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The Spruce Pets / Kristin Kempa
Your dog is part of the family, so of course you’re going to let them sprawl on the couch with you. But because pets can leave behind tumbleweeds of fur and muddy pawprints, a great couch cover can help protect your furniture.
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,” Schwarz tells Spruce Pets. “It had to be very durable fabric with waterproof backing and it had to be easily washable.”
All the dogs are allowed on the furniture where they nap, jump, and play, so she chose covers that don’t slide around and can stand up to all that activity. Bonus points for a neutral color that matched her decor.
Our favorite couch cover for dogs is the Molly Mutt Couch Cover. It comes in dozens of fun patterns and two different sizes. It’s machine washable and has a non-skid backing to keep it from sliding around.
Best Overall
Molly Mutt Couch Covers
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Dozen patterns
Machine washable
Non-skid backing
Two sizes
No chemicals
More expensive than some
So many couch covers come in solid colors so you can match your furniture or your decor. But if you want something a little more interesting, the patterns are so fun and different with the Molly Mutt Couch Covers. Choose from a dozen designs and colors including checks, squiggles, hieroglyphics, and even cartoon pups. They are mostly neutral tones, but some bright colors.
Everything comes in two sizes so you can choose based on the length of your couch. The covers are made from cotton canvas with a non-skid backing. They are made with no chemicals and are easily machine washable. Just be sure to hang or lay flat to dry. Adjustable straps are sold separately to help keep the cover from sliding.
Molly Mutt has a large line of dog products including beds, bed covers, blankets, crate covers, and car seat covers. They all come in fun designs and natural fabrics.
Material: Cotton canvas | Sizes: 55 x 78 inches, 70 x 78 inches | Colors: 12 patterns
Best Budget
Easy-Going Stretch Loveseat Slipcover
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35 colors
Machine washable
Stretchy fabric
Matchings covers for chairs and loveseats
Not waterproof
The Easy-Going Stretch Slipcover is easy to fit, stretchy and soft, and comes in nearly three dozen colors to match your couch or add a pop of color to your room. Made from polyester and elastane stretchy fabric, the covers are machine washable and durable.
In addition to covers made specifically for sofas and oversized sofas, there are matching covers for loveseats and chairs, all available in the same rainbow array of choices. We like the elastic edges that help keep the cover in place and there are helpful tags so you know that you’re putting it on the right way. The covers are very affordable, so it’s easy to have a spare on wash day or you can change things up for a festive event.
Material: Polyester and elastane | Sizes: 35 x 79 inches, 35 x 90 inches | Colors: 35
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Three dozen colors
Machine washable
Reversible
Not waterproof
We like the incredibly popular Easy-Going Sofa Slipcover because it’s quilted, reversible, and comes in loads of colors. The sofa cover is 66 inches long and the oversized sofa is 78 inches, but there are also matching covers for chairs, loveseats, recliners, and futons. The covers are made of thick microfiber and have elastic straps to keep them in place.
There are at least three dozen colors in all sorts of reversible color combinations including blue and ivory, black and beige, and green and red. The covers are machine washable and the fabric is water-resistant (not waterproof) so be sure to clean up spills quickly.
Material: microfiber | Sizes: 66 inches, 78 inches | Colors: 35-plus
Best for Sectionals
Sofa Shield Sectional Slipcover
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Fits hard-to-cover corner area
Has elastic strap with clips
12 colors
Machine wash and dry
Not for leather furniture
When you have a sectional couch, it can be hard to cover the corner area where the two sides meet. And, of course, that’s often a dog’s favorite place to hang out. The Sofa Shield Sectional Slipcover is made specifically for that corner spot. It’s 30 x 30 inches, which should successfully fit most standard-sized sectionals, but be sure to measure your area.
The slipcover is made of reversible quilted microfiber and it comes in a dozen color options. There are matching covers for couches, loveseats, and chairs so you can outfit the whole room, or at least the entire sectional. It has an elastic strap with clips to keep the cover from sliding around. When it’s ready to clean, toss it in the washer and dryer.
Material: Microfiber | Sizes: 30 x 30 inches | Colors: 12
Best Dog bed Furniture Protector
Orvis Grip-Tight Furniture Protector
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Non-slip backing
Water resistant
Has non-skid back and weights to keep it from shifting
Only three colors
The Orvis Grip-Tight Furniture Protector helps keep moisture, dog hair, and dirt off your couch. One large flap covers the seat of the sofa with another flap covering the back and tucking between the cushions. There’s a non-slip bottom and weights in both the arms and back flaps to keep the cover from moving.
The protector is machine washable; just be sure to remove the weights before cleaning. The protector comes in two sofa sizes and a smaller version for a loveseat. There are three muted colors in shades of tan and gray and the fabric is water-resistant to help protect against accidents.
Material: Polyester | Sizes: 70 x 26 inches, 86 x 26 inches | Colors: Brown tweed, shale, wheat
Best Blanket
FurHaven Waterproof Bed and Furniture Protector
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Three colors
Four sizes
Waterproof
Machine washable
Should be air dried
The FurHaven Waterproof Blanket Protector is a quilted, waterproof cover, designed to protect your couch from dog hair, moisture, and other dog-related gunk. It comes in four sizes and three muted colors. The sizing is designed to fit beds from twin to king but can easily be adapted to fit on a couch.
We like that the protector has three layers: a quilted, stain-resistant top, a waterproof middle membrane, and a bottom layer with non-skid pawprint backing to keep it from sliding around when it’s being used. The top layer is soft and the bottom layer is durable and the whole thing is machine washable.
Material: Polyester, synthetic fabric | Sizes: 52 x 82 inches, 68 x 82 inches, 86 x 82 inches, 96 x 82 inches | Colors: Brownstone, gray, nile blue
Best Throw
Best Friends by Sheri Throw Shag Blanket
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Very soft
Can clean in washer and dryer
Two sizes and several colors
Water-resistant bottom
Sheds when new
Not waterproof
If your dog is a fan of the calming donut dog bed, they’ll really like the Best Friends by Sheri Throw Shag Blanket. It’s made of soft shaggy material that is supposed to remind them of their mom’s fur. It’s not waterproof but has a water-resistant bottom to help protect the surface of your furniture. When it gets icky, you can easily throw it in the washer and dryer and it fluffs up like new.
The blanket comes in two sizes and several colors. We like that it comes in both dark and light shades so it can match your decor or your pet’s coat. It will likely move around a little, but that’s because dogs really seem to like digging around in it to make a soft bed. It sheds a little when it’s brand new, but that doesn’t last long.
Material: Faux fur, synthetic fabric | Sizes: 40 x 30 inches, 50 x 40 inches | Colors: Dark brown, brown, taupe, frost, cotton candy pink, gray, oyster
Best Custom
Comfort Works Custom Sofa Covers
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Custom-fit
Easily removable
3-year warranty
Can search by furniture brand
Takes several weeks
More expensive than most
Most couch covers need a little bit of tucking and tugging in order to get them to fit mostly right. However, Custom Works Custom Sofa Covers are made exactly for your furniture. You can sort by manufacturer – like Ikea or Pottery Barn – or give your exact dimensions and have covers made to fit.
The custom-fit covers are easily removable and come in several fabrics like linen, cotton and “claw-proof” velvet. There are somewhere around 80 colors to choose from. Prices are higher than off-the-rack covers and take several weeks to arrive. Buyers like the finished products because they look like you have a brand new sofa.
Material: Velvet, linen, cotton, other fabrics | Sizes: Custom | Colors: 80-plus
Best Premium
L.L. Bean Furniture Protector
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Two sizes
Waterproof
Quilted
Machine-washable
Only one color
This heavyweight tan quilted L.L. Bean Furniture Protector comes in two sizes. It’s easy to put on and remove. Just drape the cover over the back and seats, while laying the sides across the arms, where it seems so many dogs like to rest their heads. The cover is waterproof in case of canine or human spills and it’s easy to machine wash and tumble on low. The cover has a non-slip backing to keep it from sliding, but serious couch antics will require the occasional readjustment.
The cover only comes in one color, khaki, and is available in two sizes. Some users wish it came in other shades and larger sizes.
Material: Cotton, polyester | Sizes: 55 x 32 x 36; 70 x 32 x 36 inches | Colors: Khaki
Best for Chairs
Ameritex Waterproof Nonslip Recliner Cover
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Nine colors
Two sizes
Waterproof
Five layers
Obvious strap to keep it secure
You’re not the only one who wants to enjoy the recliner. But when your pets share the space in your favorite chair, the Ameritex Waterproof Nonslip Recliner Cover can help protect it. The cover is made of five layers: the top and bottom are water-resistant microfiber and sandwiched in between are cotton fiber filling, waterproof material, and an additional fabric.
There are two sizes – one that fits a seat 23-inches wide and another for seats that are 30 inches. The back has a silicone paw print-pattern backing to help keep the cover from slipping and sliding. It comes in nine colors including neutrals like beige and gray, as well as some deeper, more vibrant shades like chocolate, burgundy, and blue. There are matching covers if you also want to outfit a couch or loveseat.
Material: Polyester | Sizes: 23 inches, 30 inches | Colors: Beige, blue, burgundy, chocolate, dark gray, green, light gray, pink, sand
Final Verdict
Our favorite couch cover for dogs is the Molly Mutt Couch Cover. It comes in dozens of fun patterns and two sizes and is machine washable with a non-skid backing. A great budget-friendly option is the Easy-Going Stretch Slipcover which is a stay-tight stretchy fabric that comes in about three dozen colors.
Picking the Right Couch Cover
Even if you have a great dog-friendly couch, a couch cover does add 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.
“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,” Justin Carpenter, a cleaning expert, CEO, and Founder of Modern Maids told The Spruce Pets. “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 one of our top picks, the Easy Going Stretch Slipcover.
- Polyester 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.
Fit
Except for dog 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.
Some Couches are Dog-Ready
If you don’t want to cover your furniture, consider couches for dogs that have pet-friendly materials and designs. Some things to look for:
- Easy-to-clean, stain-resistant fabrics
- Durable legs and other materials
- Reinforced frames
- Removable, washable covers
- Textured to camouflage pet hair between vacuums
Retailer-Specific Covers
Some covers can be custom made to fit your furniture, but there are also covers that are made by retailers to perfectly cover your couch. Some examples:
- Ikea – Sofa covers come in all sorts of colors and fabrics for popular Ikea couches and chairs.
- Pottery Barn – These replacement slipcovers can turn a well-worn sofa into something that looks brand new.
- Crate & Barrel – Freshen up your dog’s favorite couch with these made-to-fit slipcovers.
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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.”
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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 a couple of these pet hair removers recommended by the Spruce Pets.
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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. 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 thoroughly researches a broad range of pet products. We also rely on a network of experts and testers to help you make smarter purchases.
This roundup was written by Mary Jo DiLonardo who has been writing about pets and animals for several decades. She has a rescue dog and has fostered more than 70 dogs and puppies. That’s a lot of dog hair and muddy paws! She is always trying different products and tips to keep the puppy messes under control.
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