How to Choose a Waterproof Couch Cover or Pet Blanket

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A waterproof couch cover or pet blanket sits between your dog or cat and the sofa, so hair, mud, drool and the odd accident end up in the washing machine instead of in the cushions. This guide explains the main types, what “waterproof” should mean, how to measure, how to keep a cover from sliding, how to wash it, and when accidents on the couch are a reason to call your vet.

How we wrote this: the hands-on findings come from a test of four sofa covers by Kim Campbell Thornton for Whole Dog Journal (published 25 September 2025); the health and behavior advice comes from the American Kennel Club, the ASPCA, the Cornell Feline Health Center and International Cat Care. All were checked on 1 November 2026. Lines marked “our view” are our own advice, not a quote from a source. We did not test these covers or blankets ourselves, and we do not show prices or ratings.

Couch cover or pet blanket: which do you need?

There are three broad types, and they solve slightly different problems.

• Fitted couch covers. Shaped to the sofa, with a seat section, a back panel and arm flaps, held on by straps, elastic or a grippy backing. They protect more of the sofa, including the arms and the front, which is where muddy paws and scratching cats tend to land. In the Whole Dog Journal test, the top-rated cover had an arm covering that hung most of the way down the sofa, which the tester thought could also help people whose cats scratch the sides or arms (Whole Dog Journal).
• Cushion covers. A flat pad that covers only the seat cushions. Whole Dog Journal tested two of these and found both easy to put on and take off, but noted they leave the back, front and sides exposed (Whole Dog Journal).
• Pet blankets and throws. A loose blanket, often fleece or sherpa on top with a waterproof layer inside, that you lay over the spot your pet uses. Our view: a blanket is the easiest option if your pet always lies in the same corner, if you want to move it between the sofa, the bed and the car, or if your sofa is an odd shape that fitted covers do not suit.

What to check before you buy

Waterproof or only water resistant

This is the most important line on the label. A waterproof cover has a layer (often a membrane or backing) that stops liquid from reaching the cushion. A water resistant or stain resistant fabric slows a spill down but may let urine soak through if it sits there. In the Whole Dog Journal test, one plush cushion cover was easy to clean and came out of the wash looking like new after a wine spill, but it is not waterproof, which the tester said makes it not the best choice for a young puppy or an incontinent adult dog (Whole Dog Journal).

Our view: if you are buying for a puppy that is still house training, a senior dog, a cat that has started soiling soft surfaces, or a pet coming home from surgery, choose a cover the maker clearly calls waterproof, and check whether that applies to the whole cover or only the seat section.

Non-slip backing or straps

A cover that slides off every time your dog jumps up will not stay in use. Whole Dog Journal looked for non-slip backing or adjustable straps that hold a cover in place (Whole Dog Journal). In its test, the top-rated cover had a non-slip backing and was sturdy enough for big, roughhousing dogs, while a lighter strap-held slipcover stayed on a leather sofa once the strap was in place. The tester also noted that the ends of a strap can show where it wraps around the sofa (Whole Dog Journal).

Size and coverage

Measure the sofa before you order: the seat width between the arms, the seat depth, the back height and the arm height. Whole Dog Journal advises measuring your sofa thoroughly and calling before ordering to make sure you get the correct size, and its tester found that an 88 inch sofa was longer than many covers allowed for (Whole Dog Journal). Our view: compare your measurements with the maker’s size chart, not the product name, since “loveseat”, “sofa” and “oversized” mean different sizes from brand to brand. For a blanket, measure the area your pet actually uses and add some overhang so it can be tucked in.

Machine washable, and how

Whole Dog Journal looked for covers that can be machine washed and dried and still look good afterward (Whole Dog Journal). Covers with a waterproof membrane can have their own care rules, so follow the maker’s label for water temperature and drying. Our view: if your pet has accidents, it helps to own two covers or blankets so one can be on the sofa while the other is in the wash.

Fabric and feel

Quilted polyester, microfiber, velvet and fleece are common. Whole Dog Journal’s tester found that a polyester cover could get too hot after sitting on it for a while, and that a plush quilted velvet cover might be too warm for summer use (Whole Dog Journal). Our view: wash any new cover before your pet uses it.

Hair and claws

No cover stops shedding. Whole Dog Journal’s tester noted that hair showed up on a cover with a fur-masking weave soon after it went on (Whole Dog Journal). For a cover that holds onto hair, see our best pet hair remover guide. Our view: no cover holds up for long to a cat that scratches the sofa every day, so give your cat a better place to scratch as well (see below).

When accidents on the couch need a vet visit

A waterproof cover protects the sofa; it does not explain why a house trained pet has started to have accidents.

Dogs. The AKC says one household accident may not mean your dog is incontinent, but several cleanups may signal that a trip to the veterinarian is needed for a checkup. It lists dripping urine and skin irritation near where a dog urinates as other signs, and says your vet may run urine and blood tests to rule out problems such as a bladder infection or diabetes. The AKC’s page on senior dogs says repeated accidents in a previously house trained dog should prompt a veterinary evaluation, and quotes veterinary behaviorist Dr. Denenberg: “To me, a rule of thumb is two to three times a month for a dog who was trained entirely.” (AKC). It also warns that punishment can increase stress and anxiety and may make the problem worse.

Cats. The Cornell Feline Health Center says a cat that avoids the litter box may leave urine or feces on soft surfaces like carpets, beds or clothing, and that cats with medical conditions may not always act sick, so it advises a thorough exam by your veterinarian. The ASPCA says the first step is to rule out urine marking and medical problems by having your cat checked by a veterinarian, and notes that some cats develop preferences for surfaces such as carpet or bedding.

See your vet if your dog or cat suddenly starts having accidents, leaks urine while resting, strains, or urinates more often than usual. A cover is a good way to protect the sofa while you and your vet work out the cause.

How to wash a pet couch cover or blanket

• Shake or lint-roll hair off first. Our view: a cover full of hair can clog the washer filter; remove what you can outside or with a rubber brush.
• Follow the label. Use the water temperature and drying setting the maker states, especially for covers with a waterproof membrane.
• Treat urine with an enzyme cleaner. The AKC says that if your dog is marking or confused about house training, any urine smell that remains will encourage your dog to repeat the behavior. See our best enzyme cleaner for pet urine guide, and check the cushion under the cover too.

The same steps work for dog beds; see our how to wash a dog bed guide.

Covers for cats that scratch the sofa

A cover can protect the arms while you teach a cat to scratch somewhere else. International Cat Care lists covering the affected area with a thick, heavy blanket or one-sided sticky plastic film as a way to protect the surface and make it less attractive to scratch, and says that if attractive scratching posts or areas are not provided indoors, damage will likely occur to furniture. It suggests placing a sturdy post near where your cat sleeps, since cats often scratch after sleep. For a full plan, see our how to stop a cat scratching furniture guide.

Products to look at

We do not link these as picks because we could not find both an independent hands-on test and a current Amazon listing that meet our standard. These are the covers Kim Campbell Thornton tested for Whole Dog Journal (published 25 September 2025), with what that test found:

• Orvis Grip-Tight Furniture Protector: Whole Dog Journal’s overall top pick: a quilted, machine washable cover with a non-slip backing and a water resistant membrane. Spilled water beaded up and did not soak through to the cushion. Note: when we checked on 1 November 2026, the Orvis product link redirected to a general category page, and a reader comment on the review says it no longer appears on the Orvis site, so it may be discontinued.
• Dovercourt Diamond Sofa Slipcover: best for small dogs in that test. A 100 percent polyester, strap-held slipcover that came out of the washer and dryer stain-free; the tester found it did not fit her 88 inch sofa well and could get warm.
• Your Cool Pet Store Soft Couch Cover for Pets: best for basic coverage. A plush quilted velvet cushion cover that stays in place and cleans up well, but is not waterproof. The maker says it has a non-slip backing, is machine washable and suits single, double or sectional sofas (maker page).
• Whisker Bark Sectional Sofa Dog Cover: best budget in that test. A thin cushion cover with a non-slip lining; tea pooled on top without soaking through, and a slicker brush scraped across it left no marks, but the tester noted a chemical smell out of the box and a plain look.

To compare these on Amazon, search by the full product name, and check the waterproof claim, size chart and care label before you buy.

FAQ

Are waterproof couch covers really waterproof?

Some are, some are only water resistant. Look for a cover the maker calls waterproof, not “water repellent” or “stain resistant”, and check whether the waterproof layer covers the whole piece. In the Whole Dog Journal test, one cover was easy to clean but not waterproof, which the tester said makes it a poor choice for puppies or incontinent dogs (Whole Dog Journal).

How do I keep a couch cover from sliding off?

Choose one with a non-slip backing or adjustable straps, which Whole Dog Journal looked for in its test (Whole Dog Journal). Our view: tuck the seat section deep into the gap behind the cushions, fasten any straps firmly, and wash a new cover before first use.

My older dog has started having accidents on the couch. Is a cover enough?

A cover helps with cleanup, but the AKC says repeated accidents in a previously house trained dog should prompt a veterinary evaluation, since many causes need treatment. Ask your vet.

For more ways to keep your home clean with pets, see our best pet hair remover guide, our best enzyme cleaner for pet urine guide and, for the car, our best dog car seat cover guide.