Traveling with a dog is an everyday occurrence for many people – quick trips around the city, commutes to work, weekend getaways, or longer journeys. In such situations, a car mat for a dog, or a cover for the back seat, should not only protect the upholstery but also be comfortable for the dog, easy to clean, and well-fitted to the car.
That's why we've created a new version of the Kuko+ car mat for dogs. This is the result of many conversations with customers, tests, and real-life experiences of daily use. We've gathered all feedback and introduced changes that make traveling with a dog even easier.
In this post, we will show:
- what we changed in the Kuko+ mat and why,
- what are the main advantages of this mat/cover for dogs in the car,
- how to choose the right size mat for your car,
- how to measure the back seat if you want to be 100% sure.
What makes the new Kuko+ car mat for dogs stand out?
Kuko+ is a car mat for dogs for the entire back seat, which also functions as a car cover for dogs. It protects the upholstery from fur, mud, and moisture, secures the sides and doors, and creates a stable, comfortable space for the dog during the ride.
In the new version, we focused on three key areas:
- simplifying the choice of mat size,
- modular design and replaceable elements,
- dog safety and easier daily use.
Why did we simplify the choice of car mat size for dogs?
Previously, we also offered car covers for dogs in various sizes, but the choice was not as intuitive as it is now. More variants were available, and the differences between them were often difficult to discern without a detailed comparison of dimension tables.
In practice, this meant that customers had to analyze several very similar sizes, and
choosing a car mat for their dog took more time. As a result, there was uncertainty about whether a given size would actually fit the car.
That's why we changed our approach.
Instead of many technical sizes, we introduced a clear division of mats by car type already at the selection stage. Thanks to this, you immediately see if a given mat fits:
- a small city car (size S),
- a standard car, e.g., sedan, hatchback, or crossover (size M),
- a car with a wide back seat, e.g., SUV (size L),
- or Volvo models with a specific back seat design.
This solution allows you to quickly find a mat that fits your car, without having to analyze complicated tables. The size chart is still available, but it is no longer necessary to make a decision.
Modular car mat – one product, many possibilities
The biggest change in the Kuko+ mat is its modular design. This means that the mat consists of several elements that you can combine, expand, or buy separately – exactly when you need them.
Previously, separate mats were available:
- without a rigid bottom,
- or mats with a permanently sewn-in bottom.
The decision had to be made immediately at the time of purchase. Now you have one car mat for your dog that you can adapt over time – to the dog's age, journey length, and travel style. A car mat for a dog adapted to various needs.
Soft mattress – more comfort for the dog
You can add a soft mattress to the Kuko+ mat, which increases travel comfort, especially on longer journeys. Thanks to its thick filling, the mattress also works well as a dog bed outside the car, e.g., in a hotel or during a trip.
The most important improvement:
You can detach and wash the mattress separately, without removing the entire mat from the car. This saves a lot of time in daily use and also extends the life of the mat itself. Remember that frequent washing shortens the product's life.
Rigid bottom – stable space on the back seat
For dogs that need a stable surface, the Kuko+ mat allows you to add a rigid bottom to the car mat for dogs. Rigid inserts are placed in the mattress pockets, creating an even and hard surface across the entire back seat.
This solution works particularly well:
- for larger dogs,
- for older dogs,
- during longer car journeys.
Dog safety in the car – important changes in the Kuko+ mat
In the new version of the Kuko+ mat, we introduced solutions that directly impact dog safety in the car.
Now the mat allows you to simultaneously attach the dog to the car's seatbelt (e.g., crash-tested THULE harness) and attach the door protection, meaning the side of the mat – on both sides.
Previously, this option was only available as an additional modification. Now it is standard in every Kuko+ mat.
Thanks to this:
- the dog can be buckled into the seatbelt,
- the sides and doors are still protected,
- the mat retains full functionality.
It's important to emphasize that a seatbelt is included with our car mats and car seats for dogs. We want to raise awareness and encourage securing your dog in the car and not transporting them unrestrained, as this also affects the safety of other passengers in the car.
This solution improves the dog's stability during the ride and increases safety during sudden braking or maneuvers.
Seatbelt opening – cleaner car interior
We also changed the location of the seatbelt opening. It is now on the backrest of the rear seat, not on the seat itself.
In practice, this means:
- sand, fur, and mud do not spill under the mat,
- it's easier to keep the car clean,
- the mat better protects the upholstery during daily commutes.
This is a small design change that has a big impact on ease of use. The openings are still closed with zippers because we know this solution works perfectly! :)
If you want to learn more about how to safely transport your dog in the car, read our article.
2-in-1 mat – full seat for the dog and space for a passenger
The Kuko+ mat can be folded to 2/3 of the back seat. Thanks to this:
- the dog travels safely on one side,
- a passenger can sit comfortably next to them.
You don't have to remove the entire mat if it's not needed. This solution is especially useful for daily commutes and traveling with a dog and a passenger simultaneously.
Easier cleaning and daily use
The Kuko+ mat has been designed to maximize ease of daily use:
- waterproof fabric protects upholstery from moisture and dirt (the fabric remained unchanged),
- the mattress can be washed separately,
- the mat stays firmly in place thanks to our headrest attachments – we have relied on this solution from the very beginning because it is reliable!
- the entire back seat is protected, including the sides and doors.
This is a solution for people looking for a car cover for their dog, but who want something more durable and better fitting than a regular throw.
How to choose the right mat (cover) for your dog in the car?
If you're wondering what size mat to choose:
How to measure the back seat before buying a car mat?
Step 1: Measure the headrest spacing:
- Stand by the back seat.
- Measure the distance between the two rear headrests - the one behind the driver and the one behind the passenger.
- Do not measure the middle headrest (skip it).
- Place the measuring tape against the soft parts of the headrests and measure in a straight line.
Step 2: Check the headrest height
Our headrest covers (rear and front too) are 20 cm.
Measure the headrest height.
– if the headrest is 20 cm or more → it's OK
– if it's shorter than 20 cm, check if it can be raised
If you achieve 20 cm after raising the headrest, everything will fit.
Step 3: Measure the backrest height
From the point where 20 cm from the top of the headrest falls, measure in a straight line to the seat.
This is the height of the backrest of the rear seat.
Step 4: Measure the seat length (rigid floor)
From where the backrest ends, measure the length of the seat in a straight line (towards the front seats).
This is the length of the mattress with the rigid floor.
Depending on the mat size, this will be:
- 50 cm size S
- 65 cm size M and L
- 50 / 60 cm for Volvo
Step 5: Check the height of the front seat backrest
Where the rigid floor ends, measure in a straight line up to the headrest and mark this spot.
Now check:
if the marked spot falls exactly 20 cm below the top edge of the headrest.
– if so → the mat will fit well
– if the marked spot falls higher or lower → add or subtract this difference from the backrest height in step 3
i.e.: if there are a few centimeters missing – increase the backrest height, if there is too much – decrease it.
Step 6: Measure the width of the back seat
Measure the width of the back seat from door to door – where the dog will lie.
Pay attention to the shape of the seat:
- if the seat is straight, measure at the widest point
- if the sides of the seat are tapered inwards (wheel arches), do not measure right at the doors
In this case:
→ measure the width between the points where the seat begins to narrow, i.e., the actual, straight lying surface for the dog.
This dimension is important when choosing the mat size.
If you want to simplify the measurement, focus on three things:
- spacing of the rear headrests (if you hesitate between size M and L - you will find the answer here)
- height of the backrest of the rear and front seats
If you are still unsure, check the graphic with dimensions and measure your seat.
Why was the new Kuko+ car mat for dogs created?
The new version of the Kuko+ mat is the result of:
- feedback from customers,
- tests in real conditions,
- the need to simplify selection and daily use.
We have always wanted to create products that truly improve the comfort and safety of traveling with a dog.
If you are looking for a practical, fitted, and modular car mat for your dog, check out the new Kuko+ version.
See the new Kuko+ car mat for dogs