Kurgo Rover Hammock Seat Cover, Black, 55" Wide

Why it's worth it

This is a hammock, not a conventional cover: it hangs between the front seatbacks and the rear bench so your dog can't climb forward and can't slide into the footwell. It's water-resistant, stain-resistant and machine washable, and it fits most vehicles with a rear bench about 55 inches wide.

A hammock solves a problem that flat seat covers don't. A dog on a slick covered bench slides on every turn and lands in the footwell on hard stops. The Rover's floor drops down between the seats, so the dog sits in a shallow basin instead of on a ledge. Six attachment points hold it in place, which is why it doesn't creep forward on a long drive.

It's also a barrier. If your dog's habit is to appear in your lap at a red light, the hammock blocks the gap between the front seats and the back. That's a safety thing as much as an annoyance thing. Anxious dogs often settle better in the enclosed space, too, since there's less room to pace.

From our review of 7 car seat covers, by Ben Carter, Tech Editor

What we like

• +A hammock solves a problem that flat seat covers don't
• +It's also a barrier. If your dog's habit is to appear in your lap at a red light, the hammock blocks the gap between the front…
• +Cleanup is the whole premise

What to know

• –A hammock isn't a seat cover
• –It also means no people in back while it's rigged, or at least nobody comfortable