The 2016–2019 Ford Explorer is a versatile SUV, perfect for families and adventurous pet owners alike. Whether you're heading to the dog park, taking a weekend trip, or running daily errands, your Explorer’s interior needs protection from fur, dirt, scratches, and the occasional accident that comes with traveling with pets.
Fortunately, with the right combination of custom-fit mats and seat covers, you can pet-proof your Ford Explorer without compromising comfort or style. This guide will walk you through the best mats and covers for pet owners, along with long-term care tips and product recommendations from Car Mats Customs—so your interior stays clean and your furry companion stays comfortable.
Why Pet-Proofing Your Explorer Matters
Pets bring joy, but they also bring mess. Dog hair, drool, muddy paws, sharp claws, and shedding can take a toll on your Ford Explorer’s cabin. Without proper protection, your carpets, seats, and cargo area can wear out quickly, impacting resale value and daily comfort.
Here’s what effective pet-proofing can help prevent:
- Scratches on seat upholstery or door panels
- Fur buildup in carpet fibers and seat crevices
- Odors from accidents, wet fur, or food
- Stains from muddy paws, drool, or treats
- Allergens accumulating in hard-to-clean areas
Pet-proofing is not just about aesthetics—it also supports hygiene, air quality, and your pet’s safety during rides.
Start with Floor Mats: First Defense Against Pet Mess
Your Ford Explorer’s floor is a hotspot for tracked-in dirt, moisture, and hair. Investing in full-coverage floor mats is one of the best decisions you can make as a pet owner.
The Luxury Car Mats Set from Car Mats Customs is tailored to fit your Explorer’s interior contours perfectly. These mats provide waterproof, scratch-resistant, and easy-to-clean protection for front and rear passengers—ideal for muddy paws or shedding pets.
Key benefits for pet owners include:
- Textured surface to minimize paw slippage
- Raised edges that trap moisture and debris
- Non-slip backing to prevent movement
- Fast removal for shake-and-wipe cleanups
Want more help choosing the right mats? Read our detailed Step-by-Step Guide to Buying the Perfect Floor Mats.
Cargo Liners: Essential for Pet Transport
Many pet owners use the rear cargo area of the Explorer for their dogs to lounge or ride comfortably. But without a liner, that space can quickly become scratched, stained, or saturated with odors.
The Matching Trunk Mat Full Cover is a must-have for pet-proofing the rear of your SUV. With full floor and side wall coverage, this mat offers maximum protection against drool, fur, and accidents. Its waterproof surface is easy to clean, and the durable construction prevents claw damage.
For lighter use, the Base Car Trunk Mat still offers heavy-duty durability while being a minimalist option for Explorer owners who only occasionally bring pets along.
Custom Seat Covers: Scratch-Proof & Stain-Resistant
Pets love riding shotgun—or stretching out in the back seat. Either way, your upholstery is vulnerable. Seat covers are the second line of defense after floor mats and should not be overlooked.
Our Custom Luxury Leather Car Seat Cover Set is ideal for pet owners looking to protect against claw scratches, hair, moisture, and odors. Designed specifically for the 2016–2019 Ford Explorer, these covers are a sleek solution that doesn't compromise your SUV’s style.
Why they’re perfect for pet owners:
- Anti-scratch leatherette surface resists claw marks
- Easy to wipe down with just a damp cloth
- Snug fit ensures no shifting or bunching
- Multiple color and stitching options to match your interior
Paired with our floor mats and trunk liners, these seat covers complete your vehicle’s pet-proof shield.
Daily Cleanup Tips for Pet-Proofing Maintenance
Even with the best mats and covers, regular maintenance is key to keeping your Explorer fresh and clean. Here are easy routines that take less than 15 minutes a week:
- Shake out mats: Remove mats and shake off loose fur and debris outdoors.
- Wipe surfaces: Use a microfiber cloth and pet-safe cleaner to wipe down mats and seat covers.
- Brush hair off covers: Use a rubber pet hair brush or lint roller to remove fur buildup.
- Vacuum weekly: Focus on corners and under seats where fur and dander accumulate.
For more long-term durability strategies, check out our full post on Durability Technology in Our Custom Car Mats.
Weatherproofing for Pet Owners
If you live in an area with rain, snow, or extreme heat, your Ford Explorer needs additional protection from the elements—especially when pets are involved. Wet fur, muddy paws, and temperature shifts can impact your interior if you’re not properly protected.
Our Luxury Floor Mats are waterproof and UV-resistant, meaning they won’t warp or fade even with constant exposure to damp paws or sunlight. Their raised edges trap water and prevent it from reaching the carpet below.
For wet or snowy weather:
- Lay down extra towels in the trunk area for paws
- Use the full cargo liner to shield against wet fur and muddy gear
- Clean mats more frequently to prevent salt buildup and mildew
In hot climates:
- Use ventilated seat covers or window shades to keep surfaces cool
- Keep a soft, removable blanket or cooling pad for your pet to lie on
- Wipe down seats after outings to prevent heat buildup on leather
All-weather protection is key when pets are part of your daily driving experience. That’s why our products are built to withstand extreme conditions, from snowy paws to summer shedding.
Organizers and Add-Ons for Pet Travel
Besides mats and seat covers, there are several pet-friendly add-ons you can install to improve travel safety and cleanliness:
- Backseat organizers: Store leashes, treats, waste bags, and toys within arm’s reach.
- Pet barriers: Use mesh barriers to keep pets secure in the rear cargo area and prevent sudden jumps to the front.
- Portable water bowls: Keep your pet hydrated without spills using non-tip travel bowls.
- Blankets and crate liners: Add a removable soft surface over your mats for longer trips or older pets that need extra comfort.
These accessories pair perfectly with our Base Trunk Mat or Full Cover Trunk Mat for maximum protection and organization.
Matching Style with Function
One of the benefits of upgrading to custom mats and covers is that you don’t have to sacrifice style for practicality. All of our products are made to enhance your interior while defending against pet-related messes.
Features that let you style your pet-proofed Explorer:
- Custom stitching patterns such as diamond or hexagon for visual flair
- Color customization to match or contrast with your existing interior
- Integrated design that complements OEM elements in the Explorer
The Custom Seat Cover Set and Luxury Floor Mats allow you to create a cohesive look throughout your cabin—even with a drooling dog riding along.
How to Tell When It's Time to Replace Your Mats or Covers
Even durable mats and seat covers need replacing over time, especially with pets riding along regularly. Look for these signs that it’s time to upgrade:
- Permanent scratches or tears from claws
- Lingering odors that don’t fade after cleaning
- Flattened or worn areas in high-traffic zones
- Stains that won't lift with standard cleaning
- Mats that start curling at the edges or shifting underfoot
If any of these apply, explore our full range of protective products for a fresh start. Keeping your interior updated not only improves aesthetics—it also improves hygiene for you and your pet.
Don't Forget to Protect the Doors and Back of the Seats
While most owners focus on seats and floors, dogs often scratch or rub against interior doors and the backs of seats. Consider installing door guards and kick protectors for a complete pet-proofed package.
Though not part of our main product catalog yet, many of our customers pair our seat covers with aftermarket door shields to keep everything in sync. By protecting vertical surfaces, you eliminate hidden damage that can add up over time.
For more ideas on full-vehicle protection, visit our blog post: Durability Technology in Our Custom Car Mats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are your floor mats custom-fit for the Ford Explorer 2016–2019?
Yes. Our Luxury Car Mats Set is designed specifically to match the contours of the Ford Explorer 2016–2019, offering full coverage and a snug, secure fit that stays in place even with active pets onboard.
Do your seat covers resist claw damage?
They do. Our Custom Luxury Leather Car Seat Covers are made with durable, anti-scratch material designed to handle claw contact, fur, and frequent use without tearing or fading.
How do I clean the mats after my dog tracks in mud?
Simply remove the mats, shake them out, and wipe them with a damp cloth. For deeper cleaning, hose them off gently and air dry. Avoid using harsh chemicals. For more, visit our blog: How to Clean Your Custom Car Mats Without Damaging Them.
Are your trunk liners waterproof and odor-resistant?
Yes. Both the Matching Trunk Mat Full Cover and Base Car Trunk Mat are designed to trap spills, resist pet odors, and offer complete moisture protection.
Can I use your products even if I have a third-row Ford Explorer?
Absolutely. Our full coverage mats and liners are compatible with third-row seating configurations and can be tailored to your seating layout upon request.
Do you offer any bundle discounts for full interior pet-proofing?
Yes! Our bundles often include front and rear floor mats, cargo liners, and seat covers at discounted prices. Check the product collection page for current offers and vehicle-specific packages.
Final Thoughts: Create a Pet-Friendly Explorer Interior That Lasts
Pets are part of the family—and they deserve to travel in comfort just like everyone else. By investing in high-quality, custom-fit floor mats, trunk liners, and seat covers, you’re doing more than protecting your vehicle—you’re making life easier for you and your furry companions.
The 2016–2019 Ford Explorer is a capable SUV built for adventure. Make sure its interior matches that versatility by giving it the protection it needs. With Car Mats Customs, you can enjoy clean rides, easy cleanup, and peace of mind—no matter how many paws are along for the ride.
Disclaimer: This blog post is intended for educational and informational purposes only. Car Mats Customs is an independent brand that provides custom automotive accessories and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Ford or any other vehicle manufacturer. All vehicle names and model years mentioned are used solely to describe compatibility and fitment.