When you have a dog, your car is going to need extra protection. A dog seat cover can shield the back and front seats from scratches, drool, dirt, hair, and messes. Many models are also padded for comfort and some even feature flaps to shield the floor from muddy paws or wet dog toys. These covers can be easy to clean and can help keep your car smelling fresher.

The Best dog seat cover can also help you get a better handle on your pup’s behavior in the vehicle. They can prevent your dog from climbing between the front seats and escaping into the footwells, as well as discourage them from wandering into the trunk or cargo area. They can also make it easier to keep your pup’s leash or food and water in the cabin with you.

Best Dog Seat Cover: Top Picks for Clean and Pet-Friendly Rides@

We put 18 dog seat covers to the test by giving them to pet parents and having them use them with their dogs in their cars for three weeks. Our testers took notes on how the covers protected their cars from mud, drool, and messy snacks. They also recorded their experiences with installation and ease of cleaning.

The top-rated model we reviewed is the Active Pets Hammock Car Seat Cover. It connects to headrest straps and seat anchors to stay firmly in place, while still allowing the driver to use their seat belt. It’s designed to fit most cars with bench-style rear seating and features a breathable, machine-washable fabric. It also features flaps to shield the lower portion of the seat from muddy paws, as well as a convenient storage pouch and adjustable headrest straps.