You want to snuggle with your dog on the furniture, and that’s where dog couch protectors can help. The pros of pet parenting — the snuggles, cuddles, and furry family curl-ups — often come at the expense of our furniture. Most pet parents would probably agree that, sometimes, it really feels like the battle between keeping pet hair in check and keeping your couch clean is a lost cause.

But don’t despair. If keeping your dog off the couch entirely isn’t feasible (or even desirable!), dog couch protectors and covers offer a compromise that can help keep your furniture in good shape. Here, we break down the benefits of pet furniture protectors, take a look at some of the different types available on the market, and share some of the best options for pet parents. 

Our Top Picks 

All featured products are chosen at the discretion of the Vetstreet editorial team and do not reflect a direct endorsement by the author. However, Vetstreet may make a small affiliate commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Couch Protector for Dogs: 7 Favorites to Keep Your Sofa Clean

No matter what kind of furniture you have, how careful your dog is (or isn’t), or what kind of life you lead, there is probably a pet furniture protector out there that’s right for your family. And with so many options available – from colors, sizes, and materials — there is no need to settle and sacrifice your own personal style. 

We took a crack at rounding up some quality picks to help streamline your search. Here are seven of our favorite pet furniture protectors out there. Trust us…your couch (and those who sit upon it) will thank you! 

Best Couch Protector for Dogs

Our pick: FurHaven Water-Resistant Reversible Furniture Protector

Furhaven Furniture Cover for Dogs and Cats
Buy on Amazon

FurHaven’s water-resistant reversible couch protector is where comfort, value, durability, and protection all meet. This high-quality sofa cover protects against the usual hazards — including scratches, dirt, grime, and other pet messes. The water-resistant coating and pinsonic quilting (achieved through a rapid, ulta-efficient manufacturing technique) guard against moisture, helping pet parents whose furry family members experience occasional accidents. 

Highlights

  • Made of soft quilted polyester fabric
  • Choose from six sizes (ranging from chair to extra large sofa) and multiple colors (such as espresso and clay, navy and light blue, and gray and mist)
  • Thread-free pinsonic quilting and water-resistant coating protect against moisture, pet stains, and debris 
  • Fully reversible
  • An adjustable elastic band secures the back of the cover to prevent shifting, while cushion anchors secure the base on all three sides
  • Machine washable for easy care

Things to Consider 

  • Measure your furniture carefully to ensure proper fit. Protector dimensions are as follows:
    • Chair: 75 x 76 x 0.25 inches
    • Recliner: 90 x 85 x 0.25 inches
    • Loveseat: 96 x 75 x 0.25 inches
    • Sofa: 117 x 74 x 0.25 inches
    • Large sofa: 122 x 75 x 0.25 inches 
    • X-large sofa: 130 x 75 x 0.25 inches
  • Some customers pointed out that this cover is water resistant not waterproof, so accidents may seep through 

Best Budget Pet Couch Cover 

Our pick: 1/2/3 Seat Waterproof Pet Slipcover

1/2/3 Seat Waterproof Pet Slipcover
Buy at Walmart

Whether you’re looking to protect a chair, loveseat, or sofa, this budget-friendly pet couch cover is an affordable yet extremely functional option. Available in a variety of colors, it’s removable, washable, waterproof, and scratch resistant — all key qualities to look for in a dog proof couch cover. From potty accidents to muddy paws, this dog sofa protector has you (and your furniture) covered. 

Highlights

  • Made of thick and durable yet soft microfiber fabric
  • Covers the seat, chair arms, and chair backs
  • Machine washable and easy to clean
  • Available in three sizes and multiple colors
  • Offers protection against messy or destructive pets and children

Things to Consider

  • Consider the size (single seat, double seat, three seater) and check the company’s measuring guide before purchasing

Best Pet Protector for Leather Furniture

Our pick: Gorilla Grip Original Soft Suede-Like Sofa Protector

Gorilla Grip Original Soft Suede-Like Sofa Protector
Buy on Amazon

For pet parents looking to protect their leather furniture, this cover from Gorilla Grip fits the bill. While not waterproof, the cover repels liquid, making for easy clean-up from messes. And the brand’s trademark rubber backing and sturdy straps ensure the cover will remain in place. One of the best parts? The material also prevents pet hair from clinging to the couch. 

Highlights

  • Slip-resistant backing ensures the cover won’t shift, even when pets jump up or down from the couch
  • Features a secure strap that wraps around the back of the furniture and another strap for under the seat cushions.
  • Extra plush velvet material and padded middle layer make this cover worth snuggling up on 
  • Repels liquids and messes
  • Available in multiple colors, making easy to match your existing home décor preferences
  • Cover is machine washable but should be air dried flat 

Things to Consider

  • Measure your furniture before making a purchase. This cover is for loveseats and sofas specifically, so only available in three seat widths: 54, 70, or 78 inches. 
  • Some pet parents have said the rubber backing makes the cover difficult to clean

Best Sectional Couch Protector for Dogs

Our pick: Granbest Sofa Covers for L-Shaped Sofas

Granbest Sofa Covers for L-Shaped Sofas
Buy on Amazon

L-shaped couches are a little more difficult to find the right covers for, but Granbest’s offering certainly comes through for these couch owners. Made from soft microfiber polyester, this pet couch cover protects against hair and other damage. And with five separate covers for each part of the couch, plus non-slip foam rollers to keep those covers in place, you can ensure a perfect, secure fit.

Highlights

  • Includes 5 pieces — 1 backrest cover, 2 seat covers, and 2 armrest covers — and works for both left and right L-shaped sofas
  • Non-slip foam rollers can be inserted between armrest and seat or backrest and seat for secure fit
  • Breathable, soft microfiber material is comfy to sit on, while the diamond quilted design adds visual appeal
  • Protects from hair and other damage
  • Available in multiple sizes, including small, large, and extra-large
  • Machine washable on gentle cycle for easy care (line dry)

Things to Consider

  • Cover is not waterproof 
  • Softer material protects against hair, but may not be as padded/sturdy to protect against heavy bodies or scratchers
  • Some color options are currently unavailable 
  • Pay attention to which size you are ordering—the products are listed on Amazon individually, not easily grouped together for you to select size and color options. There is a measuring guide in the individual product listings

Best Waterproof Pet Blanket

Our pick: Pawsse Waterproof Blanket 

Pawsse Waterproof Blanket
Buy on Amazon
Buy on Walmart

For accident prone pets, this waterproof pet blanket from Pawsse is an excellent option. With its soft fleece face and plush sherpa lining, this blanket is sure to keep your pup cozy and your couch clean. Available in multiple colors and sizes, it promises to protect from water, urine, hair, and other potential damages. Plus you can move it from the couch to the bed with ease!

Highlights

  • Large enough to cover a good portion of the couch
  • Waterproof and urine proof, helping prevent real damage
  • Made from soft, durable microfleece
  • Machine washable on gentle cycle

Things to Consider

  • There is a waterproof membrane under the fleece fabric, but the surface of the blanket itself is not waterproof
  • Available in multiple sizes: 50 x 30 inches, 60 x 50 inches, 80 by 60 inches, and 90 by 80 inches
  • Will not cover your whole couch
  • This is a blanket, so it will shift if the pet jumps around, rolls, etc. 

Best Recliner Pet Protector Cover

Our pick: Gorilla Grip Original Slip Resistant Recliner Protector

Gorilla Grip Original Slip Resistant Recliner Protector
Buy on Amazon

This recliner pet protector cover from Gorilla Grip makes our list for all the same reasons as the brand’s popular sofa cover. Made of super soft suede on top with slip resistant backing, this protector is ideal for homes with pets and kids and covers seat widths up to 26 inches. It also features an adjustable strap that wraps around the back of your recliner to avoid shifting. Pet hair, drool, and dirty paws don’t stand a chance against this pet furniture cover.

Highlights 

  • Slip-resistant backing and adjustable back strap ensure the cover won’t shift, even when pets jump on and off the furniture
  • Soft suede material is sure to keep pets and people cozy
  • Liquid repellent 
  • Available in multiple colors, making easy to match your home décor preferences

Things to Consider

  • This cover is for seats 26 inches specifically
  • Machine washable but air dry only
  • Some pet parents have said the rubber backing makes the cover difficult to clean

Best Plastic Couch Cover for Pets

Our pick: Besti Plastic Couch Cover for Pets

dog couch protectors
Buy on Amazon

OK, so this isn’t the most attractive option. Some may even find it tacky. But for some pet parents with especially impactful pets, a plastic couch cover may be the answer. And if that’s the case, Besti has you covered. Their tear-proof plastic couch cover fits seamlessly over your sofa and is durable enough to protect from scratching, clawing, dirt, water, urine, and pretty much most potential furniture hazards. 

Highlights

  • Offers strong and durable protection against sharp pet nails
  • Easy to wipe up pet messes with a damp cloth
  • Transparent design means you can still see and appreciate your couch

Things to Consider

  • Plastic material may have pet parents feeling like they are sacrificing personal furniture style for their pet’s lifestyle needs
  • Measures 96 x 42 x 40 inches

Why Do You Need a Couch Protector For Dogs?

Dog layng on nice couch in pretty home

Furniture is an expensive investment, and high-energy pets can wear down that investment quickly. Pet furniture protectors cover your couch and safeguard against damages ranging from the obvious — like pet hair and scratches — to the occasional unexpected accident. For anyone looking to ensure their furniture lasts for years, pet couch covers and protectors are always a good idea. 

Types of Furniture Protectors for Dogs

There’s no shortage of couch protectors for dogs on the market. Some types you might encounter include: 

  • Couch corner protectors for dogs: Vertical stanchions that fit against your couch’s corners/ends, to protect against bumps and scratches from pets on the ground. You may also see these marketed as cat scratch protectors.
  • Full pet couch covers and sofa protectors: Easy-to-place slipcovers that surround the entirety of your couch and couch cushions to guard against hair, scratches, dirt, and other damages. Full couch covers are available in a variety of materials, including some that are water-resistant, waterproof, or slip-resistant, like microfibers and plastics. These couch covers are often also available in sizes fit for chairs, recliners, and loveseats.
  • Waterproof pet blankets or throws: Blankets or throws that are waterproof and usually slip resistant, which provide protection against unexpected pet accidents. Usually, they don’t cover the whole couch, just a specific area. 

Couch Protector for Dogs Buying Guide

Dog laying on a couch with owner

When it comes to choosing the right pet furniture protector, there is no right or wrong way to go about it. It really all comes down to personal preference and you and your pet’s lifestyle. That being said, here are few factors to take into consideration:

  • Secure fit. If your furniture protector winds up slipping and sliding, it’s not going to do a very good job protecting your couch. Look for covers with straps, anchors, or non-slip backings that limit movement. 
  • Frequency of pet accidents. If your pet is prone to accidents, you may want to consider a waterproof couch cover to protect against occasional wetting. 
  • Your pet’s energy level. Do you have a toy dog that’s relatively low energy, and who just needs a place to curl up next to you? Then a blanket or throw may be enough to get the job done. 
  • Size and dimensions. Beyond fitting your pet’s lifestyle, pet parents should also be mindful of product sizes and dimensions. Make sure to measure your furniture before choosing the best option.

Ease of cleaning. Carefully read the care instructions. Some furniture protectors are machine washable while others may be spot clean only.