Let’s face it, a life lived outdoors can get downright dirty — and having a dog kicks things up a notch or 10. But spending every weekend vacuuming out your vehicle isn’t anyone’s idea of a good time. Enter: the need for a seat protector.
From Ruffwear, the Dirtbag Dog Car Seat Cover was built for your messy four-legged bestie. What I like about this design is that the bulk is skipped. With it on, my car’s upholstery was spared from becoming wet and muddy — like my dog when she entered the car — while also protecting the fabric against snagging claws.
In short: The Ruffwear Dirtbag Dog Car Seat Cover ($100) hits a sweet spot for offering durability and assurance without bulk or weight. The durable material protects against mud, moisture, and nails. There’s an easy installation and a self-contained storage system, so you can switch from being dog-ready to loading up human passengers like a breeze. I also really appreciated the integrated pocket for stashing leashes and doggie snacks.
See our complete round-up of well-made car seat protectors in the Best Car Seat Protectors buyer’s guide.
Review: Car Seat Protector Ruffwear Dirtbag Seat Cover
Ruffwear has been dialing in high-quality dog gear since 1996. The brand emphasizes craftsmanship, quality, and a willingness to stand behind its products. At least one of my dog harnesses has held up to multiple years of thrashing through bushes and splashing through creeks!
So, I was excited to try out this Car Seat Protector from Ruffwear, based in Santa Fe, N.M. When I’m not adventuring with my dog, I tote around gear for yoga and skiing. So, the interior of my Subaru is always at risk of grime and tears. I tested this cover in the autumn of 2024.
Nontoxic Materials
The Dirtbag Dog Car Seat Cover seat cover is made with recycled 300-denier polyester. The surface is treated with a PFAS-free finish for water-repellency. The result: It feels a bit rubbery — but in the right way.
Water beads and dries on the cover’s surface without saturating the material, even when it’s trampled under mid-size dog paws. Plus, Ruffwear earns bonus points for skipping the “forever chemicals” in the water repellency treatment. The brand also opted for recycled materials.
Generally, I found that unclipping the seat cover and shaking off the dirt was sufficient for a light clean. But it’ll also whirl through a machine wash on the gentle cycle just fine.
Quick Installation: Car Seat Cover
The installation was a breeze, because this lightweight cover clips into place quickly. Then, T-shaped pieces of fabric with silicone grips helped anchor and keep the cover from slipping around. After the cover is removed, it stows easily into an attached stuff sack.
Mesh Window
A 55-inch-wide, 63-inch-long cover hangs as either a bench coat or a hammock to deter dogs from clambering into the front seat. There are also two side flaps that help prevent grime from getting on the sides of the seats while your doggo climbs in and out!
An optional mesh window, with a solid cover that zips open, allows you to glance into the rear seat to check in on your pup. I also like that the mesh allows for the air conditioning to reach the back seat.
Seatbelt Access, Skid-Free Placement
There are zippers that open and close access to the seatbelts. So, it’s still possible to buckle in rambunctious dogs that like to bounce from window to window. A non-slip coating on the seat cover’s underside makes for minimal skidding while dogs load up or move around mid-ride.
Critiques
While I liked the mesh window, shedding dog hair can work its way through that mesh to unprotected upholstery in the footwells below. It’s also worth noting that the cover doesn’t come with sectional zippers. So, it won’t be possible to fold down part of the rear seat with the cover in place.
Conclusion: Durable Car Seat Cover
While this car seat cover comes at a higher price point than other models in the market, the durability and sustainability cushion the sticker shock.
While Ruffwear might have dogs top of mind, they’ve also got an eye for human aesthetics: A nice mountain silhouette is embroidered on the back panel, which adds style — and I appreciate the look.
This packable, quick-to-install cover provides just enough coverage without any bulk. It’s easy to clean, and stands out as a product. I expect the Ruffwear Dirtbag Dog Car Seat Cover to hold up through years of loading up mutts for hikes, regardless of the weather.
For large vehicles that spend lots of time off road, the Cooper Tires Discoverer AT3 XLTs give great all-season traction. And they do so while maintaining good manners on the highway.
We’ve scoured the industry to find you the best car seat covers. Read on for our top recommendations.
