The 10 Best Dog Seat Covers
Editor's Notes
March 04, 2021:
During this update, we replaced the previous Formosa model we recommended with the Formosa Deluxe Quilted, which is smaller and designed for front or rear bucket seats, since we were lacking in this style. Dogs will find its soft material to be very cozy, however it is less durable than the Urpower SC-024, which also fits bucket seats. Also, while the former has a flap that protects the floor, the latter has a skirt that protects the sides of the seat, so you'll have to decide which is more important to you.
Another cover we eliminated was the Transpawt Luxury Hammock, and this was partially due to availability issues, but more so because we found a better option in the iBuddy H458. The H458 has large side flaps that are held up by a strap that wraps around your vehicle's grab handle, so rambunctious pups won't knock it out of place. It, along with the Kululu Heavy Duty, also feature a mesh panel that provides airflow while also allowing your dog to keep an eye on you, which is something every furry companion will appreciate.
When it comes to looks, the Urpower SC-015 immediately stands out from the pack for both its two-tone design and cute pawprint detail. It also offers zip-up side flaps and a storage pocket to keep a few of your pup's essentials close at hand.
April 30, 2019:
Dog seat covers, for the most part, do not vary too much in general design. What sets the best ones apart are their construction and features, so we prioritized heavy-duty materials that are puncture and waterproof, as well as UV-resistant and unlikely to attract too much pet hair. We also ensured they were easy to clean, whether safe for the washer or if in the event they have a surface treatment that breaks down in the washing machine, can still be hosed off easily and vacuumed. Adjustable and elastic clips, integrated skirts, handy mesh screens, zippers, and pockets are other features we felt were necessary.
When our previous #5 (Upsky Heavy Duty) was discontinued, we took the opportunity to recommend the Urpower Upgraded for bucket and front seats. It's also budget-friendly enough to get multiple and offers great protection if you drive for Uber or Lyft.
The Plush Paws PS-XLR-BL and Transpawt Luxury Hammock maintained top spots because they are unquestionably durable, use materials of the highest quality, come with bonus items like additional restraints and bungee cords, and are capable of fitting dozens upon dozens of vehicles.
Never forget that driving with a pet can be distracting, so do your best to ensure that your pup is safe and secure before you begin your journey.
No Accidents In The Car
If you have a car and a furry best friend, then you've got a recipe for success when it comes to embarking on new adventures together or traveling with the family.
If you have a car and a furry best friend, then you've got a recipe for success when it comes to embarking on new adventures together or traveling with the family. For that reason, you'll need a reliable seat cover designed to keep your dog comfortable and safe, and your vehicle clean during those long road trips–just in case Fido decides to have an accident in the back seat while you're driving. Though you may think a seat cover specifically-designed for your dog is a luxury, it's actually more of a necessity than anything else.
So why the need to invest in a special cover for a dog? Couldn't a towel accomplish the same goal? While a towel is certainly one option, dog seat covers don't usually drape over the seat completely the way a towel does. Instead, these items are more like mats designed to sit directly over the upholstery on which your pet rests. Some covers do fit over the seats, regardless of whether the car is equipped with bucket or bench-style seats.
What differentiates dog seat covers from an ordinary blanket or towel is that they are typically attached by means of straps, strings, Velcro fasteners, or even zippers. They may also have elastic straps with hooks used to secure your pet onto the car seat cover itself. By contrast, a towel is more difficult to secure over a vehicle's upholstery and it won't offer the same degree of protection or comfort for your dog, especially if you are both spending extended time on the road.
Three main types of dog seat covers are available, including fitted, hammock style, and cargo mats. Fitted covers are available in universal and custom styles. They come in standard sizes designed to fit a variety of vehicles, and they can be custom-tailored to fit a truck's rear bench seat or a car's front bucket seats. Both bench-style and custom-fitted seat covers offer full back seat protection for the dog. Bench-style covers are usually spread over a vehicle's entire back seat and can even accommodate human passengers when equipped with special openings for fastening seat belts. Many bench seat covers can also double as cargo bed liners for hauling heavy items in the rear of large pickup trucks.
The benefit of custom-fitted covers is that they can be contoured to either the front or back seats, which comes in particularly handy if a vehicle's rear seats are split. The hammock-style seat cover drapes across a back seat from the rear to the front headrests, creating a calming feeling of suspension for a dog. Hammock covers protect the floor from dirt, debris, and accidents while also preventing an animal from jumping into the front seat and distracting the driver. Cargo mats are particularly useful when planning to let a pet rest in the very back of a large van or sport utility vehicle, as they can be easily stretched out and are often quilted for extra comfort.
Pooch Support: A Cover Above Any Other
There are several things to keep in mind when purchasing a seat cover for a dog. Firstly, one must be sure the cover is durable. Since many dogs are prone to chewing and biting fabrics, the cover should be able to withstand your dog's interest. Secondly, the cover should also be machine washable, as it's inevitable that accidents will occur even if they're infrequent. Thirdly, ensure that the cover is fully waterproof can also help to prevent leaks and messes, especially if a dog jumps right into the car from the rain.
If you decide to design a custom-fitting cover, you'll have the freedom to choose the color, fabric, and shape that most closely conforms to your car's unique style.
Dog car seat covers come in a variety of materials, including synthetic vinyl, neoprene, and other types of rubber for the major purpose of protecting a vehicle's upholstery, while remaining soft and comfortable for the pet. These types of materials are also durable and easy to wash should they get dirty. Other materials include sturdy canvas, soft microfiber suede, and even poly-cotton due to its softness and the water-repellent nature of its polyester.
Consider the size and shape of your vehicle and what cover may work best. Take some measurements before making your decision to minimize any trouble with installation or placement. For example, if you have a large bench-style seat in the back of your car, then a hammock-style cover can be an asset by protecting the seats and floor with its ability to stretch out over the length of the seat itself. By contrast, if other human passengers will be in the car, a custom-fitted cover may work best, so that both the dog and your family can easily ride together. If you decide to design a custom-fitting cover, you'll have the freedom to choose the color, fabric, and shape that most closely conforms to your car's unique style.
A Brief History Of Dog Car Seat Covers
The invention of the dog car seat cover and its many variations is not attributed to a single individual or company, however, the idea stemmed from the inadequacies of using simple blankets or towels to protect both a dog and a car's interior from damage. The product became especially common in the early 2000s, with one of the first patents granted in 2007 that was specifically designed for a dog's use.
One of the first hammock-style dog seat covers was later patented in 2010. Its purpose was to solve problems related to distracting a driver when a dog jumped into the front seat, messes attributed to a dog's shedding or drooling, mud on the seats, and to minimize additional wear and tear that could otherwise damage a vehicle's upholstery over time.
Today, there is a large variety of different cover styles, shapes, materials, and colors to choose from for suiting most any circumstance, vehicle, and road trip one can imagine.