Best Dog Car Seat Covers of 2025
December 23rd, 2025
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Bringing your dog along on hikes and camping trips is the best—until they’re covered in mud and getting your car covered in mud too. The best dog car seat covers will keep your car from looking like your dog’s personal mud pit, and can give them a little extra comfort on car rides, too.
Dog car seat covers can offer your pup extra floor space in your car, make them feel more secure, and prevent them from accessing door handles and window switches, all while keeping your seats and doors free of mud, dirt, snow, and dog hair.
We tested six top-rated dog car seat covers on the market with three real tester dogs: 45-pound Miso (a Border Collie mix), 45-pound Dashi (a Rough Collie mix), and 76-pound Katla (a mixed breed). We tested each cover by installing them and uninstalling them in multiple cars, allowing our dogs to jump in and out of them, ride in them, and get them wet and dirty after muddy or snowy hikes. We also evaluated the traction, fit, breathability, ease of cleaning, and comfort of each cover.
The best dog car seat cover is the Meadowlark Dog Seat Cover. This popular Amazon pick features the perfect mix of ease of installation and cleaning, traction for dogs, and an accessible price point.
Note that dog car seat covers should always be used with a well-fitted, crash-tested dog car harness (or a crash-tested dog crate) for safety. Simply having your dog loose in a car hammock doesn’t prevent them from becoming a projectile or being ejected from the vehicle in the event of an accident.
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Comparison table
| CAR SEAT/ CARGO COVER | TREELINE AWARD | MATERIALS | WATERPROOF? | COVERAGE AREA(S) | MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Meadowlark Dog Seat Cover | Best Overall Read why |
Polyester, mesh | Yes | 58 x 54/ 64 x 60/ 74 x 41 in | $50 |
| Ruffwear Dirtbag Dog Car Seat Cover | Best Waterproof Read why |
Recycled polyester | Yes | 55 x 63 in | $100 |
| Katziela Extended Back Car Seat Cover | Best Bench Style Read why |
Not listed | Yes | 52 x 63 in | $130 |
| K9 Ballistics Cargo Trunk Cover | Best Cargo Liner Read why |
Polyester | Resistant | 78 x 42/ 82 x 52 in | $160/ 175 |
| Orvis Grip-Tight Windowed Hammock Seat Protector | Polyester | Resistant | 62 x 48/ 64 x 52/ 64 x 62 in | $67 |
The winners
Best overall dog car seat cover and best affordable dog car seat cover: Meadowlark Dog Seat Cover
Material: Polyester and mesh
Waterproof: Yes
Coverage area: 58”x54”, 64”x60”, 74”x41” (cargo cover)
What we liked: Sturdy seat anchors, zippable sides to keep doors clean, mesh center panel for breathability, variety of sizes for different vehicles, machine washable
What we didn't like: Some online reviews say that the side panels don’t stay up, though that wasn’t our experience during testing
The Meadowlark Dog Seat Cover is a budget-friendly dog car seat cover that I’ve used regularly over the last three years. Especially when I first moved to Colorado (and before I had crash-tested dog crates), this seat cover was a lifesaver.
Meadowlark Dog Seat Cover
We used it regularly on winter and spring trips to Moab, which tended to get pretty muddy. Red sand and mud permeates your car and all your belongings during the wet season in the desert, but even with a soggy dog covered in mud, the back seats stayed quite clean. The uncovered front seats, however, felt the wrath of the Moab mud.
This car seat cover is a hammock style, with openings to secure a dog car harness with a seatbelt. It can be used as a bench-only style cover as well, if you just don’t connect the front straps to the front seat headrests. This is a great feature for if you have human passengers sitting in the back seat.
The quilted material isn’t slippery for dogs, and the door flaps can be zipped up or down to protect your doors or protect the bottom of the seats. The seat anchors and non-slip backing do a good job of keeping this cover in its place too, even with fidgety dogs.
This cover is machine washable, though I’ve never had to wash it. Any mud dries up and can easily be shaken off of the cover, or wiped off with a dry towel.
At $25 (though Amazon recently changed the price to $50 with a $25 off coupon), the Meadowlark car seat cover gets the job done for adventurous dogs who get wet and muddy on hikes, runs, and camping trips with their families.
Best waterproof dog car seat cover: Ruffwear Dirtbag Dog Car Seat Cover
Material: Recycled polyester with DWR and non-slip backing
Waterproof: Yes
Coverage area: 55”x63”
What we liked: Nicely waterproof, mesh panel for breathability, easy to wipe down
What we didn't like: Slippery for dogs, only comes in one size, non-slip backing isn’t as non-slip as other options
If you have a dog who loves to swim (and who is usually soggy by the time you get back to the car from a walk or a hike), a waterproof, easy-clean dog car seat cover is a must. The Ruffwear Dirtbag dog car seat cover is the best waterproof dog car seat cover on this list according to our lab-style waterproof tests. It didn’t allow water to leak down to the seats below, which is ideal for pups who love to don their dog life jacket for a game of lake fetch, want to roll in snow banks, or who tend to take a dip in streams on hikes.
Ruffwear Dirtbag Dog Car Seat Cover
This dog car seat cover was one of the easiest to clean, too. Mud, dirt, and stains easily wiped away with wet or dry cloths, which limits the amount of time you spend uninstalling the cover, washing it, and reinstalling it. For big messes, it can be machine washed in cold water on the gentle cycle and air dried.
Since it’s more of a waterproof material than soft cloth, it doesn’t hold odor, even when you have wet dogs riding on it frequently.
The Dirtbag seat cover is sturdy and durable, and a previous version was a cover I used for a few years when I first got my dog, before we swapped to crash-tested crates and before I had the Meadowlark seat cover). It’s highly durable, can be used as a hammock or a bench seat cover, and comes with a handy zippered pouch to hold your dog’s leash, ball, or other items during drives.
The new version of this cover that I tested for this piece has some upgrades from the old one I had years ago. It now has a mesh window panel in the center for breathability and visibility when using it in hammock mode, and the material is a bit softer and less slippery than I remember my old one to be.
There’s still one downside to this option. Because the material is so waterproof, it’s more slippery than other car seat covers. Old dogs or pups who aren’t super steady on their feet may slip more often when jumping in and out of this cover in comparison to other options. During testing, I noticed my dogs slipping on the Dirtbag cover more than others.
Nevertheless, if your priority is waterproofness, the Ruffwear Dirtbag dog car seat cover is our top pick.
Best bench-style dog car seat cover: Katziela Extended Back Car Seat Cover
Material: Not listed
Waterproof: Yes
Coverage area: 62.9”x51.9”
What we liked: Side panels that cover the doors (but require handles in your back seats to secure), foam padding that extends the seat area for your dog,
What we didn't like: Not big enough for all vehicles (though there is an XL size that’s more expensive), doesn’t come with instructions
If you have a big dog that doesn’t quite fit comfortably on your back seats, a seat extending dog car seat cover can make car rides more comfortable for them. This Katziela Extended Back Car Seat Cover features padded foam boards that sit atop your car’s rear seats to extend the area for your dog and keep them from slipping into the foot area below your seats.
Katziela Extended Back Car Seat Cover
This cover feels very durable, and was scratch resistant during testing. The quilted nylon material is similar to the K9 Ballistics option, though it’s a bit more rigid and offers slightly more traction for your dog when jumping in and out of the car.
The waterproofing of the cover itself is solid, though the K9 Ballistics option seems to repel water slightly better. The perk here is that the foam board seat extenders are covered in a plasticy material, so there are multiple layers of water resistance.
A big complaint online about this cover is that it doesn’t come with instructions for assembly, and I agree that written instructions would help ensure proper installation. There are zipper compartments on the bottom to hold the foam boards in place, but this isn’t totally intuitive without reading some of the user reviews.
I liked that this cover features side panels that cover your doors and keep your dog more contained when you open the doors. However, the side panels are held up with straps that loop through the grab handles on the ceiling of the car. My Toyota 4Runner only has grab handles on one side, so I could only put the side panels up on one side.
Some customer reviews said that these straps are flimsy and break, though we didn’t experience quality issues during testing. Dogs also shouldn’t put their heads out the window with these straps secured the way they’re intended since they can be a strangulation hazard (though for safety, dogs shouldn’t put their heads out the car window at all).
This seat cover also comes with extra pockets to stow your dog gear, though they are in reach of your dog depending on their size. Be careful of storing anything tasty or tempting for your dog in these pockets to prevent the risk of chewing or tearing them.
If you have a dog who is nervous about falling off the seat, or a big dog who could use some extra space, this car seat extender is sturdy, protects your seats from dog hair, dirt, and debris, and offers a comfortable spot for car rides with your adventure dog.
Best cargo liner for dogs: K9 Ballistics Tough Ripstop Dog Cargo Trunk Cover
Material: Polyester, PVC non-skid coating
Waterproof: Water-resistant
Coverage area: 78”x42”, 82”x52”
What we liked: Super durable puncture-proof material, bumper cover for loading and unloading your dog, machine-washable, can be custom-embroidered
What we didn't like: Sizing recommendations aren’t accurate for all cars
If you have a dog car crate in your cargo space, you know that it’s easy to damage the carpet and surrounding area when loading and unloading the crate. Not only that, but your cargo space can still get dirty if your dog is in a crate, depending on what type of crate you use. While I don’t ever recommend letting your dog ride unrestrained in the cargo space of a hatchback or SUV, the K9 Ballistics Tough Ripstop Dog Cargo Trunk Cover is a great option to put under dog car crates, or just to protect your car’s cargo space while loading and unloading items.
K9 Ballistics Tough Ripstop Dog Cargo Trunk Cover
My cargo space is totally scratched up and still has dog hair and dirt all over it, despite the fact that my dogs ride in crates. This cargo cover could have preserved my trunk space if I’d used it from the get-go.
It has a bumper cover for loading and unloading your dog, which can help prevent mud from being tracked into your cargo space, and can help your dog’s traction when jumping into the car (especially in wet, muddy, or icy conditions).
K9 Ballistics says that this cover is rated as water resistant rather than waterproof because the seams can be points of entry for moisture. However, it does have a DWR coating and a waterproof PU backing on the bottom side, so it does a good job of repelling moisture away from your car’s interior.
If you don’t have a cargo tray, this dog cargo cover can save your car’s interior from crate scrapes.
Other dog car seat covers we tested
Orvis Grip-Tight Windowed Hammock Seat Protector
Material: 90% post-consumer recycled polyester microweave
Waterproof: water resistant
Coverage area: 62"x48", 64"x52", 64"x62"
What we liked: Cozy material, similar to the brand’s dog beds, good traction, extra padding for older dogs, adjustable headrest strap positions
What we didn't like: Holds onto odors more than other options, stitching quality isn’t good, many online reviews report rips, full size is out of stock in all colors
The Orvis Grip-Tight Windowed Hammock Seat Protector is cozy, padded, and has a good amount of traction for dogs jumping in and out of the car. It’s made of the same material as the Orvis RecoveryZone couch bed, a bed I have in my own home that my two dogs love.
While this material is cozy, it tends to hold onto odors if you ride in your car with wet/dirty dogs frequently. It can be machine washed, but the multiple layers of fabric make it difficult to get odors out (and to dry it fully before reinstalling it in your car).
I love the adjustable headrest strap feature, since it makes it simple to fit the cover to your specific car. The cinch feature is harder to use than a traditional plastic buckle, but it makes the adjustable strap feature easier to use, since you don’t have to thread a fat buckle through all the adjustment points when changing the size.
The biggest qualm I had with this dog car seat cover is the stitching quality. There were lots of loose stitches on my testing unit, and there were clearly spots that needed to be stitched on the first go-around that were missed, then re-stitched later. There are some areas on the cover with missing stitches, too.
Though I didn’t experience any rips or tears during testing, the quality of the stitching on this cover gives me pause. There were a number of online customer reviews who had issues with seams coming apart and rips near the seams. With a well-behaved small or medium dog, you likely wouldn’t have any issues, but this isn’t a cover I’d purchase for use with a big dog who’s hard on their gear.
Orvis Grip-Tight Windowed Hammock Seat Protector
Material: Polyester, PVC non-skid coating
Waterproof: DWR top treatment and waterproof PU backing, but seams may be a point of entry, cover is marked water resistant rather than waterproof
Coverage area: 58”x54”, 58”x60”
What we liked: Dirt and grime-resistant, durable ripstop material, sturdy seat anchors, mesh center panel for breathability
What we didn't like: Wish it had side covers to protect doors from dirt, hair, and scratches, some online reviews mentioned that the sizing was wonky; bottom of the cover is extremely slippery on faux leather seats
This hammock-style dog car seat cover features ballistic ripstop fabric that was one of the most durable and scratch-resistant of the options on this list. Even with large dogs with strong nails jumping in and out, we didn’t notice any scratches or other damage during testing.
The material of this cover is also very easy to clean. When it gets muddy, just let the mud dry up a bit and it can usually be vacuumed, shaken out, or spot cleaned depending on the severity. It’s technically machine washable (cold water, delicate cycle, air dry or tumble dry low), but the brand says that machine washing it frequently could cause the waterproofing to become less effective over time.
This cover works well on cloth and suede car seats, but it was unfortunately too slippery on faux leather seats to snag a place on our list of winners. The non-slip backing on the cover essentially does nothing on faux leather seats, and the entire cover slides back towards the rear seat if your dog moves around or adjusts themselves. One of my tester dogs was nervous about the slipping, and the instability isn’t the safest option for dogs riding in the car. If you have cloth seats with better traction, you may not experience this problem.
Though this cover is labeled as water resistant instead of waterproof, it did a good job of keeping my car seats dry, even after my dogs ran around in melting snow while on a hike. K9 Ballistics says that it’s labeled this way because the seams may be entry points for liquid.
K9 Ballistics Tough Ripstop Dog Back Car Seat Cover
Unfortunately, this cover slid around too much on faux leather seats for dogs’ safety and their comfort.
What to look for in dog car seat covers
Material durability and scratch resistance
If your dog will be riding on the dog car seat cover regularly, choose a durable, scratch-resistant option that will last. Large, strong dogs often have strong nails and can easily puncture materials even with light scratching, or from gripping the cover while jumping in and out of the car.
For large dogs, choose a puncture-resistant durable material. Well-behaved small dogs are less likely to accidentally damage dog car seat covers, unless they’re prone to digging, scratching, or chewing.
Waterproofing and stain resistance
A waterproof dog car seat cover will be more protective of your car’s seats than a non-waterproof option, especially if you have leather, cloth, or suede seats. If your dog is wet and muddy (or if they have an accident), it could leak through a non-waterproof seat cover, and still get your car seats dirty.
Installation method and ease of use
The best dog car seat covers are easy to install, and usually only require clipping them to the seat headrests and attaching any anchor points. Some offer side panels to keep all parts of your seats clean, and others have zippers that allow you to use part of the seat protector instead of the whole thing.
Coverage area (bench vs. hammock style)
The style of dog car seat cover you choose will depend on your dog. Small dogs who fit nicely on the car seats do well with bench-only seat covers. Medium to large dogs may benefit from a hammock-style cover that gives a bit more room (and can encourage them to stay in the back seat). Some bench-style options come with seat extenders as well, which is a great option for XL and giant breeds to give them more seat space.
Non-slip backing and anchoring systems
Non-slip backing or anchor points will help prevent your car seat cover from sliding around on top of your seat (and under your dog). Anchor points are often rods or other weighted attachments connected to the cover that can be slid in the area between the bottom and back of your rear car seats.
Pet comfort features (padding, breathability)
Some dog car seat covers have padding or quilted materials that offer extra comfort for your dog’s car rides.
Hammock-style dog car seat covers should ideally include either an opening or a mesh panel in the center for breathability and to give your dog access to heat and air vents that are placed in the center console.
Cleaning and maintenance requirements
Many dog car seat covers are water and stain resistant, and these materials can often be vacuumed or shaken out to get rid of any debris. Machine washing should be kept to a minimum to preserve any waterproof coatings applied to the cover.
A machine-washable dog car seat cover is ideal for folks who go on walks, hikes, and camping trips where their dogs are likely to get muddy.
Vehicle compatibility considerations
Always check the size guide for a car seat cover and your own car’s measurements before purchasing one to ensure it fits in your vehicle. Check our measurement guide below for how to choose the right size dog car seat cover.
Why you should buy a dog car seat cover
Vehicle protection: A dog car seat cover will protect your car’s seats and carpeting from dog hair, mud, nail scratches, and other debris. For potty-training puppies or old dogs, it can also make accident cleanup easier. A dedicated car seat cover will stay on your car’s seats better and offer more protection than simply draping blankets or towels over your seats or cargo area.
Resale value preservation: Keeping your car cleaner will help maintain its condition—a must if you decide to resell it in the future.
Pet safety: Car seats, especially leash and faux leather, can be slippery for dogs. Even if they’re buckled into a car harness, they can still slip (and potentially hurt themselves). Many dog car seat covers offer surfaces with more traction than your car’s seats, so your pup can sit or and look out the window without risk of a paw slipping. This is especially helpful for folks who overland or off-road with their dogs.
Hammock-style dog car seat covers can also help keep your dog from standing on your center console or trying to get into the front seat.
Note that dog car seat covers should always be used with a properly fitted crash-tested dog car harness to keep your pet safe in the event of a car accident. Many online user complaints on popular dog car seat covers are related to their dogs sliding around on top of a cover while loose in the car, and restraining your dog in addition to using a car seat cover will prevent this issue.
Easy maintenance: Car seat covers are often machine washable (or can be hosed/wiped down), and are easier than cleaning your car’s seats on a consistent basis.
Comfort: Some car seat covers feature padding and/or extra ventilation to allow your dog access to air/heat vents for hot and cold weather.
Cost savings: You’ll likely need to spend less money on professional cleaning generally or before selling your car if you use a dog car seat cover from the jump. Dog car seat covers can also prevent scratched/torn vehicle upholstery or other damages, saving you money in repairs.
How to choose the right size dog car seat cover
Measure your car’s hip room (width of the seats) for bench-style covers, or door to door if you want extra coverage. For hammock-style covers, measure the area from the back of your car’s front seats to the front of the rear seats. Measuring the distance between the front and rear headrests may also be helpful in selecting the right size for your vehicle.
For cargo covers, measure the length and width of the floor of your car’s cargo space, taking into account the space the wheel wells take up. Depending on your car’s model, if you measure wheel well to wheel well, there may be extra area that’s left out if you buy a cover based on that measurement.
Ensure the dog car seat cover you choose has pass-throughs for seatbelts, whether it be for your dog’s seatbelt harness or for any human passengers in your back seat.
If you have roomy rear seats or slippery faux leather upholstery, a light-material hammock style cover may slide around too much for your dog’s safety and comfort. In this case, choose an option with heavy material, good rear backing, and/or hard seat extenders so your dog doesn’t slide around on car rides. Otherwise, be prepared to only use your cover in bench mode instead of hammock mode.
Installation and setup tips
Ensure you secure your dog car seat cover properly so it doesn’t move around or become uninstalled while your dog is riding in the car.
Secure the headrest straps over your car’s rear seat headrests. This often requires lifting up adjustable headrests a bit to fit the straps around them. Secure any stuffable anchor points to the seat (this is what will keep the cover from shifting when in use), and open up the seatbelt holes to pull seatbelt plugs through.
For hammock-style covers, secure the headrest straps on the front site around the two front seat headrests. For covers with side panels, ensure they’re zipped up before closing the door to keep your doors clean.
Cleaning and maintenance tips
Though most dog car seat covers can be machine washed on a delicate cycle and tumble dried at a low setting, machine washing your cover should be reserved for the most intense messes.
If your dog car seat cover features water-repellant coatings, machine washing it frequently could reduce the efficacy of the waterproofing.
Instead, opt for vacuuming, shaking out your cover, or spot cleaning it if there are minor stains or mud spots.
If you need to machine wash your cover, ensure you wash it on a delicate cycle with a gentle, scent-free laundry soap, as dogs can be sensitive to detergent scents. Air dry or tumble dry your cover on low depending on the manufacturer’s guidance, and ensure your cover is 100% dry before putting it back in your vehicle to prevent odors.
Always follow the manufacturer’s suggested cleaning techniques to preserve the integrity of your dog car seat cover.
FAQ
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Yes, high-quality dog car seat covers can protect car seats from scratches and other damage. Waterproof dog car seat covers can protect your car’s seats from mud, dirt, and accidents.
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Dog car seat covers are safe for your pet, but should be used in conjunction with a crash-tested dog crate or harness for full protection in the event of an accident.
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No, it’s not recommended to use a dog car seat cover with a car seat or child seat. Dog car seat covers may affect proper installation of a car seat. Opt for a single-seat cover or a cargo cover if you have child car seats in your car.
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Many dog car seat covers can be put in the washing machine. Follow the manufacturer’s cleaning guidance before machine washing your dog car seat cover.
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Dog car seat covers fit most vehicles, and often come in different sizes to fit sedans and SUVs. Measure your car’s rear seat area before purchasing a cover.
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Waterproof dog car seat covers can help protect your car seats from water, mud, dirt, and accidents. Waterproof dog car seat covers are more protective than non-waterproof options.
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Large dogs may damage car seat covers if they’re not trained. Never leave your dog unattended in the car, and consider giving them a distraction (like a peanut butter Kong or a lick mat) to direct their attention away from the seat covers.
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Choose a dog car seat cover with a non-slip bottom or seat anchor points to prevent it from sliding.
How we researched and tested
We tested each of the dog car seat covers with my two dogs, Miso (a 45-pound Border Collie American Staffordshire Terrier mix) and Dashi (a 45-pound Rough Collie). We also recruited their friend Katla, a 75-pound mixed breed, to see how the covers held up to a large, strong dog. We evaluated each of the dog car seat covers on this list against the following criteria:
Ease of use: We installed each cover in two different cars (a 2024 Toyota 4Runner and a 2023 Ford Bronco Sport) to see how easy each one was to put on and take off. We evaluated how each or difficult each cover was to secure and adjust, and how well they stayed adjusted while in use.
Sizing: We compared the manufacturer’s recommended sizing with vehicles that fit within the size guide. We noted any covers that seemed too big, too small or had other sizing issues.
Durability: We let the dogs take the wheel on this one, and noted any scratches, loose threads, or other damage after testing with multiple sizes (and weights) of dogs.
Waterproofing: We tested how well each of the covers protected our car seats after snowy and muddy hikes. We also performed a lab-style waterproofing test where we poured water on each of the covers and left it for 20 minutes, checking whether it had gotten through to the seats or not.
Traction: We tested the traction of each cover with real dogs, allowing them to jump in and out of the car, and noting any that seemed too slippery for them to safely do so.
Comfort features: We noted covers that had any comfort features, like extra padding or mesh panels for breathability.
Cleaning: We vacuumed, spot cleaned, shook out, and machine washed each of the covers, noting which ones were easiest to clean and maintain.
Why you should trust us / About the author
Jae Thomas has walked, run, camped, hiked, and backpacked with her two dogs, Miso and Dashi, everywhere from Colorado to the Oregon Coast, and at more than 15 national parks. Dogs get dirty when traveling for outdoor recreation, and dog car seat covers have helped Jae keep her car clean for many of these adventures.
Jae is an e-commerce journalist, editor, and dog trainer based in Boulder. She graduated from the New York University journalism program in 2020, and has written and edited commerce content for publications like Mashable, Apartment Therapy, Bon Appetít, Whole Dog Journal, Chewy, CNN Underscored, and more.
Jae is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer, Knowledge Assessed, and teaches agility, rally, and other dog sports at Canine Athletics Training Center in Boulder County. Jae uses her background in dog sports and behavior to test outdoor-focused dog gear focused on fit, comfort, safety, and functionality for dogs and their owners.
Jae shares her life with two dogs: mixed breed Miso, and Rough Collie Dashi. Jae competes in conformation, agility, rally, herding, barn hunt, Fast CAT, and other sports with her dogs and is a pro at traveling, camping, hiking, and adventuring with canine companions in tow.
