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Dogs make the best copilots when you're riding in the car, but they don't exactly help keep it clean. The best car seat covers for dogs are waterproof, simple to clean, and compatible with your vehicle’s design.
First, think about the material. It should be fully waterproof so rain, mud, dirt, and other elements don't seep through. It should also be thick enough to prevent your dog's claws from scratching up the upholstery. Look for durable fabrics like nylon, polyester, and Oxford cloth.
Also, your car seat cover needs to fit right so it doesn't slide around. Seek out options with silicone or rubber lining on the back that will grip the seat and keep everything in place. Additionally, adjustable straps or anchor systems will go a long way toward keeping the cover from bunching up.
Finally, make sure it's easy to clean. Although some extra-motivated dog owners may not mind hand-washing pet items, I personally find that machine-washable selections make life much easier on those days when you and your dog return from the park covered in mud.
Below, I've listed the best car seat covers for dogs to help you make a decision. Keep in mind that it's safer for both you and your pup if you have them secured in the back seat, either in a crate or carrier or clipped in with a proper seat belt tether via their harness. For that reason, all of my selections offer access to your car's seat belt clip.
With that in mind, read on for the best car seat covers for dogs — all of which are available on Amazon.
1
The Best Bench-Style Cover
What’s great about it: If you prefer something that fits more snugly over the back seat, this bench-style dog seat cover is the way to go. It's made with robust 75-denier polyester that features a water-repellent design and strong stitching. It also features three strips on the back that help keep it from slipping around. The machine-washable material is claw-proof, and all of the straps are adjustable. With convenient slots for access to your car's seat belts, the whole thing can also be used as a cargo liner for the back of the car when needed. As a bonus, it comes with an extra cover to drape over the back of the front seats for added protection.
One reviewer wrote: “This is just what I needed for my giant breed dog to be able to ride in my vehicle. It protects the seat back, the bench, the back of the seat in front, and the floor without putting undo strain on the head rests.”
Available sizes: 21 x 72 inches, 56 x 94 inches, 62 x 94 inches | Available colors: Black, gray, taupe, black micro-velvet
2
The Best Single-Seat Cover
What’s great about it: Made with a thick but lightweight nylon frontside and a grippy silicone liner on the back, this high-quality car seat cover is the perfect way to protect your ride. The fully waterproof material keeps dirt and mud contained, while the three-part anchor system holds it in place. Reviewers noted that the fabric is thick enough to protect against sharp claws, too. Best of all, you can toss this in the wash as needed for hassle-free cleaning.
One reviewer wrote: “Fits great in my Mini! Stays on and comes off easy when I have a passenger. I love being able to protect the seat and take my dogs everywhere without worries!”
Available size: One size | Available colors: Black, gray, tan, camo
Also available on: 4Knines, $40
3
The Best Hammock-Style Cover
What’s great about it: This hammock-style dog seat cover is a fantastic way to keep your back seat protected (and the rear of your front seats, too). It's constructed with tough, fully waterproof polyester and Oxford cloth, plus a silicone-polyester liner on the back. The material is strong enough to stop your dog's nails from piercing through it, and the reinforced stitching adds even more durability.
This machine-washable cover is designed with buckle straps and seat anchors for adjustability, as well as convenient front pockets for storing toys and accessories. On top of that, it has side flaps to protect the entryway when your pooch is hopping in and out. Like all of my picks, this cover leaves the seat belt clip accessible, and this brand also makes a dog seat belt that you can purchase separately.
One reviewer wrote: “This is probably my third or fourth car seat cover in as many years. It is well-made, definitely waterproof (my dog threw up on it in the car and none of it got on the seat), and seems durable. Best of all, I was able to wash it in the machine without it falling apart. I've never had a car seat cover where I could do that, which boggles the mind. Buy this cover; you won't regret it.”
Available size: One size | Available colors: Blue camouflage
Also available on:
4
The Best For Full-Coverage
What’s great about it: On top of protection for the back seat, this comprehensive seat cover set comes with special headrest protectors, a drape for the back of the front seats, and an extra door cover so that virtually every inch of the car is secured. The four-layer polyester is thick enough to prevent your pooch's paws from scratching the seats, and the back has rubber mesh to keep it from sliding around.
This machine-washable cover is made with sturdy zippers, and it has plenty of padding to keep your dog comfy, too. Additional features include strong seat anchors and Velcro seat belt holes. Even better: it comes with a compatible seat belt for your dog.
One reviewer wrote: “This cover is awesome. It keeps my car super clean and is very easy to set up and remove. It’s completely water proof and the material is very thick so even of the dogs scratch the seats are as new. This fits my SUV perfectly and the option to cover the car doors is great as well. I have washed it and dried it in the machine multiple times and is still as new.”
Available sizes: Standard, X-Large | Available colors: Black, beige
5
The Most Popular Car Seat Protector
What’s great about it: This highly rated bench seat protector is another reliable choice for dog owners, with waterproof polyester material that resists sharp claws and a nonslip backing and anchors to help keep it in place. With over 22,800 ratings on Amazon, this cover is a popular option that’s both easy to clean (it’s machine washable) and easy to install (it’s sized to fit most bench seats that feature adjustable headrests). And it has slits so you can still access seat belts for a safe ride.
One reviewer wrote: “This is the best thing ever. I have a German Shepherd and he sheds ALOT. This cover keeps my backseat free of hair. I like that it hooks around the headrests so it will stay up over the tops of the seat as well as has an elastic part on each bottom part to secure around the seat before the flap comes over. I love this!!!!!”
Available sizes: One size (49 x 56 inches) | Available colors: Tan, gray, black, sage green
6
The Most Convenient Design
What’s great about it: If you have a nervous pup who needs to be able to see you at all times, this Vailge dog seat cover is the perfect solution. It has a zip-down mesh window that allows your pup to still see into the front of the car, along with 600-denier Oxford material that’s waterproof and machine washable. Like other options, this one also leaves the seat belt clips accessible. Reviewers noted that this car seat cover is easy to install, and it comes in two sizes so you have a better chance of getting just the right fit.
One reviewer wrote: “Perfect seat cover! [...] I love that this seat cover has the side panels to protect the doors as well as the seats. I also like the mesh panel in the front to make it easier to see dogs in the back and provide them with better ventilation so they don’t get as hot. The material is nice but still easy to clean water and dirty paw prints off.”
Available sizes: Standard (56 x 60 inches) and X-Large (60 x 64 inches) | Available color: Black
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