Dog Car Seats vs. Seat Covers: What’s The Best Option For Your Companion?

Whether commuting to work, heading out on a weekend road trip, or running daily errands, your companion deserves to travel comfortably and securely like you. But with so many options available, how do you decide between a luxury dog car seat and a plush seat cover?

At Animals Matter®, we understand that every Companion is different. Some curl up tight in the corner, others stretch out and claim the whole back seat. That’s why we offer both patented dog car seats and luxurious car seat covers, each designed with safety, comfort, and style in mind.

This guide will walk you through the differences, benefits, and best use cases for both, so you can make the most informed choice for your Companion’s needs and travel habits.

Certified Support First: Why Travel Setup Matters

Dog car seats and seat covers aren't just comfort accessories; they're essentials.

Certified Foam & Crash-Tested Design

All Animals Matter® and L.A. Dog Company® car seats are made with CertiPUR-US® Certified upholstery-grade foam, free from formaldehyde, heavy metals, or ozone depleters. They're also patented  (US PAT NO. 7,717,062 & 7,574,975), giving peace of mind that your Companion is protected during sudden stops or sharp turns.

While not crash-tested themselves, car seat covers are seatbelt-compatible and designed to work safely with your vehicle’s restraint system to protect larger dogs from any incidents that can injure them if they fall during a sharp turn or a sudden stop. Padded with our proprietary hypoallergenic LUXURA-FILL® technology Memory-Spring Cushioning, they provide comfort without sacrificing style.

When to Choose a Dog Car Seat

For small dogs or puppies under 30 pounds, dog car seats offer more than just a secure spot to ride; they’re designed to deliver support, reduce travel anxiety, and elevate your Companion for a better view. At Animals Matter®, our patented car seats combine function, comfort, and unmatched craftsmanship.

Best For:

• Dogs up to 40 lbs

• Companions prone to motion sickness or anxiety

• Small dogs who love to see out the window

• Multi-pup travel (our 2X and 3X seats comfortably fit two small dogs)

Key Features:

• Patented  safety system (US PAT NO. 7,717,062 & 7,574,975) with secure harness clip

• CertiPUR-US® Certified high-density foam, free from ozone depleters, flame retardants, and heavy metals

• Removable, machine-washable padded velvet covers that resist wear and are CA Prop 65 compliant

• Raised, bolstered design provides a sense of protection and relieves car-related stress

• Portable and lightweight for seamless travel

 Popular Styles:

• Animals Matter® Dog Car Seats (Standard, 2X, 3X): Plush, sculpted seating handcrafted with dense upholstery-grade foam.

• L.A. Dog Company® Rider Seats: Textured velvet options offering the same patented structure in a bold, modern look.

• SUV Console Car Seats: For small Companions under 10 lbs who prefer to ride front and center (console must open from the front or side).

Tip: For added protection from drool, dirt, or accidents, layer with any of our Waterproof Blankets, a stylish safeguard during travel or at home.

When to Choose a Car Seat Cover

Seat covers are a luxurious, low-profile solution for larger dogs or Companions who prefer to sprawl. Whether your pup stretches across the back seat or rides up front, these velvet-padded travel covers protect your cars interior while providing plush support for your companion.

Best For:

• Dogs over 45 lbs

• Senior dogs, sprawlers, or large breeds

• Multi-dog households needing extra space

• Frequent travelers who want clean, protected seating and an extra layer of cushioning.

Key Features:

• LUXURA-FILL® hypoallergenic high-memory cushioning retains plushness while relieving pressure points

• Padded, quilted velvet surfaces that are soft, breathable, and abrasion-resistant

• Quick-release adjustable straps for fast, stable installation

• Seatbelt-compatible slots 

• Removable, machine-washable covers made with performance-grade velvet

• Options for both bucket and bench seat styles

Available Options:

• Animals Matter® Travel Cushion Collection

  • Bucket Seat Cover – Great for front seat solo riders

  • Bench Seat Cover – For full back seat lounging

• L.A. Dog Company® Turbo Covers – Upholsery grade patterned velvet with plush tufting, crafted for impact

• Hammock-Style Covers – With optional mesh barrier to let the air flow through in long summer car rides.

Tip: Add a Backseat Extender for added space and support ,preventing falls between seats and adding extra room for older or special needs dogs.

Cleaning & Maintenance

All of our car travel products are designed with real life in mind:

• Machine-washable covers for easy cleaning

• Durable fabrics that resist wear and pilling

• Hypoallergenic fill materials for sensitive dogs

• Optional Waterproof Blankets to protect against drool, spills, or accidents during travel
  
  

Final Thoughts: Every Companion Deserves a Thoughtful Ride

Choosing between a car seat and a seat cover depends on your dog’s size, behavior, and needs. No matter which you choose, both solutions from Animals Matter® are built with elevated comfort, tested support, and impeccable craftsmanship.

Let your Companion ride in confidence, security, and style, because when your dog is comfortable, the whole journey feels better.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Animals Matter® car seats crash-tested?
No, While our car seat helps create a safer and more controlled environment inside the vehicle, it's important to note that, like a human wearing only a seat belt, no car seat or harness system—crash-tested or not—can fully protect a dog from the force and trauma of a high-speed collision. The physics of such impacts often exceeds what any restraint system can mitigate.

What’s the weight limit for dog car seats?
Our biggest car seats are designed for dogs up to 30 lbs, but larger sizes (2X and 3X) can accommodate two small dogs or offer extra room.

Do the seat covers fit all cars?
Yes, our adjustable straps and universal seatbelt openings make them compatible with most vehicles.

Are the covers machine washable?
Absolutely. All covers on car seats and seat covers are removable and machine washable.

Which is better for senior dogs?
Seat covers with backseat extenders or car seats with easy-entry cutouts are excellent for seniors, depending on size.

Can I use a waterproof blanket on top?
Yes! We recommend pairing our Raine Cozy Waterproof Blanket® with either setup for added protection and style.