Half Size Dog Car Seat Cover Buyer’s Guide
If you are looking for a half size dog car seat cover you have come to the right place! In this article we go through everything you need to know about half dog car hammocks with recommendations of the best ones out there right now at the end of the article!
Continue reading for our buyer’s guide…
Table of Contents
What Are Half Size Seat Covers?
The typical back seat dog hammock is a large piece of fabric suspended with straps over front and back headrests, providing a protected area for your dog to sit in the car. However for many people, a full sized dog hammock isn’t an option because of extra family members needing the back seat or maybe just a few extra items for the car load.
Half back seat dog hammocks are designed to take up only half the space of a full sized one. They have a side fabric barrier separating the hammock from the backseat it is not occupying.
Are They Safe?
The main purpose of a half back seat dog hammock is to prevent a dog from wandering around the back seat or distracting the driver while the car is in motion, a potentially lethal situation. The half size hammocks are considered safer than full sized carriers because they keep your dog much more contained than a full sized one that covers the whole backseat. Despite this, in the instance of a car crash, a dog can still be flung forward out of the hammock and be injured. In comparison to a dog seat belt and harness, a dog hammock is not as safe and rather a method to keep your car’s upholstery clean from dirt, mud and shedded dog hair. You can pair a dog seat belt and harness with a dog hammock to create maximum safety. Find out more about dog road rules here.
Our Top Picks: Must Have Dog Products!
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Covers and protects seat upholstery from dirt, mud, dust and shedding fur | Does not restrain dog and will not prevent a dog from being thrown forward and/or coming out of the hammock in the instance of a car crash unless paired with a dog seat belt and harness |
| Keeps a dog contained to one area of your car, stops dog wandering around car and distracting a driver | The hammock will end up smelly, dirty and covered in dog hair as with most dog products |
| Gives you a peace of mind while driving | Takes up one whole seat in the car |
| Prevents dog from falling off back seat into footwell | Some large dog breeds don’t fit into a half size car hammock |
| Creates a padded, comfortable special spot for your dog to sit or lie down in the car | Your dog won’t have as much space as a full sized seat cover |
| Half size leaves room for family members or friends (one or two more passengers) compared to a full size which takes up the whole backseat |
Do Dogs Like Seat Hammocks?
As with all dog products, how much your dog likes it depends on his/her preference. Some dogs love car seat hammocks, others hate them. Some dogs like them because they like being in confined spaces which give them a sense of security. A quilted padded seat is also comfortable. On the other hand, larger dogs might find the half size hammock uncomfortable because it is small. When buying a dog car hammock it is vital to check specifications, especially measurements to give you dog the best chance of feeling comfortable and ultimately liking the product.
How Do They Work?
Half size dog car hammocks work similarly to full size ones. They are suspended with adjustable straps from the front and rear headrests. A large piece of fabric hangs from the straps like a hammock covering the back seat and car footwell. They prevent dogs moving around the car because they are in a confined area. If you suddenly put on the brakes in your car, it will prevent your dog from falling into the footwell.
How To Choose A Dog Seat Cover
To choose an appropriate dog car hammock you need to take many things into consideration and ask yourself a variety of questions.
Such questions are:
- How big is my back seat?
- What colours would compliment my car’s upholstery the best?
- How big is my dog?
- What is the weight of my dog?
- How old is my dog?
- Is this product machine washable?
- What activities I usually do with my dog when we go travelling by car? E.g. hiking, boating, walking etc.
- What type of model would best suit my needs? Do I need a heavy-duty hammock, a waterproof model or a luxury quilted fleece one?
- How much am I willing to spend on a dog car hammock? Is the product within my price range?
- Does the product have seatbelt openings?
- Is it waterproof or water repellant?
- What method of suspension does this product use? Will it work in my car?
- Does it feature an anti-slip bottom?
- Does it provide UV protection?
- What is the fabric content? E.g. 100% polyester etc.
- Are the straps adjustable?
My Top 3 Half Seat Cover Recommendations
1. Kurgo Heather Half Dog Hammock Style Seat Cover
Rating
4 ½ stars on Amazon, 500+ reviews
Price
Check Amazon For Current Price
Review
The Kurgo Heather Half Dog Hammock Style Seat Cover is the best half sized dog seat protector on the market. It reduces distracted driving and keeps your dog on the backseat while another person can sit next to your dog. The design can be used on either the driver or passenger side of the car. The stand out features of this product are the zippered seat belt slots, the two storage pockets which can hold all of your dogs things, the choice of fabric and the four adjustable headrest straps.
Specifications
| Dimensions | 48 cm x 70 cm x 53 cm |
| Colours | Charcoal with blue trim |
| Fabric | Tough fabric |
| Machine Washable | Yes |
| Adjustable Straps | Four headrest straps |
| Waterproof | Yes |
| Other | Two storage pockets Zippered seat belt slots |
2. JSFQ Dog Car Seat Cover Back Half
Rating
No Customer Reviews Yet On Amazon
Price
Check Amazon For The Current Price
Review
The JSFQ Dog Car Seat Cover Back Half is a waterproof, non-slip haf-sized back seat protector for dogs. It is mainly black with white paw print patterns all over the inside. The hammock prevents your dog accessing the front section of your car which could result in an accident. Stand out features of this design are the non-slip internal surface which will prevent your dog from falling when you apply the brakes in your car, the adjustable straps with buckles and the double layer fabric which will prevent your dog’s claws from making holes.
Specifications
| Dimensions | 53cm x 60cm x 35cm |
| Colours | Black & White |
| Fabric | Double Layer Oxford Cloth |
| Machine Washable | Yes |
| Adjustable Straps | Yes, straps with buckles |
| Waterproof | Yes |
| Other | Non-slip surfaceZippered side that acts as a door |
3. pet Hammock Dog Car Seat Cover
Rating
No customer reviews on Amazon yet
Price
Check Amazon for Current Price
Review
The pet Hammock Dog Seat Cover is the budget option for half sized dog hammocks. The seat cover contains your dog in half of the back seat and prevents your dog accessing the front section of your car which could result in an accident.The fabric used is not as good quality as the options above (it looks quite thin) however there are plenty of other amazing features. It comes in a range of colours and patterns including lime green, lavender, black, blue, coffee, navy, orange, pink, red, etc. It’s stand out feature is how it rolls up with a velcro strap for easy storage inside your car.
Specifications
| Dimensions | 55cm x 50cm x 35cm |
| Colours | Various, refer above |
| Fabric | Oxford |
| Machine Washable | Yes |
| Adjustable Straps | Yes |
| Waterproof | Yes |
| Other | Rolls up for easy storage in car |
Further Reading
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