Updated on Oct. 15, 2024
Dogs love car rides but can be messy passengers. Our pet expert recommends these dog car seat covers to keep your vehicle free of mud, fur and slobber.
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As a pet care expert, I get to share my work day and office with Shadow, who loves our daily car rides to the post office. He’s too big to fit in a carrier, so he rides in the safest place for dogs in the car — the back seat, with his harness clipped to the seat belt. When rain, shedding season, or car sickness strike, my dog car seat cover has saved the upholstery (and my sanity) more than once.
The best dog car seat covers protect upholstery and carpet, making it easier to keep the interior of your vehicle clean and manage pet messes.
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I love the design of this Dog Back Seat Cover Protector from Active Pet. It comes in two sizes that should fit most vehicles, and the versatility allows you to use it three ways. It’s easily one of the best car accessories for pet parents and keeps hair from piling up on car floor mats.
The “hammock style” secures the front and back of the cover to headrests on the rear and front seats, protecting the surface and creating a barrier to keep dogs from climbing. It also has openings for a canine seat belt attachment. Alternatively, you can drop the front sling portion to protect the front of the bench-style rear seat. Or you can use the cover over the cargo area to protect the carpeted rear area.
The material has four layers for comfort, protection and easy cleaning. The top layer of water-resistant cotton offers an easy-to-vacuum surface. The second and third layers offer additional water-resistant protection. The last layer, a PVC rubber non-skid backing, keeps your dog from skidding back and forth during accelerations or unexpected stops. If you want to protect your car, check out these best car covers.
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The Arf Pets Waterproof and Non-Slip Liner is one of the best I’ve seen for on-the-go people who want to take dogs along for the ride.
Water-loving pets, shedding pooches, drooly dogs and mud puppies still get to travel with this waterproof cargo liner. Be sure to measure your vehicle so you’ll know it fits well. And if your dog already made a mess before you got the cover, check out these tips for cleaning up pet carpet stains.
Meadowlark had consumers test its Premium Hammock Dog Car Seat Cover in 100 vehicles to check sizing, so this comes close to a universal fit. This costs a little more, but offers comfortable padding for your dog and four layers of double stitching for durability.
The quilted design also looks more stylish than some plainer seat covers while also protecting car doors from dog slobber.
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The Vailge Dog Seat Cover sets up in two minutes. It works like a hammock, but the mesh material in the center front portion lets you see and monitor your dog instead of blocking the view. It also allows airflow while containing flying fur.
Side panels protect the rear doors from dog mess. When not in use, you can quickly unhook one side and roll up the seat cover for a human passenger. And when it needs a refresh, clean it with one of the best car vacuum cleaners, like the Amazon-loved ThisWorx car vacuum.
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As an alternative to the popular hammock style, the Honest Dog Car Seat Cover provides a snug fit over a bench-style back seat. It allows the center armrest and beverage holder to be used, and it provides access to kid car seat anchors if little ones are sharing the backseat.
The water-resistant material protects against wet fur and paws better than potty accidents, so be sure to walk your dog prior to car rides.
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Riding in the front seat poses safety risks for pets. If you do allow your dog to ride shotgun, also invest in a dog seat belt safety harness and be sure to turn off the airbag.
Urpower’s Dog Front Seat Covers for Cars come in black, gray and khaki and are machine washable. These covers also work for rear bucket or captain seat styles in some cars and SUVs.
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Choose this no-frills Front Seat Cover to do the job without spending a bundle. Though designed for the front seat, it easily adapts to one or both sides of the back seat.
This economical choice works great for quick trips because it’s easy to install. It comes in four colors. The “no-skirt design” means fitting is a breeze, and it covers the most important dog-contact areas of the seat and backrest.
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This CoPilot Seat Cover is one of the best-looking options I’ve seen for bucket or pilot seats in cars or trucks. I love the stylish design and the color choices (black or khaki) to match interiors.
Two pouches provide space to stash cell phones or dog treats. The spandex keeps it snug, although it won’t fit every seat out there. The one complaint reviewers shared was disappointment when it didn’t fit. Be sure to read the dimensions and measure your car seat before ordering.
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If your pooch loves staring out the window on car trips, then you’ll likely want to protect the door from scratches with this door cover from Starling. It’s super simple to install, fits most car door types and is made from a durable polyester that’s easy to keep clean.
Here’s what I looked for when choosing the best dog car seat covers:
