We're an affiliate
We hope you love the products we recommend! Just so you know, we may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page at no additional cost to you. Thank you if you use our links, we really appreciate it!
Are you in search of a good dog car seat but not sure if it’s a worthwhile purchase? Dogs in cars need to be taken care of the way we value ourselves in cars.
There is no better way to give your dog a great traveling experience than to designate a compact space for them in your car.
Dog car seats will give your furry friend a safe and elevated view through the window that allows them to enjoy their trip as you focus on the road.
These booster seats provide a sure way to secure your pooch while on the road. They come packed with tethering and anchoring options to hold them tight on the car seat.
But with so many options in the market, you might be wondering how to go about it.
Our research and experience indicate that these 11 products are the best dog car seats available in the market.
It’s time for your dog to say goodbye to the risky bumpy rides and hello to a smoother, more comfortable, and more secure car ride.
Our Picks for the Top Dog Car Seats
- It has a unique yet simple design with ultra-comfort for your dog.
- The built-in storage compartment saves the day during a long journey.
- Good design to calm dogs with traveling anxiety.
- High-back design protects your dog during sudden stops.
- Comfortable and safe.
- Extra cushioning during bumpy rides.
- 100% satisfaction guarantee.
- Sturdy construction for large dogs.
- Reinforced walls for a safer ride.
Best Dog Car Seats for Small Dogs
1. Snoozer Pet Products Lookout. Dog & Cat Car Seat
Dimensions: 19 x 17 x 15 inches
Materials: Polyester & Synthetic Fabric
Weight limit: up to 25 pounds
This booster seat from Snoozer is plush and cozy both from the exterior and the interior. The winning point of this product has to be the superfine simulated lamb’s wool interior which guarantees comfort to your furry friend.
It is elevated from the base to give your curious dog a view of the outside world through the car’s windows.
Those two key features make this booster seat a go-to option if your dog is struggling with travel anxiety.
Plus, it includes inbuilt connection straps which address the safety concerns of your traveling companion.
You can simply connect the seat belt to your harnessed dog through the connection tethers to firmly guard your dog in one place during the journey.
This dog booster car seat earns extra points with the included storage compartment tray at the front. This allows you to store your dog’s essentials and conveniently access them during your trip.
With three color options to consider, you can be sure to find the perfect blend for your car seats and interior styling.
What we liked:
- Made with a good quality material that forms a sturdy construction for your bumpy rides.
- The simulated lamb wool interior makes it super comfy for your pet to even nap during longer trips.
- The side edges are raised to an admirable level to prevent your hyperactive pup from risking a jump.
What we didn’t like:
- The sides can be flimsy to hold a stronger pup.
- The interior wool material sheds off easily.
2. Snoozer Pet Products Luxury Lookout
Dimensions: 30 x 19 x 17 inches
Material: Polyester & Synthetic Fabric
Weight limit: up to 18 pounds
The snoozer pet products lookout is made with a soft cover material and a push pillow to give your dog extra comfort during the journey.
The outer material is removable and washable to ensure your dog finds a clean place to seat on every trip in the car.
You can secure your dog in this seat by harnessing them and attaching to the seat belt through the included connection strap. This secure fit will also hold your dog in place during sudden braking.
With the elevated base design, you can be sure to give a dog with travel anxiety a glaring view through the windows without hanging from the headrest.
Are you planning a long journey? This dog car seat got your furry friend covered because it includes a handy storage compartment for their treats and toys. There’s no need to carry a separate bag for your dog’s favorite goodies.
If you are driving on rough terrain, you can secure your furry passenger to the seat by fastening the belt and harnessing them to the included straps.
What we liked:
- It has a unique yet simple design with ultra-comfort for your dog.
- The built-in storage compartment saves the day during a long journey.
- Good design to calm dogs with traveling anxiety.
What we didn’t like:
- The sides of the dog seat are not very sturdy. They can easily be damaged by an active dog.
3. K&H Pet Products Bucket Booster Dog & Cat Car Seat
Dimensions: 24 x 14.5 x 16 inches
Materials: Polyester, Synthetic Fabric
The K&H Pet Products Bucket Booster is a perfect solution for pet parents who want to offer their canine friends a rugged car seat. This is a good option for outdoor adventure enthusiasts who would love to go camping with their dogs.
This booster features a base elevation that will ensure your lovely pup sees the surroundings as they go. The plush fleece interior speaks to the comfort your dog needs when traveling in this booster.
The designers at K&H made this product with a flexible appeal to take care of your pet’s safety and cater to their comfort.
Speaking of design, the product has been well countered to perfectly rest on your car’s seat and buckles up with the seat belt for added safety.
This booster seat also includes clip tethers that attach to your dog’s harness to ensure a safer way of traveling. The polyester and synthetic fabric construction makes it both durable and machine-washable.
What we liked:
- The booster is well-built and very easy to install on your car seats.
- The camo print design on the exterior will perfectly blend in with outdoor adventures & it can also be used outside the car to give your dog some rest while camping.
What we didn’t like:
- It has no storage compartment yet the product is thoughtfully designed for outdoor activities.
4. Pet Gear Dog & Cat Bucket Seat Booster
Dimensions: 17 x 12 x 11 inches
Materials: Polyester, Plastic & Synthetic Fabric
Pet Gear designers have made this booster seat with a bucket design that compliments your car’s interior without taking up too much space on the seats.
You have 3 color options to choose from here and we specifically loved the one in brown and jaguar imprints on the interior deck. It brings out that jungle feeling when traveling with your dog.
Pet Gear’s approach was to give your pet a view of the surroundings by elevating the bottom of the seats with two sturdy stands.
If you have an anxious pet, they will love it here because they’re not hanging from the headrest or through the window.
A dog car seat cannot be complete without proper comfort and security for your pup. It has a tether that connects to your pup’s harness and a bottom space to fasten the seat belt.
The lush pillow surface of the booster seat doubles as a cozy sleeping spot, and it can easily be removed for cleaning.
What we liked:
- This booster features a compact design and lightweight design that makes it flexible for many car options.
- The construction is not only practical but also beautifully designed to complement your car’s interior styling.
What we didn’t like:
- The raised platform on the sides is short and could be limiting for some dogs.
5. Pet Gear Signature Dog & Cat Car Seat & Carrier Bag
Dimensions: 19 x 12.5 x 12 inches
Materials: Mesh & Synthetic Fabric
Weight limit: up to 20 pounds
This is yet another product from Pet Gear that offers a versatile and convenient solution for the planned trip with your furry friend.
The front, sides, and top zippered mesh windows will allow the flow of air in and out of the interior deck to keep your pooch ventilated.
If your dog is eager to see the surroundings, you can open the top window and let them pop out to have a view through the window.
You should not be worried about escape artists because you can harness them to the interior tether to improve their safety.
This signature car seat also comes with rear storage compartments that provide extra pocket space for your dog’s favorite items, such as toys, treats, or water bottles.
This car seat doubles up as a convenient carrier bag. When you arrive at your destination, you can simply unbuckle the seat belt and carry your dog with the bag. This utility is perfect for taking sick dogs to the vet for check-ups or treatment.
What we liked:
- The flexible and 2-in-1 design allows you to take your pet anywhere.
- This dog car seat is collapsible hence offering easy storage when not in use.
- The meshed sides and window provide adequate ventilation for your dog when napping inside the carrier bag.
What we didn’t like:
- The straps are not adjustable on the larger carrier and the seat belts are low and a bit short.
- The carrier sits flat on the car seat hence not offering elevation for your dog. This might be limiting for small pups who love peeping through the window.
6. HDP Deluxe Lookout Dog, Cat & Small Animal Booster Car Seat
Dimensions: 14.2 x 14.2 x 9 inches
Materials: Polyester & Synthetic Fabric
Weight limit: up to 20 pounds
The HDP Deluxe Lookout booster is designed to take your furry friend for a comfortable ride with safety in mind.
This booster seat can be hung from the headrest to satisfy your dog’s desire to peep through the window. You can also place it flat on the seat when your furry friend is taking a nap during the trip.
The adjustable straps can easily attach to the back passenger seat of most vehicles and it gives you the option to decide how high your pup will be.
You will also get a safety strap included in this booster that attaches to the harness or collar to prevent your active pup from jumping out.
HDP has furnished this booster seat with a metal frame that keeps it from collapsing and it is decked with a padded bottom that offers a comfortable ride.
The front part has some extra pockets to store poop bags, treats, or small toys for your pup. You have the latitude to bring everything you need for a stress-free trip without an additional bag.
What we liked:
- You can complement your car’s interior styling with any of the 4 color options and a thoughtful design.
- The storage compartments will help you to gather all your dog’s favorite goodies and essential items in one place for a smooth ride.
What we didn’t like:
- Might be a little flimsier when holding hyperactive dogs
7. TRIXIE Dog Car Booster Seat
Dimensions: 12.5 x 13 x 3.5 inches
Materials: Polyester & Synthetic Fabric
Weight limit: up to 20 pounds
Some pet owners prefer something simple they can pop onto their car seats to secure their dogs for a ride.
This booster seat from Trixie offers just that by emulating a minimal design with raised edges and an elevated base.
Plus, it offers a convenient storage compartment at the front to keep your pup’s essentials during the journey.
A key stand-out feature of this booster seat is the cozy interior which allows your dog to get comfortable while inside and take a quick nap on long trips.
While Fido does that, you can secure their stay by harnessing them and attaching them to the included tether for additional safety. Don’t forget to utilize the seat belt buckle to keep the booster in place while cruising the freeway with your doggo.
Your dog can now move past the bumpy spots on the road with a smooth lift thanks to the sturdy design aspect of this booster.
What we liked:
- The seat is plush and can be used as a napping spot by your puppy when needed.
- It has plenty of room for comfort when used by the right-sized dogs.
- The raised design and elevated base offer a perfect combination for dogs who like peeping out as they travel.
What we didn’t like:
- The buckle of the seat belt is not perfectly reliable for some cars.
Best Dog Car Seats for Medium Dogs
8. Snoozer Pet Products Luxury Microfiber High Back Console Dog & Cat Car Seat
Dimensions: 18 x 16 x 7 inches
Materials: Microfiber & Synthetic Fabric
Weight limit: up to 20 pounds
Some dogs prefer traveling while being close to their owners. While it can be dangerous to do so while putting them on your lap, this is where you might need to consider a console dog seat.
The designers at Snoozer pets understood that the braking effects might take a swipe on your dog’s comfort at the console and therefore made this product with a high back.
It has also been furnished with a non-skid bottom to prevent it from sliding when taking sharp corners on the streets.
The ultimate security feature is the straps that enable you to secure the dog seat on the console lid or seat base.
The luxuriously soft microfiber cover and pad insert are removable and machine washable, making it easy to clean up after a long trip.
These dog seats come in three appealing colors to choose from that will surely blend in with your car’s interior styling and console deck.
What we liked:
- The high-back design acts as a padded bumper for your dog’s back during sudden stops, ensuring they remain comfortable and safer during the trip.
- The thick exterior cushions and microfiber interior provide extra cushioning during bumpy rides.
What we didn’t like:
- May not fit all car models and console sizes.
Caution: Placing your dog on the console of your car increases their risk of injury in the event of an accident. It could also be distracting for some drivers.
9. FAREYY Dog Car Seat for Medium Large Dogs
Dimensions: 35.4’x18.5”x 15.7”
Materials: Oxford cloth
Weight Limit: up to 65 pounds
The FAREYY dog car seat has been made with sturdy stitched, waterproof, durable, and machine-washable materials to provide a reliable solution for traveling with your dog.
The interior surface is made with high-quality and delicate fluff that provides a cozy area for your pet to stay and take a nap for long journeys.
It also protects your dog’s joints from too much pressure on bumpy roads.
Your dog’s safety is the top priority with the FAREYY seat, so they included two adjustable safety belts to keep your pooch secure and in place during the trip.
The bottom of the seats is furnished with non-slip rubber dots which helps to keep the product in place when engaging sudden brakes.
The seats feature an adjustable buckle design and two straps that can be quickly fastened to most car seats.
If you are in for a long journey, your furry passenger will have their supplies stored in the storage pockets on the side of their seats. Talk of convenience!
What we liked:
- The materials are plush and comfortable for your dog to enjoy log and bumpy rides with you.
- The interior space is roomy enough to accommodate 2 dogs.
What we didn’t like:
- The construction can be flimsy when holding hyperactive pets.
10. A4Pet Pet Dog Car Seat for Medium Dogs and Large Dogs
Dimensions: 29 x 16 x 14 inches
Materials: Oxford cloth
Weight limit: up to 300 pounds
One of the standout features of the A4Pet dog car seat is its detachable liner. The liner is made of high-quality oxford cloth which can be easily detached and replaced with the plush inner lining. You will now have the oxford cloth for the Spring/Summer while plush for Autumn/Winter.
This helps in providing a comfortable traveling environment for your dog in and out of season.
For your dog’s security, this seat includes safety ropes to hold it in place and prevent sliding in case of emergency braking.
You will also find a safety belt ring to fasten the seat on your car to help keep your dog secure and prevent unnecessary movements.
This booster seat can be installed at the rear passenger’s seat within minutes and your dog will be ready to hop in and enjoy their ride.
The manufacturer made this dog car seat to be multifunctional hence you can use it in your home when you’re not hitting the road with Fido.
What we liked:
- It is sturdy, comfy, and safe for your pet to ride in.
- It offers a detachable liner to ensure your dog stays comfortable throughout the year.
What we didn’t like:
- The dog seat is too large and might occupy a huge chunk of space at the rear. This could be unsettling if you have a back passenger.
11. Wuglo Extra Stable Dog Car Seat
Dimensions: 22.83 x 29.53 x 14.17 inches
Weight Limit: 40 pounds
The Wuglo Extra Stable Dog Car Seat is the perfect solution to keep your dog secure during a trip. The product is wide and has double straps that attach to both the front and back headrests.
The wall construction is reinforced with four horizontal and four vertical bars and includes adjustable safety belts & anchoring to keep your pup firmly in place.
It is furnished with waterproof material all around so you don’t need to worry about your pup’s potty accident spilling on your car’s flooring.
One huge selling point for this dog seat is the roomy interior. You can host your large dog comfortably at the back without worrying about them disturbing you.
What we liked:
- The manufacturer offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee to their customers.
- Sturdy construction for large dogs.
- The reinforced walls make it more secure for the dog to enjoy the ride.
What we didn’t like:
- The interior lining might not be comfortable for some dogs and especially during longer trips. You might need to add a pillow to enhance comfort.
Are Dog Car Seats a Good Idea?
It is definitely a good idea to get dog car seats if you have small or medium-sized dogs and puppies.
If you own a large or giant breed, then you may not need a dog car seat. Such dogs can comfortably sit on the main car seats and enjoy the views through the windows as you drive.
Car seat covers or dog car belts are better options for large-breed dogs. They allow them space to get comfortable with enough room to enjoy the car ride.
Benefits Of Using Dog Car Seats
The benefits of using a dog car seat can never be overstated. This accessory works to ensure that you and your tabby arrive at your destination in good time, secured, and with the best experience possible.
Here are some of the key reasons why you should buy a dog car seat:
1. Secures your dog
Dog car seats are designed to protect your furry friend while in your car during a trip. They provide a raised platform to keep your dog in place as they cruise the streets with you.
When dogs are left alone in the back seat with all the space to roam, they could jump into the front section and distract you. This disruption can significantly affect your driving and you might lose focus on the road ahead of you.
A dog car seat will keep your traveling buddy in a comfortable space, allowing them to relax and enjoy the journey with you.
Find out other ways you can secure your dog in a car when traveling.
2. Enhances comfort for your dog
Your car seats can be very secure, premium, and comfortable, but that is for you and other human passengers!
Car manufacturers did not design the car seats to securely accommodate our pets on their own. They could get the job done but your dog might have to keep up with the bumps and all the tossing that comes with sudden braking.
But with a dog car seat, things don’t have to be that way. You can enhance your pup’s comfort by offering them a pet-friendly seat to guarantee them a smooth ride even on rough terrain.
Most car seats for dogs are furnished with cushions, paddings, and other comfortable features that help your dog get cozy.
3. Protect your car’s upholstery
If you have a heavy chewer who also sheds a lot, then you know how difficult it can be to maintain your car seats and clean them.
A dog car seat will protect your car’s upholstery from trapping your dog’s fur and safeguard the seats from their sharp teeth and nails as well.
4. Better views for small dogs
A trip with your furry friend doesn’t have to be boring for them. You can give your small furry passenger a view of the outside world by providing them with a seat that elevates them.
This will help in keeping them busy as you focus on arriving at your destination.
5. Reduces motion sickness in puppies
If your young pooch is prone to motion ‘car’ sickness, then placing them in a dog car seat can help reduce this common problem.
Make sure to anchor the seat well so that you keep your puppy secured and oriented to face forward during the journey.
Don’t miss taking your puppy to the vet because of the vestibular confusion associated with passing scenery. Avoid that by getting a dog car seat today!
So, whether you are dashing to the grocery store, or going for a round trip across the park, having a dog car seat can make all the difference if you are tagging along with your furry friend.
What To Look for When Buying a Dog Car Seat
You should always try to get a dog car seat with the features you desire for your furry friend. Whether they are puppies, active, or docile pets, getting the best-suited accessories will help them feel part of the journey.
The following are some of the key features you need to keep in mind when shopping for a dog car seat:
1. Type of the seat
There are three common booster types that you will find for dog car seats.
- Headrest dog seat – these are the elevated dog car seats that are attached to the headrest of your car seats.
- Elevated base – These have a sturdy base that raises the platform that carries your furry friend.
- Non-elevated – The dog car seats are placed directly on the car seat to give your dog a soft cushion. They are more suited for medium-sized dogs and puppies of large dogs.
You need to work out which dog booster car seat will work well for your pet.
2. Size of the seat
Always get a seat that matches the size of your dog considering their height and weight. The seat should be large enough to comfortably accommodate your traveling buddy without restraining them.
A very large seat will give your dog the free room to jump from the seat and this might be dangerous for them. A very small one will not give your dog the desired space to feel comfortable during the journey.
3. Attachment mechanism
How do you want your desired dog car seat to attach to your car? There are several ways to achieve this. The most common attachment option is the dog car seat with straps that are placed on the headrest of your car seat.
You should look for a product that has adjustable straps. This will help you in determining how elevated you want them to be during the trip.
4. Ease of cleaning
We all want a dog car seat made with materials that are easy to clean. If you have an active dog, then you might have to put up some dirt in the seat during the journey back.
If you are traveling with a puppy who has not been potty trained, then they could easily have an accident within the seat.
Getting a product with removable covers that can be washed in a machine will help in guaranteeing your active dog a clean cruising experience every time.
5. Durability
Your desired dog car seat should be made with durable materials that can withstand the wear and tear of everyday use.
If your dog is a heavy chewer, we recommend that you go for the most durable dog seat made with strong materials that cannot easily be torn.
6. Safety features
Our car seats have all the safety features according to the relevant laws. Why not have the same for our furry passengers?
You should look for a dog car seat that includes safety features to guarantee them a smooth ride.
Handy features like a dog seat belt, secured construction, and crash testing certifications will help keep your dog safe during the journey.
FAQs About Dog Car Seats
1. Are Dog Car Seats Safe?
Yes, dog car seats are considered to be safe as long as they are properly designed and used in the right way.
Fast the dog’s seat on your car seat, harness them, and have them secured with a seat belt to improve their safety while traveling in a dog car seat.
To be sure you are getting the right item, we recommend that you only buy the seats that have been tested and certified for safety ratings.
This review has included the seats that have safety features for your dog.
2. Where is the Safest Place for a Dog in the Car?
The back passenger seat is the safest place to have your dog in the car.
In the unlucky event of an accident, the back seat has crumple zones that deform/crash after absorbing the impact from both the front and the cargo area.
3. Should You Tether a Dog in a Car?
We generally don’t recommend tethering a dog in a car because it restricts their movement. This could turn out to be ugly in case of an accident.
You should instead opt to use a dog car seat or car seat cover when planning to travel with your dog because they provide a friendly environment for them.
4. How do I Make My Dog Feel Secure in the Car?
You can make your dog feel secure in the car by providing them with a dog car seat. You can also use a doggy harness and seat belt to keep them in place as you drive along rough terrain.
Providing your doggo with items such as toys and playing calming music during the trip could also help in making them feel secure.
5. How to Keep Your Dog Safe in a Car Crash
You can help keep your dog safe during a car crash by using properly designed dog car seats or car seat covers with safety features during the journey.
Harnessing them in place and using a doggy seat belt will also ensure that your furry friend doesn’t sustain serious injuries during an accident.
We also recommend that you look for products that have been crash-tested and certified for safety to guarantee your pup a secure trip.
To Conclude
Car seats for dogs provide a great space to keep your furry friend safe and comfortable while on the road. We hope that you found a product that will serve you and your pup.
You should have your dog in mind when shopping for the best dog car seats and get the product that suits them most before considering other factors.
Safety and comfort should be top of your list when looking for dog car seats.
If you’re looking for other dog products, make sure to check our top picks here.
Laura is the founder of Furs'n'Paws. She is a also a pet writer and expert with more than 20 years of experience of working with dogs and cats. She developed a very strong love for animals at a young age. Her passion led her to establish a thriving pet sitting and dog walking business in Dubai. As an expert in pet training, behavior, and nutrition, Laura is committed to helping pet owners and pet lovers by offering high-quality information on a wide range of topics.
No responses yet