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via Merchant
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. Of course, I keep other important items in my car just for the pets.
What to Look for When Buying a Dog Car Seat Cover
- Design: Not all dog car seats fit every vehicle. Look for one that best fits your vehicle, whether a bench back seat, bucket front seat or combination of styles.
- Water resistant: If you have a water-loving dog or a pup that gets carsick, get water-resistant or waterproof covers.
- Easy on-off: That way you can remove the liner for cleaning without a lot of hassle.
- Secure nonslip options: Look for nonskid covers that don’t let your dog slip and slide during rides.
- Washable: Products that clean up quickly and easily are a must.
- Non-absorbent: Fabric should repel and not absorb dust and dirt, reducing routine cleanup to a quick vacuuming or a wipe with a damp cloth.
- Comfort level: Plastic repels water but isn’t comfortable for a resting dog. Look for padded covers.
- Safety features: Can your dog be belted in? What options prevent them from climbing into the driver’s lap? Safety earns bonus points.
Evaluation Criteria
Here’s what I looked for when choosing the best dog car seat covers:
- Comfort for the dog;
- Sturdy construction;
- Easy to clean;
- Good fit on the seat;
- Safety features;
- Ratings by reviewers.
2 / 9
Via Merchant
Best Overall Dog Car Seat Cover
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.
Pros
- Two sizes (standard and extra-large) to fit compact cars to SUVs;
- Adjustable straps for fitting;
- Velcro opening for seat belts;
- Easy to vacuum surface;
- Prevents claws from penetrating;
- Sturdy anchors for no slip-and-slide;
- Economical price.
Cons
- Not machine washable but can be hosed off and hanged to dry;
- Reviewers suggest plastic buckles easily break.