6 Best Dog Car Hammocks for Safely Transporting Your Pooch
Updated: Aug. 01, 2023A dog car hammock is a safe way to transport your pooch while keeping car seats clean. Here are our top picks.
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We love going on road trips with our dogs and bringing them along for errands around town or to the dog park. But more often than not, these trips lead to hairy, dirt-filled messes that end up all over our car seats (not to mention the lingering dog smell!). Chances are you also feel this struggle as a pet parent. Luckily, a dog car hammock keeps seats looking good as new while keeping pups comfortable in the car.
Unlike standard car seat covers, a dog car hammock covers the entire back seat to provide a comfy and secure nest. Because they loop over the front headrests, dog car hammocks provide a barrier to keep dogs from blocking the driver’s rear view or jumping up front. The hammock style also keeps pups secure in the back seat in case of sudden stops or sharp turns. For an extra secure ride, invest in a doggy seatbelt, dog carrier and other important dog items for your car.
Whether you’re ready to buy a dog car hammock for your vehicle, or searching for one to purchase as a gift for a dog lover, we rounded up the best dog car hammock options.
The best dog hammock picks
- Best overall: Urpower Dog Seat Hammock
- Best value: Frisco Water-Resistant Hammock Seat Cover
- Best splurge: Active Pets Non-Slip Hammock for Dogs
- Best washable: BarksBar Luxury Waterproof Car Seat Cover
- Best for small dogs: Frisco Quilted Water-Resistant Hammock Car Seat Cover
- Best for large vehicles: Meadowlark XL Premium Hammock Dog Car Seat Cover
Best overall dog car hammock
Urpower Dog Seat Hammock
This bestselling Urpower dog hammock fits a variety of back seat sizes. The hammock’s design allows for easy installation by securing straps over headrests, and side flaps protect door panels. The hammock style is ideal for road trips or adventures with pups, but it also converts into a car seat bench cover or a trunk cargo liner for other outings, like park trips or beach days. With four layers of fabric and a water-resistant outer layer, this hammock’s protection goes above and beyond. Over 24,000 Amazon shoppers give this product five stars.
“Not only was this product easy to install and is easy to clean, but it really kept my dog very calm in the backseat,” writes verified Amazon purchaser Harriet. “My dog is 65 pounds, which made it quite unpleasant to take him for a ride. Now, he stays away from the windows and just lays down and is perfectly content.”
Pros
- Fits a variety of car and truck sizes
- Includes two seatbelt slits and seatbelts
- 100% waterproof
- Non-slip backing
- Adjustable headrest straps and seat anchors
- Converts into a car seat bench cover
- Includes side door protection flaps
- Available in two sizes and six colors
Cons
- Not machine washable, so brand suggests using a damp cloth or vacuum to clean
- Some reviewers have found that bigger pups add stress on the hammock’s seams
Best value dog car hammock
Frisco Water-Resistant Hammock Seat Cover
A simple yet functional dog car hammock, the Frisco Water-Resistant Hammock is a brilliant, wallet-friendly buy. The heavy-duty polyester material keeps fur and messes away from the car’s interior, while the water-resistant construction ensures spills or accidents don’t transfer to seats. It includes multiple attachment points for the best fit possible, and seat belt slits accommodate pet safety gear. Plus, the included storage pockets are perfect for treats, leashes or poop bags.
Pros
- Affordable price point
- Water-resistant
- Heavy-duty polyester fabric
- Machine washable
- Seatbelt slits (seatbelt not included)
- Available in two colors
- Suitable for large dogs
Cons
- Surface may be slippery for some dogs
- The regular size may not fit extra large back seat areas, so you’ll want to measure yours
Best splurge dog car hammock
Active Pets Non-Slip Hammock for Dogs
The Active Pets Dog Seat Hammock is a non-slip car seat cover that stays in place while giving dogs better traction. The padded material resists paws and claws, making it durable for frequent use. It also converts into a car seat bench cover and trunk lining, secured with four heavy-duty headrest anchors and two seat anchors. A universal fit works for small cars and big trucks. This pick offers flexibility and a no-fuss construction. It may be a splurge, but your dog will thank you.
Verified Amazon purchaser Tiffany writes in her five-star review, “My dog is a nervous nelly in the car. This helps keep him confined and I think helps him relax more. We seatbelt him also but he seems to lay down more with this. It’s very durable as my dog can destroy anything in seconds.”
Pros
- Universal fit is flexible for a variety of car sizes
- Water-resistant
- Heavy-duty quilted fabric
- Non-slip material
- Available in six colors and two sizes
Cons
- Rubber backing “pills” with use, may leave a residue on seats
- This dog car hammock is pricier than others on our list (although, it is often on sale!)
Best washable dog car hammock
BarksBar Luxury Waterproof Car Seat Cover
The BarksBar Dog Car Hammock doubles as a seat cover and dog car hammock. The quilted design protects seats while providing a comfy resting spot for pups. The hammock fits most standard cars, but make sure to measure the back seat to see if the product’s dimensions suffice. It installs easily with buckles and straps that fit over headrests. When used as a car seat cover, it protects against spills and stains from canine and human riders. Give it a pass with a Bissell Pet Hair Eraser, then throw this hammock in the wash for easy cleaning (the colors don’t even bleed!).
Pros
- Water-resistant
- Rubber non-slip backing
- Velcro seatbelt openings for pet safety gear
- Machine washable on gentle and air dry cycles
- Spot cleans easily with a damp cloth or pet vacuum
- Available in two sizes
Con
- Some reviewers have found the straps break easily, so this pick may not be ideal for large dogs
Best small dog car hammock
Frisco Quilted Water-Resistant Hammock Car Seat Cover
An upgrade from the standard version, the Frisco Quilted Water-Resistant Hammock features heavy-duty polyester material and quilted padding for extra comfort and durability. The fabric keeps the car’s floors clean from spills, dog hair and other messes. It comes with multiple attachment points for the best fit possible, and the non-slip backing keeps pets stable. This hammock contains closable seat belt slits to accommodate pet safety gear. Two pockets provide some extra storage for toys , portable dog water bottle, and other pet products. Best of all, it’s machine washable, too.
Pros
- Keeps small pups comfortable yet safe
- Converts into a bench car seat cover
- Water-resistant
- Machine washable
- Heavy-duty polyester fabric
- Seatbelt accommodation (seatbelt not included)
- Available in three colors (including a luxe cream)
Cons
- Some reviewers found it somewhat difficult to remove dog hair from the cover
- Some reviewers found that the hammock style doesn’t quite stretch over the headrests in SUVs
Best dog car hammock for large vehicles
Meadowlark XL Premium Hammock Dog Car Seat Cover
With an average 4.6-star rating, the Meadowlark XL dog car hammock is an Amazon pet product with nearly perfect reviews. It comes in standard and extra-large sizes that fit a variety of vehicles and dog breeds. The hammock is made from heavy-duty, water-resistant and nonslip material and works as a bench seat cover or hammock. With storage pockets and Velcro openings for seatbelts, it ensures pups and their gear travel safe. This hammock is upholstery-safe, withstands extreme temperatures (brush up on summer safety tips first) and won’t leave dye residue or pills.
Pros
- Fits small cars, large trucks and SUVs
- Easy to install
- Converts into bench seat
- Machine washable on gentle and air dry cycles
- Available in two sizes
Con
- Most expensive option on our list
What to look for when buying a dog car hammock
Dog car hammocks differ based on size, material, features and price. To choose the best dog car hammock for your pooch, start by measuring your back seat. Not all dog hammocks fit every car, so you’ll want to have measurements on hand. As for materials, opt for waterproof or water-resistant fabrics that are machine washable. Keep an eye out for durable construction too, and whether it’s compatible with your pup’s size. If your furry friend weighs more than 100 pounds, choosing strong straps is key.
Finally, consider a dog car hammock that includes safety features like a seatbelt attachment. For example, some contain slots for attaching your dog’s safety harness to the seatbelt.
How we found the best dog hammocks
As shopping experts, our only job is to help you find a winning product. We start with the research and reporting basics—what products are made of, what they look like and how much they cost—to ensure that we’re only recommending the buys that are worth your time and money. Then, we research the features that speak to the product’s quality, taking advice from industry insiders and subject matter experts on what makes a product a smart value (or worthy of a splurge). Finally, we do the work of combing through user reviews to see how real people interact with the product, and if it stands up to the test.
FAQ
Where should a dog sit in the car?
The most dangerous place for a dog to ride is the front seat. In the event of a car accident, the airbag can deploy and hurt your pet. Keep dogs in the backseat or cargo space, secure in a dog car hammock.
Are car hammocks safe for dogs?
Many pups get anxiety on car rides, whether it’s a five-minute drive or a multi-hour road trip. A car hammock provides comfort for the pet and a barrier between their nails and your car seats. For extra rowdy dogs, try calming treats or dog anxiety products.
Do dog hammocks work?
Many dog owners who’ve used a car hammock say they definitely help their furry friends feel more at ease. They’re also helpful in terms of convenience because they keep seats hair- and mess-free. Dogs prone to car sickness also benefit from a dog car hammock because it contains the mess without spilling on seats. Play it safe by choosing a dog car hammock with washable materials for a hassle-free clean up. For dogs that like to romp in the mud, try a dog paw cleaner before they step in the hammock.
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