Updated: Mar 22
If you love taking your four-legged friend on adventures but would rather keep your car seats looking like new, why not invest in a dog car seat cover?
There are a whole range of car seat protectors for dog owners, which is great, but can be extremely confusing for first-time buyers.
We take a look at some of the options available and some of the key features which you may want to consider to keep your car seats clean whilst giving your dog a comfy ride.
We consider the best dog car seat cover for most people is the Kong Car Seat Cover & Hammock. It's fully waterproof, converts between hammock and flat seat cover, fits most mid-to-large cars, and is machine washable.
We take a closer look at the best car seat covers on the UK market for 2026 to keep your car clean and mud free.
You can judge for yourself whether you like the look and we'll fill you in as best we can how good they are at covering the seats, floor, doors, whether they stay in place and how comfy they are.
Take a break, relax and read through our guide knowing we've got you covered !
UPDATED : FEBRUARY 2026 We've updated this review to include a FAQS section with helpful information on choosing a car seat cover |
🐾 Does your dog get car sick? Our guide covers the causes, symptoms and a step-by-step plan for helping your dog become a happy, confident traveller. Dog Travel Sickness : Causes, Symptoms and How to Help Your Dog
TABLE OF CONTENTS
5. Best Single Seat Cover - Kong
FAQs
The Kong Car Seat Cover & Hammock is a fantastic choice for adventures with your pup. It's not just a durable, waterproof barrier between your dog and your car interior, but it looks good too.
Its versatile design means it can convert from a hammock (shown here) suspended from the front and rear headrests, to a traditional seat cover, providing complete flexibility.
We tested it in a midsize SUV, a Porsche Macan (pictured here) and found it offered excellent protection with minimal sagging.
To be honest, as it isn't a custom fit (and doesn't have the accompanying custom fit price tag), there will always be a little bit of tucking and bagging to take account of your car seat size and shape.
If you want to use it as a regular seat cover, just skip attaching the straps to the front headrests. The fabric will then just sit nicely in the footwell.
The cover is secured using fully adjustable headrest straps which really help you get the best fit for your car seat along with wide anchors which push into the seat base keeping it secure.
In testing, we found the adjustable headrest straps, seat anchors, and seat belt access points well-designed.
There are four wide seat belt openings, so you can easily access the isofix and seat belts. The covers work well with either Kongs premium range of tethers including the Ultimate Safety Tether.
While it lacks side door protection (which wasn't a concern for us), the mesh window for airflow and the large zipped storage pockets are excellent additions (perfect for storing our favourite toy)
Got a messy pup? This cover's got you covered! It's made from a super tough, water-resistant cotton blend, so spills and muddy paws are no problem. And when it gets dirty? Just wipe it down or throw it in the washing machine!
We feature Kong's single seat cover, which can fit in the front or rear of your car, later in this review.
Our Verdict - Pawfect for days out, the Kong Car Seat Cover & Hammock certainly ticks all the boxes for us. It's well designed, offers 2-in-1 flexibility and offers excellent value for money |
Dimensions - (L W) - 146 x 135 cm
Reasons to Buy
+ Durable, Waterproof Material
+ Flexible hammock or seat cover
+ Mesh window for ventilation
+ Adjustable headrest straps
+ Handy storage pockets
+ Machine washable
Reasons to Avoid
- No side door protection
- Cannot use as a partial hammock
This 100% waterproof car seat cover from Pecute, comes second in our review due to the combination of interesting design features, flexibility and of course price.
We bought and tested this back seat cover in both a Range Rover Velar (mid-size SUV) and a much smaller Ford Fiesta to see if it was as good as the customer reviews.
The cover can be converted from a dog hammock to a more traditional seat cover. We loved the flexibility that the Pecute cover offers, giving you options on how you want to use the rear car seat.
The side-flaps offer additional protection for your car doors with the straps attaching via the rear handrails. It's worth noting that they were trickier to attach in the Fiesta as it had simple hooks instead of rails.
When used as a hammock, the headline feature has to be the mesh window between the front seats.
It's a great design feature and we would recommend looking out for an integral mesh window if you opt for a hammock style seat cover especially if your dog suffers from car sickness.
To prevent the cover slipping around, seat anchors push into the seat base and adjustable straps secure to the headrests.
There are some nice design touches with two handy storage pockets and a quilted finish. If you're interested, you can also upgrade to include zips for access to the rear seat armrest.
What's more, it's available in black or grey and includes a basic seatbelt tether to attach to your dog's harness.
It's fairly heavy duty so if you have a big enough washing machine you can throw it in if it gets mucky!
Size wise, it was a good fit for the Range Rover Velar with a little bagging which is to be expected as it's only available in one size.
On the other hand it was way too big for the Ford Fiesta.
Our verdict - The bottom line is that for a medium to large sized car, this is an impressive 'off the shelf' waterproof car seat cover and hammock which ticks all the boxes for flexibility, price and stability. |
Dimensions - (L W) 146 x 136 cm
Reasons to Buy
+ Flexible hammock or seat cover
+ Mesh window
+ Quilted for comfort
+ Great value option
+ Available in black or grey
Reasons to Avoid
- Not custom fit
- No colour options
Since testing, Pecute had launched a version of this car seat cover with a completely detachable hammock section and arm rest opening
AMZPET make three really good value rear seat covers. We bought and fitted the traditional cover to see how well it performed in the rear of a Range Rover Velar (mid-size SUV).
Firstly, the AMZPET seat cover is slightly padded and has an all important waterproof layer to help protect your seats from accidents.
Be aware it's designed to protect seats only so won't convert to a hammock style cover protecting your car footwells.
The seat coverage was good. The 'skirt' helps to protect the side and base of your seats from mess whilst the headrest straps are adjustable to help you achieve a smoother finish.
Let's talk flexibility. This cover allows you to unzip the middle panel to use the armrest which we loved.
Ultimately this enables you take advantage of the 60/40 split seat.
So you have the option to fold down one part of the seat whilst the car seat cover remains in place.
This is great if you want to extend the boot without needing to remove the cover.
All three rear seatbelts are accessible and the seat belt openings have velcro covers when not in use and they lined up so you could feed the seatbelts through easily.
Like the Pecute seat, it has been designed with a non-slip backing and seat anchors which push between the seats making sure that this cover will stay firmly in place if you take those corners at speed!
Ultimately, this is a one size fits all solution and this is reflected in the price. It was too large for the Fiesta.
As you can see from the picture, the back didn't quite reach the headrests and the base didn't curve with the seat edges.
However, the width was perfect and the criss-cross quilted stitching gave it a classy look and feel.
It's designed to be machine washed but is obviously quite sizeable so a wipe down may be easier.
Our verdict - For the price, it was a great design, looked fairly classy and did the job well. It was also super easy to fit and remove. |
Dimensions - (L W) 133 x back 56 cm, skirt 45 cm)
Reasons to Buy
+ Allows 60/40 split
+ Seat side protection
+ Quilted for comfort
+ Great value
Reasons to Avoid
- Not custom fit
- No colour options
- Not Isofix compatible
- Doesn't protect floor or doors
US company Kurgo offer an extensive collection of canine products aimed at enhancing your journeys with your pup. Their high-quality range includes no less than 10 different styles of car seat cover and hammocks.
We think that their Loft Bench Seat Cover certainly stand out from the crowd. It's reversible with a gorgeous bright blue on one side and a more muted grey on the other, both with contrasting edging.
The edging is slightly raised and in addition to looking good, it really helps catch water and mud from falling onto the floor of your car.
Ultimately, the loft bench dog seat cover is not only great at protecting your seats, it has a quilted finish so it's extremely comfortable and snug.
It's worth noting that it's ISOFIX compatible, if you are looking to use it with child seats or a dog KONG Ultimate Safety Tether.
Matched with cool looks on the design front, its water and stain resistant with zippered openings for easy seatbelt access. It's machine washable on gentle to keep it fresh.
Our Verdict - Not the cheapest dog car seat cover, but definitely one of the most eye-catching and it has received great customer reviews. |
Dimensions - (L W) 152 x 140cm
Reasons to Buy
+ Stylish design
+ Reversible
+ Quilted for comfort
+ Water & stain resistant
Reasons to Avoid
- Not custom fit
- Pricier option
- Doesn't protect floor or doors
Read our article Dog Boot Liner review : PetSafe Happy Ride Liner
For a versatile single car seat cover we recommend the Single Seat Cover from Kong.
Like the Kong Car Seat Cover & Hammock featured as our top pick, the single cover offers a great value, well designed option.
For those of us with one dog, a single seat cover offers full flexibility to seat your dog and passengers in the rear of the car.
This single seat option can be fitted on either seat due to the opening side flaps and offers protection for the seat base, back plus a skirt to protect the base and sides of the seat.
With two openings to access the seatbelts or Isofix points, it works well with a range of tethers. The headrest straps are fully adjustable to give some flexibility to get the best fit for your car.
Keeping it clean is a breeze, the durable fabric is waterproof so can be either wiped down with a damp cloth or if it gets really mucky, throw the whole thing in the washing machine.
Dimensions - (L W) 124cm ( including back, seat and skirt) x 51cm
Reasons to Buy
+ Single seat protection
+ Adjustable headrest straps
+ Seat belt openings
+ Waterproof
+ Great value
Reasons to Avoid
- Not custom fit
If you're looking for a cover which is completely flexible then the Pet Rebellions cover range could be the right option to you.
They offer single seat covers alongside a slim cover for the middle seat, so a combination of these covers offers more bespoke protection.
Protecting the seat base and back it's not designed to offer additional protection for the seat sides or doors.
This could be a plus if you are looking for a cover for part of the rear seat or if you have a 3 door car as the seat sides aren't accessible.
It's worth noting that Pet Rebellion offer bundles so you can buy two single covers and a slim fit cover for the middle seat together.
As they are more akin to a carpet than a fabric cover, they're super easy to keep clean using a vacuum or simply throwing them in the washing machine.
The universal size is suitable for most cars and they're easy to fit. Simply hook around the head rest and they're held in place by Velcro so they don't slip around. They're also designed to make allowances for the seat belt clips.
Our Verdict - If you're looking for coverage flexibility, the Pet Rebellion range is unique in that you can buy single seat covers and central smaller seat covers to provide the coverage you're looking for. |
Dimensions - (L W) 140 x 57 cm
Reasons to Buy
+ Perfect for a 3 door car
+ Flexible coverage
+ Option to buy slim seat cover
+ Carpet material so easy to vacuum
Reasons to Avoid
- Not custom fit
- No side seat protection
Now for something a little different. If you love travelling with your best friend up front then MuttStuff & Co. offer a small seat cover and dog seat in one.
We love this car seat cover because it's easily installed in small cars. Fiat 500? - no problem.
The headline feature has to be the zippable side panels which can drop down to protect the car seat and make it easier for your dog to jump in and out.
With a waterproof base to protect your car from possible 'accidents', the MuttStuff & Co. seat includes a seat belt tether so you don't need to buy one separately (just don't attach it to your dogs collar like the one in the photo).
The cover is held in place with seat straps and headrest straps alongside seat anchors so it won't slip however fast you take those corners.
Maybe add a favourite cushion or blanket in the base for for extra cosiness and you're ready to go. It can be fitted in the front or back seat, but please remember to turn off the passenger airbag if you use the front seat for your four-legged friend.
Our Verdict - We think that the MuttStuff & Co single car seat cover is a great option if you have a small car or simply love having your pup riding shotgun. |
Dimensions - (L W H ) 52 x 52 x 58 cm
Reasons to Buy
+ Great value
+ Ideal for smaller spaces
+ Front or rear seat
Reasons to Avoid
- Only suitable for smaller dogs
- Not custom fit
- Not padded for comfort
Alternatively, if you would rather travel with your dog in the boot, checkout our review of the best car boot liners on the market. There are some great value options available. |
If you're looking to splash out on a dog car seat cover you can be proud to show off, then 'Over the Top' offer a made-to-measure, tailored dog seat cover, customised to fit your car.
Whether you own a Bentley Continental or a Ford Fiesta, Over the Top have a custom back seat cover to fit.
The cover will fit perfectly with no stretching or bagging of material ( a definite no-no in a Bentley Continental!)
Various options are available including 60/40 split to enable you to fold one part of the seat down and an extension to protect the footwell.
Available in three colours, all their custom dog seat covers are machine washable.They also offer custom boot liners and front seat covers to match.
Our Verdict - Obviously a more expensive option, but if used regularly would be a great investment and of course it will fit your car perfectly as the picture shows. |
Dimensions - custom fit
Reasons to Buy
+ Quilted for comfort
+ Colour options
+ Options for 60/40 seat split
Reasons to Avoid
- Expensive option
Another car seat cover from the extensive Kurgo range.This well designed car seat cover from their UK range is water resistant, stain resistant and machine washable so easy to keep looking new.
One of the key selling points is that the Kurgo cover is available in 4 different colours to coordinate with your upholstery (most seat covers are only available in one colour).
It has adjustable headrest straps and anchor points to slide between the seats keeping the seat cover firmly in place.
Incorporating covered openings for seatbelts, so when they're not in use they don't let dirt fall through onto your seats which is a nice touch.
It's worth noting that none of the Kurgo bench seat covers has the ISOFIX opening. The photo illustrates the cover in a BMW 5 series saloon - which has a wide rear car seat and it fits well.
The design includes curved edges to the seat base cover rather than straight edges (as you can see in the photo), which offers more of a stylish fit.
The only issue we found is lining up the seatbelt holes in the cover with the seatbelts underneath - it can be fiddly.
Dimensions - (L W) 114 x 160 cm
Reasons to Buy
+ Seat side protection
+ 4 colour options
+ Easy to clean
Reasons to Avoid
- Not custom fit
- Doesn't allow 60/40 seat split
- No footwell protection
Whether you're looking for a car seat cover to use simply for dog walks or leave in place permanently, choosing the right cover is essential. All the seat protectors we feature have seat belt holes for human or canine travellers.
Not only should it look good, but it needs to be comfortable for your dog, and, of course, sturdy enough to protect your car seats.
Here's some important factors that we think you could consider before buying a car seat cover :-
As all the covers we feature are different sizes, we provide those all important dimensions after each review to help you calculate which is best for your car.
Our first bit of advice is to decide how you intend to use the car seat cover. Will you be using the cover on your back seat for your dog alongside human passengers? If so, a traditional seat cover will be more useful than a hammock style seat which is designed with only a dog in mind.
Some dog car seat covers offer an option for a 60/40 split back seat. If you may need to drop that back seat at times to extend your boot space, this could be a valuable option to consider.
Seat covers have varying levels of padding and comfort for your dog. You could consider adding a blanket or bed to the car seat cover, but be aware that these comfy additions are more likely to slip around when the car is in motion.
If you are looking for a seat cover for the back seat of a 3 door car, you don't need to worry about protection for the side of the seats as they are less accessible.
Finally, seat covers are usually available in a very limited array of colours and dimensions. If you want a cover to match your car rather than simply to protect it, then ultimately you're looking at a customised solution which offers an extended range of colour and size options.
A dog car seat cover sits flat across the back seat, protecting the seat base and backrest from mud, hair and scratches. A hammock attaches to both the front and rear headrests, suspending the fabric between them to create an enclosed space that also protects the footwell. They can stop your dog from falling or jumping into the front of the car.
Many covers (like the Kong and Pecute featured in this review) are 2-in-1, converting between both styles. To use as a hammock, attach the straps to the front headrests, the fabric then hangs between the seats. To use as a flat seat cover, simply skip the front headrest straps and let the fabric sit flush against the seat.
A hammock is generally better if your dog travels alone in the back and you want footwell protection or to prevent them moving between seats. A traditional seat cover is the better choice if passengers also need to use the back seat alongside your dog.
A traditional seat cover means that you can travel with a dog and/or human passengers in the back. Most can seat covers have openings to enable you to use all three seatbelts.
Most dog car seat covers are sold in a universal "one size fits all" design, but fit can vary significantly depending on your car. As a general rule, covers in the 140-150cm width range suit medium to large cars such as SUVs and estate cars well, while smaller cars like a Ford Fiesta may find even a standard cover too large with excess fabric bunching at the sides.
The best way to check fit is to measure your rear seat from door to door across the seat base, and from the top of the backrest down to the front of the seat base. Compare these measurements against the dimensions listed for each cover (we include these after every review on this page).
If fit is a priority and you drive a smaller or unusually shaped car, a custom-fit cover like the Over the Top option featured in this review will give you the best result with no bagging or bunching. Alternatively, single seat covers like the Kong or Pet Rebellion options offer more flexibility as they cover one seat at a time rather than the full bench.
For hammock-style covers, also check that the distance between your front and rear headrests is compatible, most standard covers are designed for a 140-150cm drop.
We strongly recommend a properly crash tested harness for your dog whilst riding in a car.
CarSafe offer a fully certified crash tested harness. In testing we found it incredibly easy to fit with two side release clips and then it simply connects to your car seat belt or the Kong Safety Tether which we feature next.
From the fitting, straps, breathable mesh to the stitching, the design and materials are top quality.
The chest plate is extra padded for comfort and the straps are nice and wide so don't dig in. The harness also has a D ring on the front and back, so you can connect your lead and head off for a walk when you reach your destination.
Available in four sizes with a handy sizing guide available online, it takes into account the chest, neck and the weight of your dog to help you select the best fit.
Dog tethers are a great idea to keep your dog safe and let you concentrate on the road ahead.
If you have an ISOFIX system in your car then you can opt for a restraint designed specifically for dogs and we recommend the Kong Ultimate Safety Tether.
If you're unsure, ISOFIX has been standard on all new cars since the mid-2000s so there is a high chance, your car will have it fitted.
The Kong Ultimate Safety Tether is part of the extensive range of Kong travel products. It works in exactly the same way as child/ baby car seats.
It's fully adjustable to the size and type of car seats and we found it incredibly simple to install and remove.
The carabiner then attaches to your dog's harness. You can adjust the carabiner strap slightly to take account of the size of your dog and we love that it swivels so your dog won't become entangled.
Once in place, your dog will be unable to move from seat to seat. We found in testing that compared to tethers that attach to your car seatbelts, your dog's movement is more restricted. So you can drive, safe in the knowledge that they won't end up in the footwell or on another seat.
Whilst it definitely ticks all the safety boxes, there are a few points to bear in mind before you buy one.
Firstly, you will need to double check that your car has a top tether point on the back of your rear seat. And secondly, because it uses this tether point, it's only suitable for use in the rear of a car, you can't use it in the front seat.
Designed right here in the UK, the Kong Ultimate Safety Tether is available from Dog Gear
If you're looking for more information, browse our wide range of other Dog Travel Guides -
CAR TRAVEL:
FOR ROAD TRIPS:
GENERAL GUIDES:
Reviewed by Claire Woosey, dog owner and product tester at Smart Bark, who has personally tested these covers across multiple vehicles.
Happy travelling from the Smart Bark team!
Claire is the founder of Smart Bark and a lifelong dog lover.
With a 10 year background in retail buying for one of the UK’s major retailers, she brings a keen eye for quality and value to every dog product review.
Claire personally tests every item featured on Smart Bark with her own family dog and her team of dog testers—so you get honest, expert advice (not recycled marketing blurb) from someone who truly understands what works in real life (and what doesn’t).
No gimmicks. Just trusted recommendations backed by experience.