Best Dog Car Seats: Keep Your Pup Comfortable and Contained
These products make traveling more enjoyable for canines.
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Your dog is a member of the family and, as such, you probably want to take it everywhere with you. It is crucial to make sure that your dog is safe and comfortable when traveling on car trips. Getting the best dog car seat will keep your dog in a safe space, preventing it from being nervous or overstimulated while traveling.
Traveling with a dog isn't always easy, but if you have the best dog car seat in your vehicle, it can make trips more pleasurable. Dog car seats are designed to contain small, medium, and large pooches, which limits distractions when you're behind the wheel. Instead of keeping your pup on your lap, which can be dangerous, simply attach the dog’s harness to a car seat in the front or back of your vehicle.
These dog car seats are meant to prevent car sickness, protect your seats from dirt, and keep your furry companion content while you drive to your destination. These seats are not designed to provide safety in the event of an accident. For that, you need to purchase a dog seat belt or harness. The purpose of a dog car seat is to provide a comfortable spot for canines to hang out, look out the window, sleep, and relax when you're traveling.
BurgeonNest Dog Car Seat for Small Dogs
- Comfortable
- Washable
- Easy to install
- Storage pockets
- Not for larger dogs
- Adjusting buckles can be a challenge
Premier Pet Car Booster Seat for Small Dogs
- Affordable
- Easy to install
- Large storage pocket
- Leash attaches to harness
- Bottom is not super sturdy
- May not sit as closely to window as you’d like
K&H Pet Products Bucket Booster Pet Seat
- Securely buckles in using the car’s seat belt
- Easy to clean
- Gives dogs a good window view
- Strap isn’t the best quality
- No pockets
Our Methodology
I took many factors into consideration when compiling this list of the best dog car seats. First, I made sure to include options for dogs of all sizes. While dog car seats are typically favored by owners of smaller breeds, there are some brands that also accommodate medium- and large-sized canines. I made sure to include products in a range of prices to suit a variety of budgets.
I also looked at how comfortable the seats were, how much visibility they provided for the pet occupant, and how durable the materials were. In addition, I included different types of seats, from fully-enclosed options to suspended seats for tiny breeds to seats that perch in the center console. Finally, I checked user feedback to see how these dog car seats perform in real-world conditions. For more information about our methodology, go here.
Best Dog Car Seats Reviews & Recommendations
Specs
- Brand:BurgeonNest
- Size:21.65 x 19.68 x 9.84 x 13.78 inches
- Weight capacity: 25 pounds
Pros
- Strap keeps pet inside
- Comfortable cushioning
- Washable
- Adjustable buckles
Cons
- Adjusting the buckles can be tough at first
- Not designed for dogs over 25 pounds
Specs
- Brand:Premier Pet
- Size:14.08 x 3.02 x 12.09 Inches
- Weight capacity:10 pounds
Pros
- Unobstructed view out the window
- Leash attaches to dog’s harness
- Easy to install
- Pocket for storage
Cons
- Seat bottom may sink under animal’s weight
- May not get as close to the window as you’d like
Specs
- Brand:K&H Pet Products
- Size:22 x 20 x 16 inches
- Weight capacity:N/A
Pros
- Easy to install
- Large fits two small dogs
- Stays firmly in place
- Washable
Cons
- Strap isn’t the best quality
- No pockets
Specs
- Brand:K&H Pet Products
- Size:21 x 19 x 19 inches
- Weight capacity:No weight limit
Pros
- Easy to install and remove
- Mesh sides for ventilation and a better view
- Accommodates large dogs
- Folds flat for storage
Cons
- Can be tough to put large dogs into the seat
- Only works in the back seat
Specs
- Brand:Pet Gear
- Size:24 x 17 x 6.6 inches
- Weight capacity:N/A
Pros
- Carrier and seat combo
- Lid can stay open or closed
- Mesh sides for airflow
- Tether attaches to harness
- Washable cushion
Cons
- Heavy
- Pricey
Specs
- Brand:Snoozer
- Size:Small: 15 x 8.5 x 6 inches; Large: 19 x 12 x 7 inches
- Weight capacity:Up to 7 pounds (small) and 12 pounds (large)
Pros
- Pet sits in front right next to the driver
- Several colors available
- Sherpa lining for comfort
Cons
- Takes up elbow room
- Straps and clip aren’t the best quality
Specs
- Brand: N/A
- Size:15.75 x 11.81 x 9.84 inches
- Weight capacity: 15 pounds
Pros
- Easy to install
- Inexpensive
- Mesh sides provide ventilation and a better view
- Zippered storage pockets
Cons
- Designed for very small dogs
- May require a pillow for small dogs to see out the window
- Can lose its shape over time
Our Verdict
My top pick is the BurgeonNest Dog Car Seat for Small Dogs. It's moderately priced, accommodates canines up to 25 pounds, and is easy to install. The cushion is machine washable and comfortable for long drives. For a more budget-friendly option, consider the Premier Pet Car Booster Seat for Small Dogs.
Things to Consider Before Buying Dog Car Seats
Size
Many dog car seats accommodate smaller breeds, so it shouldn't be difficult to find a good one if you have a Chihuahua, pug, terrier, or toy dog breed. It can be challenging, however, to find the right product for medium- and larger-sized canines. Make sure to check the weight capacity and dimensions to see if the dog car seat is compatible with your particular pet. Also, read consumer feedback to see what kinds of dogs can use it comfortably.
Type
There are several different types of dog car seats. Many double as "boosters" that provide some height for your pup so he or she can see with unobstructed views outside of the window. These seats typically perch on the back seat of a vehicle and are often strapped to the headrest. Some dog car seats, designed for the smallest pups, suspend from the seat. Others are designed to sit in the center console. Still more are seat/carrier combos that have lids. The type you choose depends on the size of your dog, whether the pup can tolerate a cage-like seat, and where in your vehicle you want to put the product.
Dog Car Seats Pricing
Budget-friendly dog car seats run the gamut from $25 to $40. Those on the lower end of this spectrum are typically designed for the smallest dogs and are generally not as durably built as more premium options. They may not provide much, if any, cushioning, or last as long as higher-end products. More expensive dog car seats are made with better materials and are designed to last. These items tend to be washable and have strong tethers, clips, and buckles.
FAQs
You’ve got questions. The Drive has answers.
Q: What is the safest way to have a dog in a car?
A: To protect humans in a crash, dividers and crates are a good way to keep canines from flying around the cabin. To protect the dog, a harness is a good option to keep him restrained and prevent him from bouncing around during an accident.
Q: How do I choose a car dog seat?
A: First, check the weight capacity and dimensions to make sure the seat can accommodate the type of dog you have. Then decide whether you want a booster seat, console seat, enclosed seat, etc.
Q: Do I need a car seat for my dog?
A: Dog car seats often elevate the canine so he or she can see out of the window. This can help if the pup experiences car sickness. These seats keep the dog off of your lap, which can be dangerous when you're driving.
Why Trust Us
Our reviews are driven by a combination of hands-on testing, expert input, “wisdom of the crowd” assessments from actual buyers, and our own expertise. We always aim to offer genuine, accurate guides to help you find the best picks.
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