Driving with Dogs: Car Seat Covers and Pet Travel Accessories That Actually Work
CarMoods TeamAnyone who's shared a car with a wet, sandy dog knows the aftermath: hair worked deep into the seat fabric, nose art on the windows and a smell that lingers for weeks. The good news is that a few well-chosen accessories can make dog travel almost mess-free — and safer for everyone in the car.
Jump to: Why it matters · Bench covers · Hammock covers · Small dogs · The dog smell · FAQ
Why your dog needs a proper spot in the car
An unrestrained dog isn't just a mess risk — it's a safety one. In most Australian states you can be fined if a pet is riding unrestrained or on your lap, and an untethered dog becomes a projectile in even a minor collision.
Beyond the legal side, dogs travel more calmly when they have a defined, non-slip space of their own. A dedicated cover gives them grip and a familiar scent, which makes anxious travellers settle faster.
Bench covers: everyday protection for the school-run dog
If your dog rides in the back a few times a week, a bench-style cover is the simplest upgrade. It lies flat over the rear seat, buckles around the headrests and catches hair, drool and muddy paw prints before they reach the upholstery.
Recommended
Fabric Dog Car Seat Cover Pet Protector for Cars
A quilted, waterproof layer that's soft enough for long naps and tough enough for muddy beach days.
Shop nowPrefer something more minimal? A smooth waterproof protector wipes down in seconds, which makes it the low-fuss pick for short-haired dogs and quick trips.
Staff Pick
Pet Car Seat Cover – Waterproof Back Seat Protector
Fits most cars, utes and SUVs, and wipes clean with a single pass of a damp cloth.
Shop nowHammock covers: for the muddy adventurers
A hammock cover attaches to both the front and rear headrests, creating a cradle that protects the seat back, the seat base and — crucially — the footwells. It also stops your dog sliding into the footwell under braking, which is the most common way dogs get hurt in day-to-day driving.
Editor's Choice
Universal Waterproof Dog Car Seat Cover - Trunk Mat Hammock Carrier
Converts between hammock, bench cover and boot liner, so one cover handles every trip.
Shop nowLarger dogs in larger cars need more coverage. An SUV-specific cover is cut wider and reinforced where big paws land, so it stays put instead of bunching in the middle of the seat.
Wear-resistant and waterproof, sized for wider SUV benches and bigger dogs.
Shop nowNot sure which style suits your dog? Here's how they compare at a glance.
| Style | Best for | Ideal dog size |
|---|---|---|
| Bench cover | Everyday trips, easy cleaning | Any |
| Hammock cover | Adventures, footwell protection, stopping slides | Medium to large |
| Booster bag | Anxious small dogs who want to see out | Small |
Small dogs: give them a booster seat
Small breeds often hate flat seat covers — they can't see out, so every corner is a surprise. A raised booster bag solves this: the dog sits higher, sees the horizon and travels with far less whining. The enclosed sides also double as a soft crate they can settle into.
Recommended
A double-thick, waterproof booster that keeps small dogs secure, elevated and calm.
Shop nowPro tip
Clip your dog's harness — never the collar — to the cover's tether or a seat-belt attachment. A collar tether can injure a dog's neck under sudden braking; a harness spreads the load across the chest.
Dealing with the dog smell
Even with perfect seat protection, dog smell builds up in cabin fabrics and carpet. Vacuum weekly, air the car out after wet-dog trips, and keep a subtle air freshener working between cleans — ideally one that doesn't overpower the cabin.
Husky & Shiba Inu Pilot Car Air Freshener
A rotating pilot-dog freshener that keeps the cabin fresh — and suits a dog lover's car perfectly.
Shop nowOur top picks
- 🥇 Universal Waterproof Dog Car Seat Cover - Trunk Mat Hammock Carrier Most versatile Shop →
- 🥈 Fabric Dog Car Seat Cover Pet Protector for Cars Everyday comfort Shop →
- 🥉 Pet Waterproof Car Seat Bag Best for small dogs Shop →
Every trip should end with a happy dog and a clean car
The right setup depends on your dog, not the accessory: bench covers for the everyday commuter, a hammock for the adventurer, a booster bag for the small and anxious. Pick one, add a harness tether, and the days of vacuuming sand out of seat seams are over. Browse the full range of seat protection and pet-friendly gear in our interior accessories collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it illegal to drive with an unrestrained dog in Australia?
Rules vary by state, but in most of Australia you can be fined if a dog is on your lap or interfering with your control of the car, and animal welfare laws require pets to be safely secured. A harness tether or enclosed booster is the easy fix.
Do hammock covers work with baby seats or other passengers?
Not at the same time — a hammock occupies the full rear bench. If you regularly carry passengers and a dog, choose a half-bench cover or a booster bag that straps to a single seat.
How do I wash a dog car seat cover?
Shake off loose hair outside, vacuum the cover, then wipe waterproof styles with a damp cloth. Fabric covers can usually be machine-washed on a gentle cold cycle — air-dry them to protect the waterproof backing.
What's the safest spot in the car for a dog?
The back seat, restrained via a harness tether, or the boot area of a wagon or SUV behind a cargo barrier. Front seats are unsafe because airbags can seriously injure a dog.
