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Admit it: when you’re curled up on the couch watching TV, you can’t resist inviting your furry friend to snuggle alongside you. However, muddy pawprints and torn upholstery can turn your once-luxurious couch into an extension of your dog’s bed. The solution? A quality dog couch cover.
With an average of 13 dogs in her home at any given time, Jen Schwarz, a director at Speak Rescue and Sanctuary, says a good couch cover is critical. “We had very distinct criteria when choosing covers — it had to be very durable fabric with waterproof backing, and it had to be easily washable.”
Our 11 pet parents (and their dogs) tested 11 couch covers, assessing their fit, comfort, and ease of cleaning, among other key factors. Discover our favorite couch-saving picks below.
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What We Like
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Easy to set up
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Fits well with no exposed areas
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Thick, durable fabric with a quilted texture that resists fraying or pilling
The Easy-Going Reversible Oversized Couch Cover blends with an array of couches. There are more than 30 patterns and colors to choose from, intended to suit a variety of tastes and living spaces, earning this couch cover our Best Overall. The cover’s quilted, microfiber texture not only shields your couch from pawprints and fur, but it also features anti-slip foam to keep it secure.
Our testers found that installation was as easy as making a bed, and the durable fabric did not show extensive wear and tear over time. While not waterproof (it’s water-resistant), the cover is machine-washable. It’s also safe to put in the dryer on tumble dry with low heat, meaning you don’t have to worry about your couch being exposed while it air-dries.
Although it requires periodic readjustment, this couch cover mostly stays in place with the help of elastic straps that hug the couch’s backrest and flaps that drape over the couch’s arms. You also have the option of using the two foam tubes to further anchor the cover in place.
Material: Microfiber | Sizes: 11 sizes | Colors: 36 colors and patterns
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The Soft Shield Patented Sectional Slip Cover may not be the soft or smooth texture of its costlier competitors, but for the budget-minded consumer, it gets the job done. We loved its adjustable straps that ensure the cover remains firmly in place, all while minimizing the hassle of readjustments. The straps themselves are a patented design unique to Sofa Shield, comprising two-inch straps tipped with zinc alloy hooks to get that “just right” fit.
Our tester loved how easy it was to keep this cover clean. While its quilted texture isn’t the most plush, it did enhance the usability of the couch, and in the rare event it got dirty, it was easily washed on a regular cycle.
There are 18 designs available, from solid steel gray to images of cartoonish dogs. The cover itself is also reversible, featuring a different color or pattern on each side (or not, depending on your preference).
Material: Polyester and microfiber | Sizes: 11 sizes | Colors: 18 designs, including solid colors and patterns
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What We Like
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Excellent waterproofing and durability
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Protection against wet paws, dirt, and potential damage from digging
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Soft, quilted material that blends with furniture and catches pet hair
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Comfortable
What We Don’t Like
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Setup instructions were initially unclear, causing shifting
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Limited coverage (only protects seat cushions)
If you have a dog who makes a beeline for the couch after frolicking in the rain, you want a heavy-duty cover as your last line of defense. The Orvis Grip-Tight Quilted Furniture Protector with Zip-Off Bolster not only kept our couches safe from muddy paws during testing, but its polyester/microfiber material trapped pet hair, preventing it from spreading to other pieces of furniture. We found that the brown tint of the cover also made the hair itself less visible.
Comfortable yet durable, the cover is made with a water-resistant shield that protects your couch from accidents, spills, and other messes. It also comes with a detachable cylindrical pillow running the length of the fabric, serving as both a plush pillow and a method of keeping the cover in place. Don’t worry about having to spot-clean stains by hand; the cover is machine-washable.
To ensure a proper fit, note that the couch protector’s underside features a flappy, waterproof attachment that tucks under the back cushion. A lack of setup instructions initially made the flap’s purpose unclear, affecting the protector’s placement.
Material: Polyester and microfiber | Sizes: 2 sizes | Colors: Brown tweed or shale
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What We Like
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Soft, luxurious fabric for both pets and humans
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Stretchy material ensures a snug fit
What We Don’t Like
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Small holes formed after heavy use by pets
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Back coverage could be improved, especially for couches not placed against walls
The H.Versailtex Modern Velvet Plush Sofa Slipcover totes itself as being “the closest to custom you can get,” and it’s designed to bring your ordinary armchair, loveseat, or three-seat couch to new heights (and keep it safe from muddy paws, of course). Its rich, buttery texture set this product apart during testing, all while remaining snugly in place thanks to its elastic straps and stretchy material.
There are 16 colors to suit a variety of interior designs, from classic ivory to eclectic seagrass. After two weeks of testing, we found that the cover formed small holes but did not have pilling after being washed.
Material: Velvet | Sizes: 6 sizes | Colors: 12 solid colors
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What We Like
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More like a blanket, making setup and removal easy
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Versatile for different uses
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Luxurious, chenille-like material is soft and chic
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Protects against dirt and light messes
You don’t have to sacrifice comfort and design in the name of protecting your couch from your little dog’s big messes. Enter the Slashop Reversible Comfort Couch Cover. Because this cover is more akin to a blanket than a fitted sheet, we found that setup and removal took seconds, and its rectangular shape lends itself to being folded and serving multiple uses, such as a throw for your bed.
Made of 100% polyester and woven into a velvety chenille, we were comfortable snuggling with our lapdogs and enjoying peace of mind that, in the event of a mishap, the cover was machine-washable.
Small dog lovers have their pick of eight neutral colors paired with elegant black swirls. Sizes are available to suit armchairs, loveseats, and large sectionals. Because it’s not a fitted cover, you don’t have to stress about precise measurements.
Material: Polyester and microfiber | Sizes: 12 sized | Colors: 8
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What We Like
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Snug, wrinkle-free fit that enhances the couch’s aesthetic
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Soft, cozy fabric improves comfort for both pets and humans
What We Don’t Like
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Doesn’t cover armrests, limiting protection in high-use areas
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Pricey, especially for larger sectionals requiring multiple pieces
Imagine every removable part of your couch covered in its own protective sheath. That’s exactly what the Nolan Interiors Magic Sofa Cover offers. You have complete control over which elements of your couch are protected because, rather than relying on the coverage of a single piece of fabric, you can order multiple coverings tailored to your couch’s precise measurements. You could even mix and match colors; there are 11 options.
The high-stretch jacquard fabric features fitted elastic edges that ensure a snug, wrinkle-free fit that seamlessly blends into your home’s existing decor. We liked that it’s comfortable, and the cushy material enhanced the sofas’ functionality. Even better? The coverings are machine-washable and can be tumble-dried on a low heat setting.
Because you individually order each cover for each cushion, it suits a wide array of furnishings, from futons to sectionals and everything in between. While it could prove costly to order multiple individual coverings, it could be well worth the investment for owners of large couches (and large dogs!).
Material: 95% polyester, 5% spandex | Sizes: 3 sizes | Colors: 11 colors
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What We Don’t Like
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Time-intensive ordering and customization process requiring multiple communications and measurements
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Fabric shows minor wear from scratching, not ideal for households with digging or scratching pets
Comfort Works Custom Sofa Cover offers such a precise fit, it feels like it came with the couch itself. These are handmade protectors designed for a variety of furnishings, including couches that are no longer manufactured. You could even customize a cover for a sofa you handcrafted yourself! There’s a virtually endless list of fabrics, including (but certainly not limited to) microfiber, cotton, velvet, and canvas.
It was easy to keep the covers clean using lint rollers and standard vacuum-cleaning attachments. Most of the covers Comfort Works produces are machine-washable.
The four-step process for ordering a customized cover (along with the time involved in getting specific measurements) proved time-consuming and required multiple communications with staff to nail down the perfect size. Yet, it’s well worth the investment if you own an expensive piece of furniture, such as a leather couch.
Material: Velvet, cotton, chenille, boucle, basketweave, microfiber, canvas, tweed | Sizes: Customizable | Colors: Customizable
The Competition
There are thousands of different couch covers for dogs in various colors, fabrics, and textures. Here are some other considerations in your search for a quality furniture protector:
- Ameritex Waterproof Nonslip Recliner Cover: This cover’s elastic loops and arm covers make installation a breeze, and it does an excellent job of protecting the furniture from debris. Yet, we found ourselves making frequent adjustments to the seat cover when dogs jumped on and off the couch.
- Great Bay Home Reversible Sofa Cover: If you have a dog who loves to play dirty, you’ll love this machine-washable microfiber cover. We found that the material prioritizes function over comfort, and it requires occasional readjustment.
- Molly Mutt Couch Cover: This product took home our “Best Overall” title when we last reviewed couch covers for dogs last year. While our initial report praised the covers’ dazzling array of patterns, colors, and designs, this time around, our team found that the fabric proved stiff, and the product itself did not remain firmly in place, exposing the couch to debris.
- HANDONTIME Sofa Covers: Resembling a giant throw blanket, you’ll forget that you even have a cover on your couch with this product. However, without elastic or straps, there’s nothing to keep this cover secure, and we weren’t impressed by the snags and visible damage after just a few uses.
How We Tested
We based our roundup on the findings of 11 testers, each of whom share a home with at least one dog and couch. Our sample size included a diverse array of breeds to capture well-rounded data. Additionally, we tested products that aligned with our lifestyle and pets’ profile. For example, in our quest to find a suitable heavy-duty couch cover, we partnered with our staff member who owns a high-energy, 55-pound dog.
The study lasted more than 1,000 hours, spanning multiple weeks, lending testers valuable insight into products’ long-term use, durability, and maintenance. When assessing couch covers, testers considered five factors: fit, comfort, quality, ease of cleaning, and value. Then, they rated these factors on a scale of one to five (with five being the best)
Picking the Right Couch Cover
Even if you have a great dog-friendly couch, a couch cover adds an extra layer of protection, so 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.
Materials
“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,” says Justin Carpenter, a cleaning expert, CEO, and founder of Modern Maids. “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.”
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 manufacturer’s 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.
Fit
Unless you’re using a dog blanket to protect your sofa, 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. 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.
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.
FAQ
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How often should I wash a couch cover?
How often you should wash your couch cover will vary depending on many 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.
“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.”
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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 using a pet hair remover.
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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, as well as 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 aims to help animal lovers make informed consumer decisions by gathering feedback from our diverse team of writers, editors, and reputable third-party consultants. To ensure objective reviews, our testers are not affiliated with or give preference to any particular product or service. It has always been our mission to prioritize pets over profits.
This roundup was initially written by Mary Jo DiLonardo, a writer and editor who has fostered more than 70 dogs and puppies. Needless to say, she understands the importance of having durable couch covers! For this article, DiLonardo interviewed Jen Schwarz, a director at Speak Rescue and Sanctuary, and Justin Carpenter, the CEO and Founder of Modern Maids.
Colt Dodd, a senior editor and reporter for the American Kennel Club, updated this piece to reflect our testers’ insights and experiences. He, too, understands the importance of a snug couch cover; ever since adopting a white Collie mix, he can no longer wear black jeans.
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