The Mesh Window Car Seat Hammock is a waterproof dog car seat hammock that covers your rear seat, protecting it from mud, hair and scratches while mesh windows let your dog see out and enjoy better airflow. Measuring 137 x 147cm, it is designed for medium and large dogs and suits any UK owner who regularly drives their dog to walks, the vet, the groomer or further afield.
If you have ever come home from a soggy countryside walk to find the back seat plastered in mud, you will know why so many owners reach for a hammock-style cover. Below we walk through what this one offers, who it suits, how to fit it well and how to keep it clean, so you can decide whether it is the right dog car seat hammock for your car and your dog.
Key features of this dog car seat hammock
A hammock-style cover is different from a simple seat throw. Rather than just lying across the seat cushion, it clips to the headrests of both the front and rear seats, creating a sling that covers the seat base, the backrest and the footwell gap. That shape is what keeps paws, fur and wet coats contained in one area.
Waterproof 600D Oxford cloth
The hammock is made from 600D Oxford cloth with a waterproof TPU coating. Oxford cloth is a tightly woven fabric commonly used for bags and outdoor gear, and the coating is there to stop wet coats and muddy paws soaking through to your upholstery. For British weather, where a dry walk can feel like a rare treat between October and April, that waterproof layer is the main reason to choose a cover like this.
Mesh viewing windows
The standout feature is the mesh window section. A standard hammock can leave a dog in a closed-off "tent" behind the front seats. The mesh panel lets your dog see forward and lets air move through, which many owners find makes the back seat feel less shut away for their dog. It also lets you glance back and check on them more easily.
Anti-slip surface and seat anchors
A cover that slides around every time you brake is frustrating for you and unsettling for your dog. This hammock has an anti-slip surface and seat anchors that tuck into the gap between the seat base and backrest to help keep it in place.
Side zips, seat belt openings and safety buckle
Side zips make it easier to get in and out of the car without unhooking the whole hammock, and there are seat belt openings plus a safety buckle. Those openings mean you can still use a suitable car restraint or harness attachment with the cover fitted.
Which dogs and owners does it suit?
The product is described as suitable for medium and large dogs, and its 137 x 147cm size reflects that. It is a good fit if you recognise yourself in any of these situations:
- Muddy-walk regulars who drive to woodland, beaches or fields and want a waterproof back seat cover for dogs that copes with wet coats.
- Owners of heavy shedders, where hair weaves into car upholstery and is a pain to vacuum out.
- Dogs who like to watch the world go by, as the mesh window section gives them a view forward.
- Families who share the car, because a hammock is quick to unclip and fold away when you need the rear seats back for passengers.
If your dog is small, or you would rather they had a raised, bed-like spot to sit in, a booster-style seat may suit you better. For owners who want a cushioned cover that still lets a passenger sit in the back, our Waterproof Rear Seat Dog Cushion has a centre zip that opens to free up a seat.
How to choose and fit a car seat protector for dogs
Check your rear seat measurements
Before buying any car seat protector for dogs, measure across your rear bench and from the top of the backrest down to the seat front. At 137 x 147cm this hammock is sized for a full rear bench in many family cars and estates, but it is always worth checking against your own vehicle, especially if you drive a compact hatchback or a larger SUV.
Choosing your option
The hammock is listed in several options, including black and orange versions, belt mesh and middle zip styles, and options that come with a blue leash. Prices start from £51.99 and vary by option, so check the product page to see the exact differences and choose the layout that best suits how you use your back seat.
Fitting it step by step
- Clip the rear straps around the rear headrests first, then the front straps around the front seat headrests, so the hammock forms a sling.
- Push the seat anchors firmly into the crease between the seat base and backrest.
- Smooth the cover out so the anti-slip surface sits flat against the seat.
- Locate the seat belt openings and feed through whatever restraint you use for your dog.
- Check the side zips open and close freely before your first journey.
Safety reminder
A seat cover protects your car, but it is not a restraint. The Highway Code expects dogs to be suitably restrained in a vehicle so they cannot distract you or be injured if you stop quickly. Use the seat belt openings with a suitable car harness or restraint, and ask your vet if you are unsure what is right for your dog's size and temperament.
Care tips: keeping your hammock clean
The hammock is machine washable, which is a real plus with any waterproof dog car seat cover that sees regular use. A few habits help it stay looking good:
- Shake it out after muddy trips. Let dried mud fall away outdoors before it gets ground into the fabric.
- Wipe small spills straight away. The waterproof coating means most mess sits on the surface and can be wiped with a damp cloth.
- Machine wash on a gentle, cool cycle. Follow the care label, avoid high heat which can stress waterproof coatings, and let it air dry fully before refitting.
- Use a lint roller or rubber glove to lift hair between washes.
Packing a Collapsible Travel Dog Bowl in the door pocket is a simple way to make sure your dog can have a drink on longer journeys, too.
Mesh Window Car Seat Hammock: specifications at a glance
- Waterproof rear seat hammock with mesh viewing windows for ventilation
- 600D Oxford cloth with waterproof TPU coating
- Anti-slip surface and seat anchors
- Side zips for easy access
- Seat belt openings and safety buckle
- Size: 137 x 147cm
- Suitable for medium and large dogs
- Machine washable
- Options: Black, Orange, A black, B black, Black belt mesh, Orange belt mesh, Black middle zip, A black with blue leash, Black with blue leash
- Price: from £51.99
Frequently asked questions
Is this dog car seat hammock waterproof?
Yes. It is made from 600D Oxford cloth with a waterproof TPU coating, designed to stop wet coats and muddy paws soaking through to your seats.
What size dog is it suitable for?
It is described as suitable for medium and large dogs and measures 137 x 147cm. Measure your rear seat before ordering to make sure it fits your car.
Can I still use a seat belt restraint with the hammock fitted?
Yes. The hammock has seat belt openings and a safety buckle, so you can use a suitable car restraint or harness attachment with the cover in place.
Can I put it in the washing machine?
Yes, it is machine washable. A gentle, cool wash and air drying will help look after the waterproof coating.
Will my dog be able to see out?
The mesh viewing windows let your dog see forward and improve airflow compared with a fully enclosed hammock.
Protect your back seat this winter
If you want a waterproof, washable dog car seat hammock that keeps the mess contained while letting your dog see out, the Mesh Window Car Seat Hammock is a practical choice for UK owners of medium and large dogs. View the Mesh Window Car Seat Hammock and choose your option.