For many pet owners, car rides are a great way to explore the world with their tailed friends. But taking your dog on a road trip can be a hassle if you don’t have the right travel accessories.
To make road trips with your doggie as safe and comfortable as possible, there are a variety of pet car accessories available. In this article, we will discuss some of the best dog car accessories to travel with dogs, and how they can help make your next ride together a success!
Dog Car Hammock Seat Cover
What is it and how it looks like:
This is a hammock style car seat cover that protects the entire back seat, including the floor, front seat backs, and sometimes also the doors. A car seat hammock for dogs attaches to the headrests of the front and back seats, often additionally secured with seat anchors. Hammocks are usually designed large to cover the whole rear seat space, but there are also single seat options available.
Suitable for:
A car hammock is a dog seat cover for pets of all breeds, sizes, and behaviors. Hammocks have wide coverage and come in a variety of designs, so you can easily find the perfect one for your Chihuahua or Labrador. Add a cozy blanket, pillows, and toys and your pet will be happy!
Dog hammocks also work with different car models. No matter if you’re looking for a Jeep dog seat cover or a dog seat cover for your Audi, you’ll definitely find an option to fit your vehicle seats.
Pros:
Hammock seat covers are perfect for protecting your car interior from pet hair, dirt, scratches, and liquids. They are usually designed waterproof, slip-proof, tear- and wear-resistant. For better protection, pay attention to dog hammocks with sides. These dog car seat covers – like the Owleys Travel Buddy for example – completely protect your car interior. So you can be sure that the seats, the floor, and the doors will stay in perfect condition, no matter how messy your doggie is.
A good car seat hammock for dogs has a useful design. For example, it can feature special pockets to store your pet’s collar, leash, toys, or treats. Or they can have a mesh window in the middle to allow your doggie to watch the road with you.
Another key feature is that hammocks are usually super easy to care for. Wonder how to wash your car seat hammock for dogs? You can probably just throw it in the washing machine to get a clean and fresh accessory for your next road trip!
Besides, most dog hammocks can double as cargo liners if necessary – the perfect solution to save space in the back. The main thing is to make sure you have a place to fasten it so that it stays in place on the road.
Cons:
It may not be the best car dog seat cover for small vehicles and large families. A standard dog hammock covers the entire back seat, leaving no room for other passengers.
In this case, a great solution would be looking for universal models with zipper designs. For example, the Travel Buddy Dog Hammock from Owleys brand, which we have already mentioned, has an adjustable 2-in-1 size. You can unfasten the zipper in the middle to transform the large backseat hammock into a smaller seat cover for one side of the back seat. Our personal favorite!
Back Seat Dog Bed
What is it and how it looks like:
This is a portable type of dog bed to place in your car’s back seat. Car dog beds come in many shapes and sizes, but they are all soft and cozy so your pet can feel comfortable on the road.
Suitable for:
You can find a car bed for any pet – just choose the right size. But be prepared that if you have, for example, a Siberian Husky and a small sports car, the bed will take up quite a lot of space!
As for car models, dog back seat beds are usually not tied to specific vehicles, unlike dog hammocks. So, if you have a Jeep, you will need to look for a “Jeep dog seat cover”. And to find the right dog bed for your Jeep, just make sure its width matches the width of your seats. Easy-breezy!
Pros:
A back seat dog bed creates a lot of comfort for your pet to rest on the road. It’s especially great for small breed dogs, puppies, and pets with a very calm, lazy personality. Cozy and warm, the right travel bed can make your doggie feel just like home.
Cons:
Do you want to protect your back seat from hair, stains, and scratches? Then dog beds are not your solution. They are usually designed for comfort, not protection. With no walls or very low ones, they leave your car interior unprotected. So dirt, hair, and scratches won’t go anywhere.
If you need back seat protection, choose a car dog seat cover for your vehicle. Not a backseat bed.
Soft Dog Travel Crate
What is it and how it looks like:
This is a fabric pet carrier, often foldable. Usually looks like a square doghouse with mesh windows and a “door”. Placed in the back seat or front seat.
Suitable for:
As with beds, you can find travel crates for pets of any breed and size. The main thing is to check the size so that your doggie is comfortable inside. There should be enough space for your pet to sit and lie down freely. And this is especially important for long road trips.
And again, you don’t need to look for a “Jeep dog seat cover” or “Tesla pet crate”. You just need to make sure the crate you like fits the width and length of your vehicle seat.
Pros:
Dog travel crates keep your pet safely secured inside. If it remains closed, then your car will remain perfectly clean from pet hair, possible stains, and scratches. Also, if you have chosen a comfortable size for your pet, and your carrier has windows, your doggie will feel perfectly cozy and safe inside.
Plus, you can use your travel crate not only in the car but also everywhere while traveling.
Cons:
For some pets, being inside a closed carrier can be stressful. Especially on long trips. And especially if the carrier is too small and has no windows.
Also, this is not the best solution for large breed dogs, as they require large crates. Such a carrier is difficult to secure and fit comfortably in a regular family sedan. Therefore, we still recommend choosing a car dog seat cover for larger dogs. It is more convenient for both you and your pet.
Well, are you now ready to choose the best car accessory for your pet?
Today we’ve discussed the three most popular types of dog travel accessories: dog hammocks, car beds, and soft travel crates. We hope our article was helpful and wish you happy road trips!