Dog hair on the seats, mud on the doors, drool on the windows. If you travel with a dog, you know the feeling. A little planning before, during and after the trip cuts most of it.
This guide gives you a simple three-stage plan, and explains what a seat cover does and doesn’t do. We sell dog gear, but the biggest wins are habits that cost nothing.
Key Takeaways
- Plan in three stages: before the trip, in the car and after the trip.
- A waterproof, non-slip seat cover does most of the protecting for your car.
- A seat cover is not a restraint. Restrain your dog separately, with something crash-tested.
- Stop for breaks and fresh water, and never leave your dog alone in a parked car.
- If your dog gets car sick, ask your vet before the trip.
What You’ll Need
Most of this is already at home. Gather it in one bag and leave it in the car.
- A seat cover for the back seat.
- A brush for before the trip.
- A towel for wet or muddy paws.
- Fresh water and a bowl.
- Poo bags.
- A lint roller or a small hand vacuum for the clean-up.
Want it on paper? Download our printable Dog Car Trip Checklist (PDF). It lists every step in this guide, with tick boxes.
Before the Trip
Most car mess starts at home. A few minutes at the door saves a lot of vacuuming later.
- Brush your dog. Loose hair that stays on your dog’s coat won’t end up on the seats. Our Slicker Brush for Dogs and Cats has stainless steel bristles and an anti-slip handle. Brush gently, and stop if your dog seems uncomfortable.
- Walk first, and visit the toilet. A calm dog with an empty bladder is easier on the car. RSPCA Australia also advises plenty of toilet breaks on a road trip.
- Wipe muddy paws. Keep a towel by the door. Wipe paws before your dog climbs in.
- Skip a full stomach. RSPCA Australia suggests not feeding for a couple of hours before the trip. If your dog gets car sick, talk to your vet well before you go.
Protect the Seats
A seat cover is the single biggest help. It catches hair and drool, and keeps mud off your upholstery. Here is what to look for.
- A waterproof layer, so spills stay on top of the cover.
- A non-slip base and seat retainers, so the cover doesn’t slide when you brake.
- An opening for the seat belts, so you can still use them.
- Side flaps, to shield the doors from scratches.
- Machine-washable fabric, so cleaning is easy.
Our Waterproof Dog Car Seat Cover with Mesh Window is a rear-seat hammock made of 600D Oxford cloth with a PVC waterproof coating. It has a non-slip base, a Velcro opening for the seat belts, side flaps and a zipper pocket for leashes and treats. The cover is machine washable.
It’s made for medium and large dogs and most cars. Check the dimensions in the product images against your back seat before you order.
Keep Your Dog Safe, Too
A seat cover protects your car. It doesn’t protect your dog. RSPCA Australia explains that dogs can be safely restrained in the back seat with a vehicle restraint or harness that has passed safety tests.
- Many products on the market have not been crash-tested, so be careful with a maker’s own test claims.
- A walking harness is not the same as a crash-tested vehicle harness. Our guide to harnesses and collars covers walking gear.
- A crate or carrier needs to be secured in the car, and large enough for your dog to stand, turn and lie down.
Laws differ from place to place, so check your local road rules. If you aren’t sure what suits your dog, ask your vet.
On the Road
Breaks keep a dog comfortable, and a comfortable dog makes less mess. RSPCA Australia’s road trip advice includes stopping for plenty of toilet breaks and carrying enough fresh water.
- Stop often. Give your dog a short walk on a leash each time.
- Offer water. Our Portable Dog Water Bottle holds 458 ml and has a wide opening for drinking. Each part washes separately.
- Keep towels and poo bags close. RSPCA Australia lists both on its packing list.
Never leave your dog alone in a parked car, even for a minute. RSPCA Australia warns that dogs can suffer fatal heat stress quickly, even in mild weather.
After the Trip: A Five-Minute Clean-Up
Do it the same day, while the hair is still loose. A short routine is easier than a big monthly clean.
- Wipe your dog’s paws and coat before they hop out.
- Remove the seat cover and shake it out outside.
- Wash the cover. The product page says it is machine washable.
- Vacuum the seats and floor, and check the gaps around the seat belts.
- Wipe the doors and windows for drool and nose prints.
- Refill the water and poo bags, ready for next time.
Let the cover dry fully before you fold it away.
Quick Answers
Do I need a seat cover for a short trip?
It helps most after muddy walks or swims. For a quick trip on a clean dog, a towel may be enough.
Can a seat cover replace a seat belt or restraint?
No. A cover protects the seats, not your dog. Use a crash-tested restraint or a secured crate, and ask your vet if you aren’t sure.
How do I clean the seat cover?
Our cover is machine washable. Shake it out first, then follow the care steps on the product page.
My dog gets car sick. What can I do?
Avoid a full stomach before the trip, take plenty of breaks and keep the car well ventilated. Talk to your vet well before the trip.
The Short Version
Brush before you go, cover the seats, restrain your dog safely, stop for breaks and water, and give the car a quick clean when you get home. Keep the checklist in the glove box.
Ready to shop? Browse our Walk & Travel category. If a cover doesn’t fit, our Returns & Refunds page explains what to do. Questions first? Send us a message. And grab the Dog Car Trip Checklist for your next drive.