How to choose a dog car seat cover for your back seat

If your dog comes everywhere with you, your back seat probably shows it: hair woven into the fabric, muddy paw prints, the odd scratch or chewed corner. A dog car seat cover protects the seat so you're not vacuuming after every trip. Here's how to choose the right one for your car and your dog.

Why use a dog car seat cover?

• Less cleaning. Hair, sand and mud land on the cover, not the seat. Shake it out or put it in the wash.
• Protects the upholstery. Claws, drool and wet paws are hard on both fabric and leather seats.
• Comfier for your dog. A padded, quilted surface is nicer to lie on than a slippery leather seat.
• Not just for dogs. Our covers also work under a child's car seat or for messy sports gear.

Step 1: Measure your back seat

Our dog car seat covers come in two sizes:

• Regular: 53" wide x 57" long (about 135 x 145 cm). Fits most cars and SUVs.
• X-Large: 60" wide x 65" long (about 152 x 165 cm). Fits most full-size trucks and oversized SUVs.

Measure the width of your back seat from door to door at the widest point. If it's under about 53 inches (135 cm), Regular is the right size. Compare your measurements with the size chart before you order, and email us if you're between sizes.

Step 2: Check the features that matter

• Quilted microfiber: durable, breathable and comfortable for your dog to lie on.
• Water resistant: helps stop wet paws and spills soaking through to the seat.
• Seat belt openings: sturdy Velcro slits let you reach the seat belt buckles, so you can still clip in a dog seat belt or let a passenger sit there.
• Machine washable: wash on a cold, gentle cycle, or wipe with a damp cloth and vacuum between washes.

Step 3: Keep your dog safe, not just your seats

A seat cover protects your car, but it doesn't hold your dog in place if you brake suddenly. For that, use a harness and a dog seat belt. Our reflective, shock-absorbing dog seat belt clips into the car's seat belt buckle and attaches to your dog's harness. Pair it with a personalised dog harness with your dog's name on custom patches.

In Australia, rules about how dogs must travel in cars vary by state, and an unrestrained dog can also be a distraction while you drive. Check the rules where you live.

Step 4: Pick a design you'll love

This is where ours are different from the plain black covers at the pet store. Every Raiana's Vibes dog seat cover is printed to order in boho, floral, retro, mushroom and other colourful designs, and many match our car seat covers and steering wheel covers, so your car looks put together even with a dog in the back.

How to install it

Most people fit their cover in a couple of minutes. Watch our short video: how to install our back seat covers for dogs.

Quick answers

Will it fit leather seats?
Yes. It sits over fabric and leather seats alike, and protects leather from claw scratches.

Can people still sit in the back?
Yes. The seat belt slits let passengers buckle up with the cover in place.

Is it a good gift for a dog lover?
It's one of our most popular gifts for dog mums and dads, especially paired with a personalised harness.

Browse every design in our dog car seat covers collection.