Dog Car Seat Covers in Australia: Hammock vs Bench vs Front Seat Cover (2026 Guide)

November 3, 2026

Wet paws, beach sand and a shedding dog can wreck a car interior in a single summer. A good dog car seat cover is the cheapest way to protect your upholstery, but there are three quite different types, and the right one depends on your dog, your car and where your dog rides. Here is how to choose.

The three types of dog car seat cover

1. Back seat hammock

A hammock clips to the front and rear headrests, so it covers the back seat and forms a sling across the footwell. Your dog cannot slide or fall into the footwell when you brake, and hair stays off the back of the front seats too.

Best for: medium and large dogs, dogs that pace around, muddy and sandy outings.
Downside: no passengers can sit in the back while it is set up as a hammock.

2. Bench seat cover

The same cover laid flat over the back seat, clipped only to the rear headrests. Most good hammocks convert to a bench cover in seconds.

Best for: calm dogs, families who need to share the back seat with a dog.
Downside: no footwell protection.

3. Front seat cover

A smaller cover for the front passenger seat, often with raised sides that create a basket. It suits small dogs that ride up front.

Best for: small dogs, solo drivers, short trips.
Keep in mind: the back seat is the safest place for a dog, away from front airbags. If your dog rides in the front, check your state's rules in our guide to dog car travel laws in Australia.

Quick comparison

Type	Protects	Dog size	Passengers in back?
Back seat hammock	Seat, footwell, back of front seats	Medium to large	No
Bench cover	Back seat only	Any	Yes
Front seat cover	Front passenger seat	Small	Yes

What to look for

Genuinely waterproof fabric. Look for a coated Oxford fabric or a waterproof middle layer, not just "water resistant". Australian beach days and wet dogs will test it.
Non-slip backing. A rubberised or dotted backing stops the cover sliding on leather and fabric seats.
Seat anchors. Small tubes that tuck between the seat cushions hold the cover in place when your dog jumps in and out.
Side flaps. Flaps that hang over the door sills protect the doors from claws and mud.
A mesh window. On a hammock, a mesh viewing window lets your dog see you and gets air from the front vents, which helps anxious dogs and keeps the back seat cooler in summer.
Seat belt openings. Velcro openings let you use a dog seat belt through the cover.
Easy cleaning. You should be able to shake it out, wipe it down or hand wash it.

Will it fit my car?

Most covers are "universal" and fit sedans, hatchbacks and SUVs with a standard rear bench. Before buying, check:

Headrests: the straps need adjustable headrests to clip around. Some small cars and older utes have fixed headrests.
Width: measure your back seat from door to door at seat level. Dual cab utes and smaller hatchbacks are narrower than large SUVs.
Split seats and ISOFIX: if you also carry a child seat, a bench cover that leaves one side free may suit you better than a full hammock.

Caring for your seat cover

Shake out hair and sand after beach trips, before it works into the stitching.
Wipe with a damp cloth for everyday dirt.
Hand wash in cold water with a mild detergent and air dry. Avoid the dryer, which can damage the waterproof layer.

Our seat covers

Browse our waterproof dog car seat covers and hammocks:

Waterproof hammock with mesh window: our most protective option, with door flaps and side zips.
Oxford seat cover: a tough, simple cover that works as a hammock or bench cover.
Front seat cover: a basket-style cover for small dogs riding up front.

A seat cover keeps your car clean, but it does not restrain your dog. Pair it with a dog seat belt attached to a harness. Not sure which restraint to use? Read our road trip tips.

FAQ

Are dog hammocks safe?

A hammock stops your dog falling into the footwell and keeps them on the back seat, but it is not a restraint. Always use a dog seat belt or another restraint as well.