt, wet spills, and messes. They also provide a designated space for your four-legged companion, ensuring safety for them and distraction-free driving for you.
Are car seats good for dogs?
Car seats are safe and comfortable for dogs when used with appropriate restraints or harnesses. Look for brands that prioritize features like mesh windows, which allow dogs to see you and be more comfortable on drives.
Do dogs ruin leather car seats?
Yes, dogs can potentially damage leather car seats with scratches, tears, and stains from their claws, saliva, or shedding fur. You can use protective covers to prevent such damage.
What are the different types of dog seat covers?
The different types of dog seat covers include hammock-style covers, bench seat covers, bucket seat covers, and cargo area covers. Each style is suited to different cars and offers varying levels of protection.
What are the disadvantages of car seat covers?
While mostly useful and safe, dog car seat covers have some disadvantages. These may include improper fit, difficulty in cleaning, interference with seatbelt use, and the potential for discomfort or overheating for dogs during long journeys.
What is the toughest seat cover material?
Some of the most durable dog seat cover materials include canvas, nylon, Oxford cloth, and Cordura. They are scratch and tear-resistant and waterproof, too.
How to make a pet car seat cover?
To make a DIY dog car seat cover, measure your car seats, choose durable and possibly waterproof fabric, and sew or fasten it to fit securely. You can also consider adding features like non-slip backing for safety.
Is leather or cloth better for dogs?
Is leather or cloth better for Cloth is generally better for dogs as it provides more grip and breathable comfort. Leather can be slippery and prone to scratches, but both materials can be protected with appropriate seat covers.dogs?
