Hop In, Pup: Our Favorite Car Seat Covers for Pet Owners

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For those of us who fall sit at the intersection of dog lover and car junkie, we're often faced with the dilemma of bringing our furry friends along for a ride or keeping our vehicle clean. If we're being honest, fur isn't the only concern: There's saliva, scratches, and, even worse, messy accidents. A lot of this concern can be alleviated with a quality seat cover. Sure, an old blanket tossed over the seat might work in a pinch, but it's certainly not a long-term solution.

We set out with the task of finding the best car seat covers for pet owners. There are plenty of options out there, so we've chosen a few of the best that will work well whether your pet rides shotgun, in the back seat, or in the cargo area.

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Things to Consider

Here are a few things to think about before you order a cover:

Size and Fit Choosing a seat cover that is the right size for your vehicle's seats ensures full coverage and protection. Measure your seats beforehand and select a cover that matches the dimensions to prevent slipping or bunching.

Material and Durability Look for seat covers made from durable, waterproof, and perhaps washable materials that can withstand scratches, dirt, and grosser messes. Common materials include polyester, nylon, canvas, and PVC. Consider features like reinforced stitching and nonslip backing for added durability.

Comfort for Your Dog Consider your dog's comfort and safety and choose a cover with padded or quilted surfaces to provide cushioning and support during car rides. Breathable materials will help regulate temperature and prevent overheating.

Ease of Cleaning Select a seat cover that is easy to clean and maintain, especially if your dog is prone to shedding or accidents. Look for machine-washable covers or those with stain-resistant coatings that can be wiped clean with a damp cloth.

The Best Dog Car Seat Covers

(Note that prices will vary, depending on size.)

Large Seat Cover for Trucks

We like this cover because it protects just about every surface in the rear seat area of your vehicle. It may seem like an afterthought, but protecting your door panels is nearly as important as the seats. Your pets can scratch hard plastic and stain more delicate materials.

This cover from Ruff Liners (great name) is waterproof and features a system of hooks, loops, and anchors to keep everything where it should be. There's also a nonslip rubber backing to keep the cover from sliding around. The cover we've listed here is designed to fit full-size trucks and SUVs, but Ruff Liners also offers options for cars and mid-size SUVs as well as full-size crew-cab trucks.

WeatherTech Seat Protector

Made from a poly-cotton twill fabric with a water-repellent finish and an extra nylon layer, the WeatherTech Seat Protector provides protection from all sorts of messes, not just pets. Installation is simple with the easy-to-use straps, and the cover won't slide around thanks to specialty inserts and a nonslip bottom. The WeatherTech Seat Protector is semi-custom fit to your year, make, and model, which separates it from most covers which tend to be universal. It's also machine washable for when it does inevitably get dirty. (Note: Prices will vary, depending on your vehicle.)

Kurgo Wander Hammock

Kurgo is a renowned name in outdoor pet accessories, offering everything from rugged car seat covers to leashes, life jackets, and water bowls. The company's Wander Hammock is its most popular dog car seat cover, made with quality material and installation is a breeze. Plastic hooks instead of buckles makes it much simpler to install and remove than many of the other ones here. It's available in 55- and 63-inch widths for various vehicles.

A zipper in the hammock acts as a vent for your pet or back-seat human with a messy eating habit. If you plan on taking your seat cover in and out, this is the one you need.

Molly Mutt 3-in-1

For the pet owner who enjoys a bit more flair, the Molly Mutt 3-in-1 offers a plethora of colors and print options. (The constellation print shown is called "Rocketman.") But it's not just great for looks; these covers are also comfortable, versatile, and well made.

Marketed as a hammock, car seat cover, and cargo-area cover, the Molly Mutt's fabric is softer than most other dog seat covers we've seen, so it's probably best for small to medium dogs.

While it's billed as a universal fit, at 56 by 56 inches there's bound to be some fit discrepancy depending on the car you drive. Still, Molly Mutt makes a soft, comfortable car seat cover that's pleasant in both look and feel.

Cargo Liner for Dogs

If you have kids or your pet doesn't like to cooperate in the rear seat, having your pet ride in the cargo area is sometimes necessary. Protecting the surfaces of your cargo area can be just as important as your seats. This cover from F-color comes in nine colors, features four water-resistant layers, and is made from a tough 600-denier oxford fabric.

The cover is secured using a system of quick-release straps and features an anti-slip rubber backing to help keep it in place. A neat feature of this cover is the bumper flap for protecting bumpers from dogs' claws during ingress and egress.

Further, the cover is available in a bunch of colors, so you can match it to your interior, and there's a smaller size for small SUVs and hatchbacks.

Universal Nylon Duck Bench Seat Cover

Carhartt is known for making tough, often water-repellent, workwear, so it makes sense that they apply that same ethos to a car-seat cover. It is made from Cordura ripstop nylon duck and is treated with Carhartt's Rain Defender water repellent, so it's tough and will fair well against any liquid incursion. It'll hold up thanks to its triple-stitched main seams. It's made to work with bench seats with and without headrests but only comes in one size, so be sure to check the size of your seat.

If you like this cover, you can also opt to add in either front seat covers or an organizer that hangs from the back of the front seat.

Waterproof Front Seat Car Cover

We're calling these "Best for Bucket Seats" rather than front seats because there are some vehicles out there with individual buckets in the rear as well. But if your pooch likes to ride shotgun, these covers from Peticon feature a water-resistant coating and are hot-pressed rather than stitched, to avoid the potential of liquid seeping through the needle holes. They also have flaps that protect the lower portion of the seat and include a handy storage pouch. Two quick-release buckles and a seat anchor keep the cover secure and make installation a breeze.

Even if your pet doesn't ride in the front, covering up your front seats while your pet is in the car isn't a bad idea. I'll be grabbing a set of these myself for my doggo and my Boxster.

FAQS

How do I choose the right-size dog seat cover for my vehicle?

To choose the right-size dog seat cover, measure the dimensions of your vehicle's seats, including the length, width, and height. Select a cover that matches these measurements and provides full coverage for your seats, including the headrests.

Are dog seat covers easy to install and remove?

Most dog seat covers are designed to be easy to install and remove, typically using adjustable straps, buckles, or Velcro closures. They can be quickly secured to the seats and removed for cleaning or storage as needed.

Are dog seat covers waterproof and machine washable?

Many seat covers are made from waterproof or water-resistant materials that protect against spills, accidents, and moisture. Additionally, some covers are machine washable, allowing for easy cleaning and maintenance to keep them looking fresh and odor-free.

Are dog seat covers safe for my dog?

Dog seat covers are designed with safety in mind and provide a secure and comfortable riding experience for your dog. Look for covers with nonslip backing, reinforced stitching, and other safety features to ensure your dog remains secure and protected while traveling in the car.

Why Trust Us?

Road & Track and its sibling publications at Hearst Autos represent three of the most influential automotive publications in the world. We rely on decades of experience in the automotive and gear spaces to help readers make informed purchasing choices. Read more about our testing process here.

With the legacies of Autoweek, Car and Driver, and Road & Track behind us, the Hearst Autos Gear Team is more concerned with the trust our readers have in us than our bottom line. We won't tell you to buy something if we wouldn't buy it ourselves or recommend it to our friends, and we'll never claim to have used or tested something we haven't.

We've evaluated dozens of product categories, like electric bikes, prefab garages, and adult e-scooters. Our picks and recommendations of products and gear are based on testing and knowledge, not hype.

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