We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.
7 best couch covers to dog-proof your sofa
Waterproof or water-resistant, non-slip or throw-blanket style—these couch covers can help protect your sofa stylishly.
As most pet owners will (regrettably) know, the battle against pet hair is a constant one. However, it’s only a small part of the story when it comes to protecting your sofas and armchairs from your pets.
Of course, we love them dearly, but mud, claw marks, hair, and general pet odours are all side-effects of letting our best friends snuggle up on the sofa with us.
That’s where the best couch covers come in. From waterproof and machine-washable designs to ones with straps to hold the cover in place, a sofa protector can keep your expensive furniture looking its best while allowing you to still spend quality time with your furry friends.
Check out our favourite buys below but keep reading for everything you need to consider before you buy.
The best couch covers for dogs
Best Deal
How we chose the best couch covers for dogs
We spent time scouring the market and doing to detailed research to find the best sofa covers for both dogs, cats and other furry animals. We picked our top buys after reviewing the following criteria:
Waterproofing: We looked for covers with waterproof or water-resistant materials. These ensure your sofa is protected from spills, wet dogs, drooling or occasional accidents – ideal for puppies or older dogs.
Design: We prioritised covers with a non-slip backing and those with straps to hold them in place.
Cleaning and care: When they’re up against muddy pups, you want a cover that’s machine-washable or easy to care for. We excluded anything that requires hand-washing or has to be cleaned in specific ways, using special settings.
Material and colours: Of course, a sofa cover needs to be soft if you’re sitting on it every day, so we look for options with plush, quality fabrics that are still easy to care for. And you want it to look good, so colour range and a range of designs are key.
Sizes: We looked for couch covers available in a range of sizes to suit both small armchairs and larger corner sofas.
These are our top buys to shop now.
Ameritex Waterproof Dog Bed Cover
Ameritex Waterproof Dog Bed Cover
Pros
- Huge range of sizes and colours
- Prevents odours from building up
- Has an anti-slip backing
Cons
- More expensive than some
- Not as easy to wash as others
Available in a huge range of 15 sizes, Ameritex’s cover will work for most sofas and beds.
According to the brand, it’s designed with five layers of fabric to make it as durable and as pet friendly as possible. It’s finished with a sanitised, protective lining that also prevents odours from building up. It’s machine washable too but only on a cold cycle.
Key specifications
| Waterproof | Waterproof |
|---|---|
| Machine washable | Yes - cold wash |
| Slip resistant | Yes |
| Sizes | 15 |
| Colours | 14 |
XINEAGE Quilted Sofa Cover
XINEAGE Quilted Sofa Cover
Pros
- Straps to hold it in place
- Protects the entire sofa
- Pockets on the side pieces
Cons
- Only water-resistant – not waterproof
With a non-slip back and straps to hold the couch cover in place, this is the best pick for busy homes and energetic dogs.
Unlike some couch covers, it also protects the back and sides of the sofa, and the quilted material is scratch-resistant and durable. While it’s water repellent, it’s not fully waterproof, though, so we recommend grabbing a cloth to wipe up any spills as they happen.
We love the pocket that hangs over the arm of the chair too – the perfect place to keep a packet of treats in our humble opinion.
Key specifications
| Waterproof | Water-resistant |
|---|---|
| Machine washable | Yes |
| Slip resistant | Yes - non-slip bottom and straps |
| Sizes | 5 |
| Colours | 8 |
Silentnight Calming Dog Sofa Protector
Silentnight Calming Dog Sofa Protector
Pros
- Non-slip back
- Machine washable and tumble dryer friendly
- Plush polyester material
Cons
- Not waterproof – only water resistant
- Only one colour available
This super plush couch cover acts more like a cosy blanket and is thoughtfully designed to soothe your pet. The bolstered sides create a secure environment, helping them to feel even more at-home on your sofa.
The non-slip base will keep it in place when the inevitable zoomies hit and it’s simple to move between the couch, bed or car. A water-resistant design provides peace of mind against drooling mouths while you can pop it in the washing machine to get rid of muddy paw prints.
Key specifications
| Waterproof | Water-resistant |
|---|---|
| Machine washable | Yes - up to 40C |
| Slip resistant | Yes |
| Sizes | Small or medium |
| Colours | 1 |
FunFurry Double-Sided Waterproof Blanket
Pros
- Good price
- Plenty of sizes available
- Waterproof
Cons
- Not anti-slip
Affordable and waterproof, this couch cover only protects the sofa seat rather than the backs and arms, but if that's all you need, it's a great budget choice.
It comes in eight different sizes, making it a good pick for anything from single armchairs to king size beds and the two-tone reversible design allows you to switch things up every so often. Both sides have a TPU-coated layer, which creates a protective barrier between your sofa and any spills or messes.
You can also pop it in a quick 30-degree wash for a freshen up and the lightweight polyester fabric means it will dry quickly.
Key specifications
| Waterproof | Yes |
|---|---|
| Machine washable | Yes - up to 30C |
| Slip resistant | No |
| Sizes | 8 |
| Colours | 4 |
Bedsure Waterproof Dog Blanket
Pros
- Soft and cosy
- Easy to move from place to place
- Waterproof
Cons
- No non-slip backing
- Limited colours
This is more of a blanket than a couch cover but if you’re just protecting your sofa from getting covered in fur, this may be all you need. It’s soft and cosy with flannel fleece on one side and a Sherpa lining on the other.
There’s a waterproof inner lining to prevent any spills or liquids seeping through and it’s machine washable for whenever it needs a clean.
While there’s no non-slip backing or straps to hold it in place, this is still a smart pick for calmer dogs that want to curl up for a nap by your side.
Key specifications
| Waterproof | Yes |
|---|---|
| Machine washable | Yes |
| Slip resistant | No |
| Sizes | 5 |
| Colours | 2 |
Lords and Labradors Essentials Pet Sofa Topper
Pros
- Thick and padded
- Durable
- Available in three sizes
Cons
- Not waterproof or anti-slip
- Expensive
This premium pick has a padded design, which adds an extra layer of comfort to your sofa. It’s not waterproof so won’t protect against accidents and messes, but the thick, durable construction is made to shield your sofa from scratches, dirt, and pet hair.
It’s available in three sizes and is machine washable, but there’s only one colour available. That said, it’s stylish and luxurious while still being practical.
Key specifications
| Waterproof | No |
|---|---|
| Machine washable | Yes |
| Slip resistant | No |
| Sizes | 3 |
| Colours | 1 |
Crufts Armchair Cover
Crufts Armchair Cover
Pros
- Premium build
- Machine washable
- Comes with a storage bag
Cons
- Not waterproof
- Only one colour and size available
If your dog likes to claim an entire seat for themselves, this armchair cover is the one for you. The quilted design is strong and durable, making it resistant to scratches, chewing and drooling. It’s machine washable too, so can be cleaned with minimal fuss after muddy walks in the woods turn into afternoon snoozes in your favourite armchair. Just note, it’s not fully waterproof.
We also love that this comes with a storage bag so you can pack it up and take it with you for car journeys or when you’re going to other people’s homes.
Key specifications
| Waterproof | No |
|---|---|
| Machine washable | Yes |
| Slip resistant | No |
| Sizes | 1 |
| Colours | 1 |
Why trust the Good Housekeeping Institute?
While these couch covers haven’t been tested in our lab, we’ve carefully selected them based on hours of research into what makes the best sofa cover – from material to sizes and linings. We’ve also tested blankets in the lab, so know what to look for in a durable, quality design. We considered a range of factors in our research, taking into consideration a mix of needs and budgets, and including designs from brands we’ve tested previously in the lab and those that come with five-star customer reviews.
Our senior homes and lifestyle writer, Megan Geall, is a pet owner who knows how tricky it is to keep furniture looking its best. She’s a pet parent to a (very) fluffy black cat and a (rather chaotic) Cockapoo, and has first-hand experience of dealing with mud, spills, accidents, and scratches on her lovely beige sofa. She was very invested in the search for a durable, stylish and practical couch cover.
What to look for when shopping the best couch covers for dogs
There are a few things to consider when you’re buying a sofa protector and it’s worth making a note of your priorities before buying.
Waterproofing: Not everyone needs a sofa cover that's waterproof, but if you have a puppy or a dog who drools, often comes straight in soaked from the garden, or is incontinent, it’s worth putting this on your wish list. A waterproof cover is also good if you have a child (or partner) who often knocks over drinks. Some sofa covers are water-resistant, which might be enough for occasional accidents.
Non-slip: A couch cover that stays in place is important if your dog plays, digs, or often gets zoomies on or around the sofa. It’s also useful if you have leather seats, because other covers can slide around on this surface.
Machine-washable: All the covers on our list can go in the machine but always read the care instructions before washing. Some should be washed in cold water, need to be dried on a low heat or line dried.
Size: Measure your settee and make sure the couch protector is going to cover any areas your pet uses the most. Some couch covers only cover the seat, while others are larger and go over the backrest or arms.
Colours: Whether you want your couch cover to blend in and match the sofa, or you want a colourful design to sit on top, there are plenty of options to choose from among the brands on our list.
The verdict: What is the best couch cover to buy?
Our favourite couch cover is the large Ameritex Waterproof Cover which comes in a huge range of sizes and colours to suit every home. However, if you’re looking for something more secure the Xineage Quilted Sofa Cover has straps that go over the corners of the sofa to keep it in place.
The FunFurry Waterproof Couch Cover is also a great value option that is waterproof and easy to clean.
Megan is the Good Housekeeping Institute’s senior homes and lifestyle writer. She loves diving into the latest product releases to find the very best buys on the market and has written hundreds of product reviews on everything from the best vacuum cleaners and coffee machines to the best ice cream makers and robot window cleaners.
When she’s not writing about the newest gadgets and gizmos for your home and garden, you’ll find her running every distance from 5km to 100km or relaxing at home with her cat – there really is no in between.
Megan has an MA in Magazine Journalism and has previously written for Stylist, Glamour, Women's Health, TimeOut, SquareMeal, and YOU magazine. You can find Megan on Instagram @meganlouisegeall.
