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Best Car Seat Covers For Dogs

Keep your back seats protected from claws and easy to clean with a car seat cover for dogs.
Written and Tested By:
Will Moore
Written and Tested By: Will Moore Senior Writer – Motor1 Review Team

Will has written for several major auto sites including Motor1 since 2020, logging hundreds of hours researching and testing products ranging from child car seats to torque wrenches. Will is also Certified by Safe Kids Worldwide as a Child Passenger Safety Technician (#T836339).

Last Updated 01/04/2024

Motor1 Reviews Team Take:

  • The Meadowlark XL Premium Dog Hammock, Vailage Dog Seat Cover, ViewPets BenchCar Seat Cover, Active Pets Car Seat Cover, and Lusso Gear Car Seat Cover are the best car seat covers for dogs in 2024.
  • Car Seat Covers for dogs typically cost between $30 and $50 making them a relatively inexpensive way to protect your upholstery.
  • The best seat covers are double-stitched, feature a no-slip design, and are easy to clean. Machine-washable covers are especially convenient.
Best
Car Seat Cover
for Dogs
Meadowlark XL Premium Dog Hammock

A well-made dog seat cover designed for your backseat.

Check Price
Best
Adjustable
Seat Cover
Vailge Dog Seat Cover

A high-quality seat cover that allows you to keep your pooch in sight.

Check Price
Best
Bench
Seat Cover
ViewPets Bench Car Seat Cover

A heavy-duty dog seat cover that prioritizes longevity and robustness.

Check Price
Best Value
Lusso Gear Car Seat Cover

A low-cost, yet robust back seat protector that’s fully waterproof.

Check Price
Best
for Leather Seats
Active Pets Car Seat Cover

A quality dog seat cover that won’t slide or move while you’re on the road.

Check Price

Dog seat covers are one the most useful pet products that you can purchase. The best car seat covers for dogs protect your car seats from muddy pawprints and excess dog hair. All of the covers in this article are designed to be used in the backseat, though there are a few front seat covers on the market too.

If you feel that a dog seat cover won’t provide the comfort or protection your dog needs, then check out our picks for the best dog car seats below. These products offer sturdier and more robust protection for your best friend.


Seat Covers For Dogs Reviews

One of the best dog seat covers installed in the backseat of a vehicle.

To help you find the best car seat covers for your dogs and vehicles, our team spent time testing a variety of options. We’ve narrowed the list down to our favorites and provided recommendations for covers with different uses and price points.

Based on a high volume of positive consumer feedback and our own personal experience using these seat covers, we assessed each cover in rating categories including ease of installation, protection level, and fit.

What Is The Best Car Seat Cover For Dogs?

According to these criteria, the best car seat covers for dogs are the Meadowlark XL Premium Dog Hammock, Vailge Dog Seat Cover, ViewPets Bench Car Seat Cover, Active Pets Car Seat Cover, Lusso Gear Car Seat Cover, and the YesYees Waterproof Dog Car Seat Cover.

The table below highlights the car seat covers’ performance in each review category:

Brand/ModelCostOverall RatingAward

Meadowlark XL Premium Dog Hammock

$65

5.0

Best Car Seat Cover for Dogs

Vailge Dog Seat Cover

$30

4.8

Best Adjustable Seat Cover

ViewPets Bench Car Seat Cover

$35

4.3

Best Bench Seat Cover

Active Pets Car Seat Cover

$40

4.3

Best for Leather Seats

Lusso Gear Car Seat Cover

$35

4.2

Best Value

YesYees Waterproof Dog Car Seat Cover

$35

3.8

Also Consider

*Because cost data fluctuates, the prices in the table above are approximate values that our team regularly updates.

Car Seat Covers For Dogs Ratings: Our Testing Process

After looking at factors such as fit, materials, customer ratings, and prices, our product testing team ordered the car seat covers for dogs that seemed the most promising. A team member tested each product with a dog, taking note of how well the car seat cover did when it came to ease of installation, protection, and fit. Each seat cover was given a rating out of 5.0 stars based on these criteria.

Learn more about how we tested car seat covers for dogs here.

1. Meadowlark XL Premium Dog Hammock: Best Car Seat Cover For Dogs

  • Cost: $65
  • Amazon review score: 4.6 out of 5.0 based on more than 9,800 ratings
  • Machine-washable: Yes
  • Waterproof: No

Meadowlark XL Premium Dog Hammock Review

The Meadowlark dog seat cover installed in the back of a testing vehicle.

Made from four layers of high-quality materials, the Meadowlark XL Premium Hammock Cover is designed with double-stitched and water-resistant layers to provide heavy-duty comfort and protection. A middle zipper allows you to sit passengers and pups together while velcro seat belt openings allow you to keep your passengers just as safe as your dog.

You can see how the Meadowlark XL Premium Dog Hammock performed in each category below:

Review CategoryScore (Out of 5.0 Stars)
Ease of Installation5.0
Protection5.0
Fit5.0
Overall Rating5.0

This cargo liner-style dog seat cover is universal fit, meaning it will fit most larger cars, SUVs, and trucks. Between a non-slip backing and seat anchors, which are essentially just PVC pipe on a strap, this dog seat cover won’t slip or slide at all. Below are the pros and cons of the Meadowlark XL Premium Dog Hammock:

Pros Soft and durable four-layer design Fits well and easy to install Completely covers back seat area
Cons Can disrupt AC function

Meadowlark XL Premium Dog Hammock: Our Experience

Ease of Installation
This dog seat cover was incredibly easy to install. We simply laid out the cover in the backseat, tucked the seat anchors in, and buckled the adjustable straps around the headrests.

Protection
Due to the Meadowlark cover having a hammock-style design, absolutely every square inch of the backseat that was accessible to our testing dog, Beau, was protected by this cover.

Fit
Although this cover provided absolute coverage over our testing vehicle’s backseat, it was by no means ill-fitting. Every piece of fabric was pressed tightly against the backseat and it didn’t bunch up at all even with Beau walking around.

The Meadowlark dog seat cover installed in a testing vehicle with a dog in the backseat.

Meadowlark XL Premium Dog Hammock: What Customers Are Saying

A huge number of customers mention how quick and easy it is to install this dog car hammock in their backseat. An individual reviewer claims she owns a Pit Bull and Boxer mix that is over 50.0 pounds of pure muscle and even he hasn’t damaged the cover. Some have mentioned that the design can block the AC vents, increasing the back cabin temperature.

2. Vailge Dog Seat Cover: Best Adjustable Seat Cover

  • Cost: $30
  • Amazon review score: 4.6 out of 5.0 based on more than 15,400 ratings
  • Machine-washable: Yes
  • Waterproof: Yes

Vailage Dog Seat Cover Review

The Vailge dog seat cover installed in the backseat of a testing vehicle.

The Vailge Dog Seat Cover comes in two sizes: standard and X-large. This dog seat cover can convert between a dog car hammock and a standard bench seat cover to allow you to add space for children in car seats and other passengers in your rear seats. This backseat dog hammock has two waterproof layers, one of which is made from Oxford fabric while the other is made from thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).

You can see how the Vailge Dog Seat Cover performed in each category below:

Review CategoryScore (Out of 5.0 Stars)
Ease of Installation5.0
Protection4.5
Fit5.0
Overall Rating4.8

The side flaps featured on the hammock-style conversion of the dog cover ensure you won’t damage your seats or car doors while loading your dog in. A mesh window allows your furry best friend to keep you in eyesight, which ultimately keeps your pet safe and anxiety-free on car rides. Four headrest straps and a non-slip backing ensure this machine-washable seat cover doesn’t slide and injure your dog while on the move. Below are the pros and cons of the Vailge Dog Seat Cover:

Pros Waterproof Adjustable design with hammock or bench-only options Fast and easy installation
Cons Thinner materials not ideal for large dogs

Vailage Dog Seat Cover: Our Experience

Ease of Installation

Our review team had no issues installing this dog cover, as it required a similar installation process to the easiest-to-install covers.

Protection

This cover would offer absolute protection if not for the mesh window featured on it. While we’re big fans of the mesh window as it allows your dog to remain in eyesight, we feel we have to note that it leaves your backseat prone to messes if the dog has an accident or knocks over a water bowl.

Fit

We had no issues with the fit of the dog seat cover. It was secure, tightly fitting, and didn’t leave any upholstery exposed in the backseat of our testing vehicle.

The Vailge Seat Cover installed in a testing vehicle with a dog in the backseat.

Vailage Dog Seat Cover: What Customers Are Saying

Many customers note that they have a puppy and that this specific pet seat cover works well for them as a mesh window allows the pup to keep its owner in sight. An individual review states this cover kept his two dogs safe when he hydroplaned and crashed his car.

Some reviewers with large dogs note that they were able to wear away the material in about a year, indicating this may not be the best pick for those with especially destructive or large dogs.

3. ViewPets Bench Car Seat Cover: Best Bench Seat Cover

  • Cost: $35
  • Amazon review score: 4.7 out of 5.0 based on more than 27,300 ratings
  • Machine-washable: Yes
  • Waterproof: Yes

ViewPets Bench Car Seat Cover Review

The Viewpets dog seat cover installed in the backseat of a testing vehicle.

The ViewPets Bench Car Seat Cover is a quilted scratch-proof and waterproof dog seat cover that acts as a seat protector against dog scratches, fur, dirt, and urine. This bench seat cover is easy to clean with a damp cloth or with a vacuum–and is even machine-washable. A universal size means the backseat cover will fit most cars and vehicles.

You can see how the ViewPets Bench Car Seat Cover performed in each category below:

Review CategoryScore (Out of 5.0 Stars)
Ease of Installation4.5
Protection4.0
Fit4.5
Overall Rating4.3

Seat anchors, a non-slip backing made from mesh, and side flaps provide complete coverage over your backseat and a happy ride for your four-legged companion. To install this dog seat cover, simply tuck in the seat anchors and wrap the straps over the corresponding headrests and seat corners. Below are the pros and cons of the ViewPets Bench Car Seat Cover:

Pros Scratch-proof Fits well with no bunching Latch system keeps cover in place
Cons Universal design does not fit some vehicles well

ViewPets Bench Car Seat Cover: Our Experience

Ease of Installation

This dog seat cover was quite easy to install. Although it wasn’t as easy to install as some other covers we researched and tested, it caused us no issues while setting up in the backseat of our testing vehicle.

Protection

Offering nearly absolute protection over the backseat of our testing vehicle, we really liked the coverage this dog seat cover provides. The only reason this cover lost points was its inability to provide you the option to buckle it against the front seat headrests as well as the backseat headrests.

Fit

Fit was never a concern of ours while we installed and tested this dog seat cover with the help of our testing pup, Beau. The cover had a nice tight fit over the backseat of our testing vehicle with little to no bunching.

The Viewpets Seat Cover installed in a testing vehicle with a dog in the backseat.

ViewPets Bench Car Seat Cover: What Customers Are Saying

A large number of reviewers speak to the latch system that makes securing and installing this dog seat cover that much easier. Many reviewers note how heavy-duty the cover is and the quality of the velcro side flaps for accommodating the seat belt latch. Negative reviews complain that the cover doesn’t fit their vehicle.

4. Active Pets Car Seat Cover: Best For Leather Seats

  • Cost: $40
  • Amazon review score: 4.6 out of 5.0 based on more than 49,000 ratings
  • Machine-washable: No
  • Waterproof: Yes

Active Pets Car Seat Cover Review

The Activepets dog seat cover installed in the backseat of a testing vehicle.

The Active Pets Car Seat Cover is the number one bestseller on Amazon for the company’s “Dog Car Seat Covers” category. This pet seat cover is a universal fit, but it comes in two sizes: standard and X-large. The standard size is best for compact cars and cars, while the X-large size is best for SUVs and trucks. Regardless of sizing, we think this is the Best Dog Car Seat Cover for Leather Seats due to its full coverage of the backseat.

You can see how the Active Pets Car Seat Cover performed in each category below:

Review CategoryScore (Out of 5.0 Stars)
Ease of Installation4.5
Protection4.5
Fit4.0
Overall Rating4.3

The seat cover itself is made from Oxford cotton so it’s easy to vacuum and will keep your dog comfortable on long car rides. Two seat anchors and a non-slip rubber backing ensure this pet car seat cover won’t slip or slide around, even on bumpy rides. It should be noted that this seat cover comes in several color options to allow you to personalize your vehicle’s interior. Below are the pros and cons of the Active Pets Car Seat Cover:

Pros Provides full back seat coverage No-slip rubber bottom Comes in two sizes
Cons Large for compact vehicles, and can bunch

Active Pets Car Seat Cover: Our Experience

Ease of Installation

Installing this dog seat cover wasn’t very problematic, and the process went pretty smoothly. In comparison to a few other covers we tested, it was slightly more difficult to install–but it was by no means an arduous process.

Protection

Our review team really likes the level of protection that this dog seat cover offers as it has four headrest anchors, two for the front seat and two for the back. This ultimately means it provides nearly complete coverage over your backseat, although the cover did lose points for the size and shape of the side flaps.

Fit

While we were fans of the level of protection this dog seat cover offers, we didn’t entirely love how it fit in our testing vehicle. We felt there was too much extra material that was bunching up rather than lying flat and tight against the backseat.

The Activepets dog seat cover installed in a testing vehicle with a dog in the backseat.

Active Pets Car Seat Cover: What Customers Are Saying

A large number of customers note the non-slip rubber bottom helps prevent your dog from slipping and getting injured while you’re driving. Many reviewers note the nice fit in their vehicle. Negative reviews complain about issues with durability and longevity.

5. Lusso Gear Car Seat Cover: Best Value

  • Cost: $35
  • Machine-washable: Yes
  • Amazon review score: 4.6 out of 5.0 based on more than 3,100 ratings
  • Waterproof: Yes

Lusso Gear Car Seat Cover Review

The Lusso Gear dog seat cover installed in the backseat of a testing vehicle.

The Lusso Gear Car Seat Cover is a back seat protector with four layers of padded protection. It is easy to install, and the non-slip cover secures firmly using anchors and elastic straps. The high-density foam padding offers excellent protection from any scratches or scuffs, and the material is fully waterproof.

You can see how the Lusso Gear Car Seat Cover performed in each category below:

Review CategoryScore (Out of 5.0 Stars)
Ease of Installation4.5
Protection4.0
Fit4.0
Overall Rating4.2

Below are the pros and cons of the Lusso Gear Car Seat Cover:

Pros Waterproof design Relatively inexpensive Relatively easy to install
Cons Doesn’t provide full back seat coverage

Lusso Gear Car Seat Cover: Our Experience

The Lusso Gear cover is one of the easier-to-install car seat covers, though it doesn’t extend to the backs of the front seats as do some larger options. It stands out as being fully waterproof and is made of high-quality materials with a lower price tag.

Ease of Installation

Following the installation instructions was simple, and it took us only a couple of minutes to install. The elastic straps slipped easily over the corners of our back seat bench, while clips at the top allowed us to secure this cover behind the headrests.

Protection

While not the thickest of the pet seat covers we tested, the four-layer design is still thick and feels well-padded. This cover does not extend to the backs of the front seats.

Fit

The cover is tight-fitting, and the anti-slip backing works well to keep the cover in place.

The Lusso Gear dog seat cover installed in a testing vehicle with a dog in the backseat.

Lusso Gear Car Seat Cover: What Customers Are Saying

Reviewers like that this cover is machine-washable and that their pets don’t slip on the material. Most say this cover is exceptionally easy to install.

A couple of reviewers found it difficult to get their seatbelts through the seatbelt opening. Though advertised as a universal fit, the seatbelt openings may not align perfectly with every car.

6. YesYees Waterproof Dog Car Seat Cover: Also Consider

  • Cost: $35
  • Amazon review score: 4.7 out of 5.0 based on more than 14,900 ratings
  • Machine-washable: Yes
  • Waterproof: Yes

YesYees Waterproof Dog Car Seat Cover Review

The YesYees dog seat cover installed in the backseat of a testing vehicle.

Designed to be compatible with the middle seat belt and armrests, the YesYees Waterproof Dog Car Seat Cover features two zippers to allow you to unzip the cover and expose either the middle seat belt and/or the armrest. This machine-washable car seat protector will fit most standard vehicles and includes side flaps for exhaustive backseat coverage.

You can see how the YesYees Waterproof Dog Car Seat Cover performed in each category below:

Review CategoryScore (Out of 5.0 Stars)
Ease of Installation4.0
Protection4.0
Fit3.5
Overall Rating3.8

This bench-style dog seat cover is made from a durable material that claims to be both waterproof and tear-resistant, while the non-slip bottom is made from mesh to keep your dog happy and safe on car rides. This dog seat cover can be easily installed by snapping buckle straps around the back headrests, tucking in seat anchors, and securing the elastic straps around seat corners. Below are the pros and cons of the YesYees Waterproof Dog Car Seat Cover:

Pros Machine-washable Relatively low-cost
Cons Doesn’t provide full backseat coverage Bunches

YesYees Waterproof Dog Car Seat Cover: Our Experience

Ease of Installation

When trying to install the cover with the backseat center console and cup holder down, we found the installation process to be slightly more time-consuming than any other cover we tested.

Protection

We were satisfied with the level of protection this cover provided. However, due to its loose fit in our testing vehicle, the cover bunched up in a way that meant we couldn’t completely cover the backseat of our testing vehicle.

Fit

The cover bunched up and never truly lay flat against our testing vehicle’s backseat. Additionally, unzipping the middle section of this cover left even more unused and unnecessary material bunching up.

The YesYees Seat Cover installed in a testing vehicle with a dog in the backseat.

YesYees Waterproof Dog Car Seat Cover: What Customers Are Saying

A large number of reviewers note how useful the zippers are to allow for the seat rest and cup holders to be unzipped and deployed. Quite a few customers mention the quality of the seat cover itself.


Car Seat Cover For Dogs Buying Guide

The best dog seat covers are ultimately what works best for your dog and your vehicle. The material of your pet seat cover undoubtedly plays a role in how long the cover lasts, but the cover that keeps your backseat best protected and your dog happiest is the way to go.

Compare Car Seat Covers For Dogs

Brand/ModelMachine Washable?Waterproof?Coverage
Meadowlark
XL Premium Dog Hammock
YesNoHammock
Vailge
Dog Seat Cover
YesYesHammock or bench
ViewPets
Bench Car Seat Cover
YesYesBench
Active Pets
Car Seat Cover
NoYesHammock
Lusso Gear
Car Seat Cover
YesYesBench
YesYees
Waterproof Dog Car Seat Cover
YesYesBench
Hammock Vs. Bench Seat Covers

When choosing car accessories for your animal to ride as a passenger, the goal is to protect as much of your vehicle’s interior as possible. A hammock seat cover is the best version of this, as it drapes over the back of the front seats. Some bench seats come with this option, but many just cover the rear passenger area.

Best Car Seat Material For Dogs

Anything waterproof is the best seat cover material that you could ask for. Waterproof cover materials include canvas, some polyester blends, vinyl, and more. Covers for dogs should also be simple to clean and not tear easily. 

Dog owners should also look for these attributes when shopping for a car seat cover: 

  • Washing machine safe
  • Non-slip surface
  • Non-absorbent materials 
  • Compatible with large and small dogs 
  • Extra features like storage pockets

How To Get Dog Hair Off Car Seats?

Getting dog hair off of your car seats can be a bit of a pain. Although we recommend investing in a car seat cover for your dog to protect your car seats in the first place, that isn’t always possible.

In that case, grab a car vacuum or shop vac and begin removing as much dog hair as you can with any included nozzle attachments at your disposal. If you’re still not happy with the state of your car seats, then you may need to purchase a steam cleaner for cars to truly remove all of the hair (and any odors that may come with that dog hair).


Best Car Seat Covers For Dogs: Bottom Line

Car seat covers for dogs prevent any dirt, debris, or hair from dirtying the back of your vehicle that your dog tracks in from the outdoors. The best seat covers for dogs should keep your pet secure and relaxed in your vehicle, while also preventing any cosmetic damage or staining to your car. Our team researched, selected, and tested the best car seat covers for dogs that are waterproof, non-slip, and easy to install.

  1. Best Car Seat Cover for Dogs: Meadowlark XL Premium Dog Hammock
  2. Best Adjustable Seat Cover: Vailge Dog Seat Cover
  3. Best Bench Seat Cover: ViewPets Bench Car Seat Cover
  4. Best for Leather Seats: Active Pets Car Seat Cover
  5. Best Value: Lusso Gear Car Seat Cover
  6. Also Consider: YesYees Waterproof Dog Car Seat Cover

Car Seat Covers For Dogs: FAQ

Below are some common frequently asked questions about car seat covers for dogs: 

Do dog car seat covers work?

Yes, a good dog car seat cover works. In our experience, dog seat covers protect the upholstery in your vehicle, cloth seats from being torn up, leather seats from being damaged, and they keep all of your pet hair in one convenient place, making cleaning up easier.

What is the best dog seat cover?

After researching and testing a number of different dog seat covers, our expert review team came to the conclusion that the best dog seat cover is the Meadowlark XL Premium Dog Hammock.

Do dogs mess up leather seats?

Canine nails can scratch and tear leather upholstery in cars. A pet cargo cover is one way to protect your vehicle from damage.

Do dog hammocks work?

Dog hammocks that cover that attach to the rear of the front seats are usually better at protecting a car’s interior than bench covers. One of our top picks for pet supplies is the Meadowlark Dog Hammock.


Full Car Seat Cover For Dogs Testing Methodology

The dog seat covers in this article went through two rounds of reviews. We started by searching retailers like Amazon, RealTruck, and Advance Auto Parts for top products, looking at factors such as shipping costs, product features, customer ratings, and prices.

Our product testing team then ordered the car seat covers for dogs that best met these standards. A team member tested each product, noting how well the dog seat covers fit, protected the vehicle, and their ease of installation. Each dog seat cover was given a rating out of 5.0 stars based on these criteria.

Ease of Installation

Our team members tested for ease of installation by taking note of how long it took our team to fully install and set up each dog seat cover in the back of our testing vehicle.

Protection

Arguably the most important characteristic of a dog seat cover, we tested for protection by noting how much of the backseat of our testing vehicle was exposed after installing the cover.

Fit

A relatively simple category to test, our team members tested for a dog seat cover’s fit by noting if there was any extra material that was unneeded and how tightly fitting the cover was to the backseat once it was installed.

How We Score Products

Every car seat cover for dogs we test is given a score between 1.0 and 5.0 stars in each category. Here’s what those star ratings mean in concrete terms:

  • 5.0 Stars: A 5.0-star rating means a car seat cover for dogs is among the best in a category. It can be installed in a few minutes, offers full protection from scratches and urine, or fits perfectly with no bunching.
  • 4.0 Stars: A 4.0-star rating means a seat cover performs better than average in a category. It can be installed in around 10 minutes, is durable against scratches and urine, though may not provide full backseat coverage, or fits well with very little bunching.
  • 3.0 Stars: A 3.0-star rating indicates what is average or typical for car seat covers, based on our testing experience. It takes around 20 minutes to install, is durable for smaller dogs but may not withstand large animals, or it fits but is prone to bunching.
  • 2.0 Stars: A 2.0-star rating indicates the seat cover performs poorer than the average car seat cover for dogs. It takes over 30 minutes to install, only lasts about a year, or does not fit well.
  • 1.0 Star: A 1.0-star rating indicates that the dog car seat cover performs well below expectations in a category. It is impossible to install, disintegrates upon touch, or is likely to damage your vehicle if installed.

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*Data accurate at time of publication. Products subject to availability.