Car journeys with you dog, cat, or other pets needn’t leave fur, scratches, and nasty mess. These gadgets tackle them all, and they’re available at Amazon.
We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.
Keeping our cars in working order can already feel like a full-time job, like making sure your tires have the right amount of pressure or maintaining your engine for as long as possible. However, when you factor in the responsibility of having pets, it can be extra overwhelming. Regardless of how well-trained your furry friends are, there’s always a risk that their teeth or claws may accidentally damage the interiors of your vehicle. Lastly, it’s possible that even typically clean animals can still become messy after they’ve been exposed to the elements, like sand, mud, or rain.
To help you manage all the ways your furry friends can create havoc in your car, we’ve rounded up some of the best products on Amazon to avoid all kinds of pet-related damage and to improve the overall comfort of everyone in the vehicle. To know our criteria for choosing these items, you can skip to the end for our detailed methodology. If you’re ready to pet-proof your car today, have your Amazon account ready and keep reading.Petmate Crates
Although there are a lot of ways to drive with your pets, the safest transport method is in crates. And if you have a small animal, Petmate is the manufacturer of choice on Amazon. For small animals up to 10 lbs, like rabbits or guinea pigs, the $19.97 19-inch Petmate One-door Crate might be what you need. However, if you’re looking for an airline-approved carrier, it also offers other sizes, like a 24-inch carrier designed for pets up to 15 lbs. Collectively, all the models of this carrier, which is also made in the United States, have garnered a 4.6-star rating from more than 20,000 Amazon users.
When choosing crates, a rule of thumb is that you should aim for airline-approved designs, which tend to be more durable and provide more flexibility if you ever want to fly with your pet. If you want to take it a step further, there are also dog crate manufacturers that specialize in crash-tested models, like Gunner G1 Kennel and the award-winning Thule car dog crate, which can give you significantly more peace of mind.PROZAR Dog Car Seat Cover
For those blessed with large or multiple pets, the typical back seat can be a little tight for their needs. In some cases, this can lead to accidents or painful falls, which you can prevent by buying seat covers that can add a few extra inches, like the PROZAR Dog Car Seat Cover.
Priced at $35, this cover has 4.5 stars from more than 600 Amazon users. With a hard bottom, the PROZAR Dog Seat Cover can handle up to 400 lbs. Apart from its load-bearing plates, it’s constructed with layers of Oxford cloth, sponge, and non-slip rubber backing that makes it scratch-proof and waterproof. Several users wrote that their pups are more relaxed because they’re not constantly slipping out of their seats. Others mentioned how it’s quick to clean and remove when not in use.
Designed to fit everything from cars to trucks, the base extends to 23.6 inches, has added storage sections, and a mesh window, so your furry friends can still see you. Some dog owners praised how they liked how it has a slot for seat buckles. If you don’t have a dog seat belt already, there are a lot of things to consider, such as the weight in relation to your dog, alternative uses, and attachment mechanisms.Bulldogology Cargo Liner
While you can start by buying a dog-friendly car, the reality is that you may fall in love with multiple pups at the same time, which significantly changes your transport needs. If you have an army of pups who all need to go to the vet (or the beach) at the same time, you may need a little more space than your back seat, like your cargo. But if you want to save yourself the hassle of the messy cleanup after, you should consider a cargo liner from Amazon. With prices that start at $59.99, the Bulldogology Cargo Liners, which also come with front seat and backseat options, have collectively garnered a 4.7-star rating from more than 5,000 Amazon users.
It’s available in two sizes: L (55 inches by 82 inches) and XL (106 inches by 55 inches). If you’re not sure what size to get, Bulldogology has a list of compatible SUVs, as well as tips for how to measure the space on its Amazon listing properly. Alternatively, some options include mesh windows, but you’ll need to be ready to shell out an extra $60 to $65 extra for it. Available in either black or gray, it’s made to be waterproof, tear-resistant, and has anti-slip technology and adjustable straps. It’s also an easy-to-clean option for beach trips or muddy days in the park.K&H Pet Products Car Door Protector
It’s always cute to see our pets‘ joy when they look out the window with their tongues out. However, some dogs may scratch the door with their claws and coarse paws. Fortunately, we have car door protectors for that.
On Amazon, the K&H Car Door Protector has netted itself an average rating of 4.2 stars from more than 2,400 customers and is listed as an Amazon’s Choice product.
