:strip_icc()/spruce-pets-header-illo-9e753c7d2d5c41c78b01bea00f975fd3.png)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Lorraine-Wilde-The-spruce-pets-320ee259c17c444ea38e2a08e6df4cb5.jpg){kind=small}
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Lorraine-Wilde-The-spruce-pets-320ee259c17c444ea38e2a08e6df4cb5.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/best-couch-covers-for-dogs-7113311-0f5d505a0bc44f77b93a21cb50be3db7.jpg)
The Spruce Pets / Lecia Landis
Even if they’re not engaged in confusing behaviors like licking your couch, dogs can subject furniture to a surprising amount of wear-and-tear. It helps to provide your dog with spaces that are just for them, like a dog bed, or even their own sofa. But the right couch cover or sofa-protecting blanket can also save you money, by extending the life of your furniture.
“Look for durable and waterproof fabrics like cotton, canvas or microfiber,” Justin Carpenter, a cleaning expert, CEO, and Founder of Modern Maids told The Spruce Pets. “Also, look for covers that are machine washable and won't shrink or fade after washing. Additionally, owners should consider covers that have elastic bands or straps to keep them snugly in place and are easy to put on and take off.”
Our favorite couch cover for dogs is the Easy Going Stretch Slipcover because it's easy to take on and off, and it’s made of stretchy, forgiving fabric that’s both washable and stain resistant. Plus, it’s available in a whopping 37 colors.
Best Overall
Easy-Going Stretch Loveseat Slipcover
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/easy-going-stretch-loveseat-slipcover-1-piece-sofa-cover-furniture-protector-couch-soft-with-elastic-bottom-for-kids-polyester-spandex-jacquard-fabric-small-checks-loveseat-dark-gray-4b3ebeb6714640e889e28ce64d87f46f.jpg)
Amazon
37 colors
Affordable
30-day returns, no questions asked
Not waterproof
Foam anchors can slip out depending on your sofa
True to its name, the Easy-Going Stretch Slipcover is machine washable, easy to fit, soft, and available in a wide enough range of colors that you’re sure to find one that works for your home. We have used these durable slipcovers on several different pieces of furniture, including a loveseat and a wingback chair. Each slipcover fits snugly and covers the entire furniture piece without looking frumpy or messy.
The jacquard fabric is attractive, soft, and comfortable. Pet hair doesn’t cling to it, making it easy to brush off with your preferred pet hair removal tool. Plus, they’re affordable enough that it’s easy to keep a back-up on hand, so we can put a clean one on while the other is in the washing machine. With so many different color options, you can also change your furniture’s look for the holidays or according to the season.
The polyester fabric in the Easy-Going slipcover incorporates 15 percent Spandex into its blend, creating a durable stretchiness that conforms well to couches. The slipcover has elastic edges and tags marking the front and back of the cover. Once you line up the tags, it’s easy to slide the cover down over the top of your furniture to the floor. The seat area is held in place using non-slip foam anchors. It takes just a couple of minutes to make it look nice.
The Easy-Going Stretch Slipcover is machine washable using a standard wash-dry cycle. However, a warm, delicate cycle is recommended to best preserve the cover’s stretchiness.
It’s also available in seven sizes, so there’s a matching cover for all of your furniture.
Price at time of publish: $30 (Sofa, Black)
Material: 85% Polyester, 15% Spandex | Sizes: Loveseat, oversized loveseat, sofa, oversized sofa, 4 seater sofa, chair, oversized chair | Colors: Ash rose, beige, black, bluestone, brown, camel, chocolate, Christmas red, classic blue, coffee, cream, cyan, dark blue, dark gray, dark green, deep teal, golden, gray, grayish green, ivory, khaki, light blue, light gray, light green, natural, navy, olive green, orange, peacock blue, pink, purple, sand, silver gray, snow white, tan, taupe, wine
Best Budget
Gorilla Grip Original Slip-Resistant Sofa Protector
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/gorilla-grip-original-slip-resistant-sofa-protector-27590c4f3c0e4998a6bdee3840a694bb.jpg)
Amazon
Easy to put on
Stays in place
Repels liquids
Soft
Air dry only
Backing can react with some leather sofas and cleaners
At first glance, you wouldn’t expect a slipcover that costs less than $20 to be very good, but more than 8,000 Amazon customers gave it a four- or five-star review.
The Gorilla Grip Sofa Protector is made from a soft and durable faux suede that’s easy to install. This cover is hair and stain resistant, and protects the arms of your furniture too. It’s secured with hook-and-loop straps on the back cushions and elastic straps under the seat cushions. This cover is machine washable, but only with cold water because of the slip-resistant coating on the back. The dryer cycle should not be hot either.
Price at time of publish: $18
Material: Faux suede | Sizes: Loveseat, couch sofa, oversized couch sofa, small chair, large chair, recliner | Colors: 15 solid colors
Best Quilted
SureFit Deluxe Furniture Cover with Arms
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/surefit-deluxe-furniture-cover-with-arms-9611ab0fe29c43b69f508b6ab66047e5.jpg)
Chewy
Machine wash and dry
Antimicrobial
Soft yet durable
Stain resistance
Won’t stay put on leather/pleather
Synthetic
Not full coverage
From the yard to your sofa, germs are tracked in on your dog’s feet so you might prefer a sofa cover that is designed with an antimicrobial surface–especially if you have a toddler. This velvety slipcover has a quilted design, with high-loft polyester batting and an antimicrobial surface for a combination of comfort and odor eating power.
It’s designed with a long backdrop to help it stay on. The backing is stay-put microfiber and the fabric surface has a “Sanitized Actifresh” protective finish that resists odors. It’s machine washable separately in cold water on the gentle cycle and it can be tumble dried on low heat settings.
In addition to the deluxe version, SureFit also offers similar pet protectors in quilted, microfiber, velvet and waterproof options. The SureFit Furniture Protector is available in five colors.
Price at time of publish: $59
Material: 100% polyester | Sizes: Sofa and loveseat with and without arms, chair with and without arms, chaise lounge | Colors: Chocolate, Ivory, Burgundy, Dark Gray, Sable
Best For Sectionals
OstepDecor Velvet Quilted Sectional Couch Cover
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ostepdecor-couch-cover-sofa-cover-quilted-sectional-couch-covers-velvet-sofa-slipcover-for-dogs-cats-pet-love-seat-recliner-leather-l-shaped--134745a7c82a47b687bb187e80362b7f.jpg)
Amazon
Super soft
For leather and fabric sofas
Easy to clean
Comfortable
Stitching can fray over time
Not waterproof
Sectionals and L-shaped sofas might be the most difficult to get the right fit, but they’re also the most popular type of couch these days. You must measure and plan carefully to get several separate slipcover pieces for your cushions, seats and armrests.
The OstepDecor Quilted Sectional Couch Covers have a sophisticated argyle design and are available in a wide range of sectional sizes for modular fitting. Each cover blends super soft crystal velvet with polyester for a combination of smoothness and durability.
OstepDecor covers are machine washable on cold water settings and can be machine dried on the delicate cycle. It has an anti-slip backing of silicone rubber that stays put on most sofas.
Price at time of publish: $50
Material: Crystal velvet and polyester blend | Sizes: Backrest covers, seat covers and armrest covers in several sizes | Colors: Beige, brown, coffee, gray, dark gray
Best Dog Bed Furniture Protector
Chongfa Plush Dog Bed Furniture Protector
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/chongfa-plush-dog-bed-furniture-protector-a53a424c653b4de48f23d5c7c339f947.jpg)
Amazon
Soft plush
Padded bolster for neck support
Affordable
Versatile uses
Synthetic fabric
While most covers prioritize protecting your furniture from your pets, the Chongfa Plush Dog Bed Furniture Protector instead focuses on providing a cozy spot for your dog to nap. Rather than fitting fully over a couch, the Chongfa creates a fuzzy, plush surface and surrounds it with wraparound bolster, encouraging your dog to use this particular space.
Covering one or more couch cushions, depending on the size, the Chongfa Furniture Protector is like a dog bed that can be set up on top of your existing couch or bed. It has a non-slip bottom to help keep it in place. It can also be used on the floor, or in the back of a car. Plus, since it doesn’t fully enclose your furniture, it’s easy to move when company comes over.
The bolster is half-moon shaped and the front is open with fabric that hangs down below the seat for added protection on the front of your sofa. Our test dog always opted for the plush bolster on the Chongfa over nearby throw pillows.
The Chongfa Furniture Protector is stain and odor resistant, with a zipper at the bottom for removing the bolster. The cover itself is machine washable, but should only be dried on low settings to retain its fluff.
Price at time of publish: $60
Material: Polyester | Sizes: 35 x 31 x 5 inches (small), 41 x 37 x 6 inches (medium), 45 x 37 x 6 inches (large) | Colors: Light grey, dark grey, light brown
Best Waterproof Blanket
Catalonia Sherpa Polar Fleece Waterproof Blanket
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/catalonia-waterproof-blanket-liquid-pee-proof-blanket-for-bed-couch-sofa-89c3808615714a2bb98a610730e0a6ab.jpg)
Amazon
Heavy duty
Soft sherpa polar fleece
Makes a great gift for dog owners
Made in the United States
So heavy duty that washing machines may not spin fully
Will lose waterproof properties if you don’t follow care instructions
Takes a long time to dry fully
A waterproof blanket is a must for every dog owner. The Catalonia Waterproof Sherpa Blanket doubles as a couch protector, and provided excellent coverage of an L-shaped sectional. It’s also easy to throw anywhere–over a chair, at the foot of the bed, in the kennel, the backseat of the car, or even folded to create an impromptu dog bed.
This reversible blanket has fluffy sherpa fleece on one side and thick, durable fleece on the other, providing two different seating surfaces. A waterproof layer is sewn inside the blanket between the two layers. Even when saturated, with a surface that feels wet, moisture won’t drain through to the underside.
It’s machine washable on the gentle cycle but in our experience it gets heavy enough when wet that washing machines and dryers struggle to spin it fully. We found it worked better to let the blanket air dry for a few hours before tossing into the dryer on low heat.
Price at time of publish: $50
Material: 100% Polyester | Sizes: 50 x 60 inches, 60 x 80 inches, 80 x 90 inches | Colors: 10 two-tone color combinations
Best Styles
Paw PupProtector Waterproof Throw Blanket
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/pupprotector-waterproof-throw-blanket---brown-faux-cowhide-78ed46cdfa4a4205946eab658e8fcad1.jpg)
Paw
Chew proof
Water resistant
Easy to clean
Not as soft as some other faux furs
Sheds
More expensive than some others
Just because you’re protecting your furniture doesn’t mean you can’t do it in style. That’s when you want fun waterproof blankets. The PupProtector comes in cheetah prints, pink and four plaid patterns along with a range of plush faux fur solid colors. Those with faux fur have soft fleece on the other side. \
Like the Catalonia blanket, the waterproof layer is sewn inside between two sturdy layers. It’s machine washable on the delicate (cold) cycle and must hang dry. If you need a little more fun in your home decor than the usual beige and gray, this might be the right couch cover for you and your dog.
Price at time of publish: $189
Material: Polyester | Sizes: Medium 60 x 50 inches, large 80 x 62 inches | Colors: 15 solids and prints
Best Non-Slip
Orvis Grip-Tight Furniture Protector
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/grip-tight-furniture-protector-f527b02d8f7a4ba4b890a9d18539677a.jpg)
Orvis
Internal water-resistant membrane
Weighted flaps
Not widely available
Muted color options
More expensive
More effort to fit
This couch cover has a patented non-slip Grip-Tight backing that holds the protector in place. It has a flap that covers the front of the sofa and a second flap in the back of the protector that tucks under the cushions to prevent movement. It also has weights in the arm and back flaps to let gravity do the work. While it may take a little more effort to install, this cover won’t budge once you’ve got it set up.
The Orvis Grip-Tight Furniture Protector is available in three sizes and three different color options.
Price at time of publish: $249
Material: Polyester | Sizes: Sofa, loveseat, extra-large sofa | Colors: Brown Tweed, wheat, shale
Our favorite is the Easy Going Stretch Slipcover because it's soft, affordable, has great coverage and fits well. It’s easy to put on, the fabric is stretchy, and its machine washable. Plus, you can choose from 37 colors. Dog owners should also never be without a waterproof blanket that can be used on a range of furniture, like the Catalonia Sherpa or Paw PupProtector.
What to Look for in Couch Covers for Dogs
It’s important to consider materials, cleaning and fit when choosing a couch cover. Each will hold some hair so consider a pet hair remover to keep your cover looking clean between washes.
“Avoid covers made of slippery materials like vinyl or satin as they won't stay in place. Also avoid covers with zippers, buttons, or ties as these can be difficult to use and may come off easily,” Carpenter said. “It is best to opt for natural fabrics like cotton or wool. Ultimately, pet owners should choose a couch cover that is comfortable and stylish, as well as durable enough to withstand wear and tear from their beloved pets. It is important to take the time to shop around to find a cover that meets their needs and suits the decor of their home.”
Materials
The majority of couch covers and furniture protective blankets are made from polyester, or a blend incorporating other materials, like the Spandex in our top pick, the Easy Going Stretch Slipcover. Polyster is water and stain resistant, while remaining soft, durable and affordable. It also can be presented in a variety of ways, like faux fur, suede, microfiber, and fleece.
Cotton covers and blankets don’t have the same water or odor resistance, plus they tend to stain quickly. Wool is durable and natural, but it’s not typically machine washable and is prone to significant shrinking.
Cleaning
Every couch cover and furniture blanket has different cleaning instructions. Be sure to get something that is machine washable since you’ll need to launder it every few weeks to months. Pay close attention to the manufacturers recommendations for heat in the wash and dry cycle as many require delicate and cold water settings and no-heat or low-heat drying to protect the longevity of water resistance and waterproof linings, like the Gorilla Grip Original Slip-Resistant Sofa Protector.
Fit
Except for blankets, fit might be the most important factor to consider when choosing a dog couch cover. If it doesn’t fit well, it won’t stay put so it won’t fully protect your furniture from stains and odors and you’ll be disappointed by how messy your living room looks. Look for elastic edging or straps, hook and loop fasteners, non-slip backing and non-slip foam inserts that will help hold your cover in place even when your dogs wrestle.
Many include foam inserts that are shoved in the couch crevices. Since every couch is different, some will work better than others. And that might be more about your couch than the cover. Sofas with cushions that fit tightly will hold a cover better than cheaper couches or those with a casual fit.
No couch cover will be a so-called perfect fit unless it is made by the original manufacturer of the sofa or it is custom made for you, so you’ll likely have to accept some imperfections in favor of the stain, odor and moisture resistance of a couch cover specifically for dogs.
-
How often should I wash a couch cover?
How often you should wash your couch cover will vary depending on factors like how many dogs you have, how often they are on the furniture, how much they shed and how much dirt they track in. I have three dogs and each sheds a different amount. I wash my couch covers every couple of weeks because we have a dog door and a muddy yard and I like to keep them smelling fresh and relatively free of hair.
“It is recommended that pet owners wash their couch covers at least every two to three months,” says Carpenter. “This will help ensure the fabric stays clean and free from bacteria or allergens that may be present in a pet's fur. If the cover is heavily soiled, washing it more often may be necessary. For machine-washable covers, use a gentle cycle and mild detergent to help ensure the fabric remains in good condition after washing.”
-
How do I get dog hair off of a couch cover?
“Vacuuming is the most effective way to remove pet hair from a couch cover,” explains Carpenter. “A handheld vacuum with an upholstery brush attachment is ideal for getting into tight corners and crevices. Pet owners can also use lint rollers or rubber gloves with a bit of water to remove stubborn clumps of fur.” You can also try a couple of these pet hair removers recommended by the Spruce Pets.
-
How do I measure for a dog couch cover?
“Take measurements of the couch, including the length, width, and height,” recommends Carpenter. “Also measure any armrests or cushions that need to be covered. It is important to also measure the depth of the seat cushions in order to ensure a perfect fit. Use these measurements when shopping for a cover to ensure it will fit properly.”
Why Trust The Spruce Pets?
The Spruce Pets exhaustively researches and recommends a broad range of products. We also tap a network of experts and testers to help you make smarter purchases.
This piece was written by Lorraine Wilde, who rigorously researched and evaluated the cost, materials and quality of each pet couch cover, as well as customer and expert reviews and each company’s business ethics. Lorraine has had at least two cat and two dog companions for the past 35 years and she expects only the best for them and her human family, too.
Justin Carpenter is an entrepreneur, cleaning expert, investor and CEO and Founder of Modern Maids, a national house cleaning service established in 2017. Carpenter supervises hundreds of cleaners that use only the highest quality products, equipment, and techniques in four states and counting.
:strip_icc()/pet-fushion-utlimate-dog-bed-angela-sievers-04-d77c6e92b9924fd185119317221b201a.jpg)
:strip_icc()/furhaven-memory-foam-plush-suede-sofa-taysha-murtaugh-05-54fc403fbf274aba85a28cbc715d4831.jpg)
:strip_icc()/best-kayaks-for-dogs-4fcc11aacdf747e7a4df12f869290506.jpg)
:strip_icc()/sps-dog-seats-cover-test-urpower-dana-ingemann-04-611b60eecebb4be8a11e5b80dbdc8328.jpg)
:strip_icc()/SpanomicSnuffleDogMat-3c9604ab17534c4bb33dfe6fa0081995.jpg)
:strip_icc()/Best-Rugs-for-Dogs-3b37f565b84f46c797a236a3e5ef8edb.jpg)
:strip_icc()/Dog-Poop-Bag-Dispensers-db5aae636a3642a1bc7bcecce44a89ae.jpg)
:strip_icc()/SPR-Pets-6-best-dog-boots-4589879-01-c10ead3d1e5f417a9dbb95b870b65c71.jpg)
:strip_icc()/dog-jackets-little-beast-super-duper-reversible-parka-vest-puffer-maria-bouselli-05-0678a14e57fd4e139f081b0af0ee1523.jpg)
:strip_icc()/Dog-Accessories-of-2022-04ccb03b4513421d997d675aed310701.jpg)
:strip_icc()/woman-playing-with-her-dogs-936794676-1b9dd94a21c74f41b3298ac2bce47168.jpg)
:strip_icc()/SPR-Home-best-dog-stairs-5188945-v1-8299cf3620634875a3e59f01af5bf782.jpg)
:strip_icc()/Best-Cat-Window-Perches-f594fdc1ad964fd591d4f2eab1474e54.jpg)
:strip_icc()/GettyImages-1279883922-7851313c7eca4313a9b9904c5ecf0762.jpg)
:strip_icc()/SPR-Home-best-dog-sweaters-6753907-v1-0f8702b3584e414eb02fc1b7af9a648b.jpg)
:strip_icc()/best-cat-trees-4159408-da66af890782426fb82e6036af07b36b.jpg)