One of the best parts of owning a dog is having a companion with you on fun adventures. The flip side of that, though, is the clean-up after a fun day out, as nobody wants to spend time cleaning up after an unfortunate accident, vacuuming the car, and towelling off the dog. And that’s when pet seat covers come into play.

Designed to fit any type of vehicle these highly practical and versatile designs will protect your car’s interior from all of the “extra perks” that come with pet ownership. However, with so many on the market, it can be overwhelming to pick the right one. Therefore, we have compiled a comprehensive guide that will walk you through the process of choosing the best dog car seat cover for your needs.

Material Quality

Considering the material of the cover seat you’re about to get is paramount for making the right selection. Thus, when narrowing down your material choices, pick waterproof and stain-resistant car seat pet protectors to protect your vehicle and let the good times with your favourite furry companion roll.

Waterproof materials do not absorb moisture — which means you can clean up spills and accidents without the risk of liquids penetrating the liner and damaging your car seats. Water-resistant fabrics, on the other hand, are closely woven, making it difficult for liquids, including water, to pass through. Sure, your vehicle seats might be saved if you can identify the accident in time. But eventually, the liquid will seep through and come into contact with your vehicle.

Also, when picking the material, keep the ease of maintenance in mind, as different fabrics require different maintenance. For instance, leather seats can be a pain to maintain, and fabric car dog seat covers can quickly become a mosaic of your past adventures, requiring frequent washing.

Types

Nowadays, there are different car seat pet protectors on the market, with some being superior to others. When weighing your options, hammock-style covers are the most common and versatile ones. They are designed to cover the back seat of your car and provide a barrier between your pet and the vehicle’s floor.

The hammock-style car dog seat covers are an excellent option for larger breeds. They prevent your pooch from slipping off the seat or entering the front of the vehicle. Usually, they have hooks and straps to hold them in place and can be easily removed and machine-washed.

Comparable to hammock-style coverings, a bench-style car dog seat cover completely encloses the rear seat of your vehicle. Larger dogs or the simultaneous transportation of several pets fit perfectly in the bench-style design. To keep them in place, they also have hooks and straps that can be taken off and machine-washed for convenience.

Bucket-style coverings are made to fit over each individual seat in your car, shielding the headrest and seat back in addition to the seat itself. These covers work well to prevent small dogs and cats from climbing into the front seat or entering the back of the vehicle. Usually, they have hooks and straps to hold them in place. These allow them to be easily removed and machine-washed.

Ease of Installation

The ease of installation and removal is an additional factor to take into account. You’re adding extra hassle to what should be a time-saver if the car seat covers for dogs you select is hard to install. Furthermore, a challenging installation increases the likelihood that it will be done poorly, which could lead to less-than-ideal car seat protection. Another great thing to consider is a non-slip backing. It makes sure the cover stays put and protects your seats.

Safety

Speaking of safety, dogs in cars can be chaotic and distracting. Make sure your dog seat cover fits your pet’s restraint system. There are a variety of dog seat belts available to keep both dogs and drivers safe. Certain designs enable you to reach all three seat belts so that you can rest assured that your lovely pets are always safe on the road.

Additionally, consider hammock dog seat covers. The hammock creates a barrier between the front and back rows and gives your pets more room to move around without slipping between the seats or hitting the floor when you hit the brakes.

Fit

When picking the right fit, consider how you plan to use the cover and where your dog feels most at ease in the car. In this regard, a front seat cover for dogs would be a better investment than a full rear seat cover if your canine friend enjoys riding shotgun in the passenger seat. Even if you would love to have your large dog up front, they will probably be more secure and comfortable in the rear seat because large dogs tend to prefer the back seat. Make sure the cover you choose is appropriate for the space where they settle down during a car ride. Also, check whether the model you’re about to get comes with adjustable straps for snug fit.