Dogs have become a part and parcel of the everyday lives of their owners to the extent that taking them out sometimes requires more than just a leash or pet sling. For transporting a dog in a car, the best way to curb their energetic tendencies is to have them nicely strapped into a good old dog car seat. Yes, these helpful contraptions are not just for human babies and they are available in abundance out on the market. The gift of choice can be a burden though, so here are some of the best dog car seats to choose from.
Dogs are fun and energetic creatures, but sometimes that energy can prove to be counterproductive and best believe one of those moments occurs in a moving car. With a great pet car seat like the K&H Pet Products Bucket Booster Pet Seat, car rides can become a lot safer and ultimately more enjoyable for your furry little friend. Its versatility allows for it to be placed in either the front or back seat and the fact that it is incredibly easy to install makes it a great choice altogether.
The overall design of this dog car seat features a sturdy 600-denier fabric exterior and its interior is lined with a plush quilted fleece that will keep your pet as comfortable as can be. For further convenience, it is available in two sizes and colors.
Has an adjustable security leash
Fits in both the front and back seat
Fitted with a removable and washable cover
Elevates the dog
It is roomy
Secures the dog effectively
It is not suspended off the headrest with space hanging beneath it like other models
Tether connected to the fabric, not the frame of the seat
Not suitable for cars with bucket seats
Not particularly sturdy
There are no rules against car rides being fun and safe at the same time especially when a furbaby is in the mix. To this effect, the best possible way to secure your pet is by using a great pet car seat such as the AmazonBasics Pet Booster Seat. With this bucket-style booster seat, drivers can keep their eyes on the road while their fur babies are either beside them or comfortably in the back seat. With its efficient and elevated design, your pet can enjoy the view in a safe and secure environment, trips to the grocery store or the vet just got a lot more interesting.
Concerning the overall design of this dog car booster seat itself, it is made of a long-lasting oxford fabric which runs along its sides and bottoms. It is also covered with a comfy flannel plush top.
Fitted with an adjustable security leash
Can be placed in both the back and front seat
Machine washable
Made of durable oxford fabric
Extremely comfortable
It is sturdy in the car
The cover zips off for easy cleaning
Leash clip is not attached to the seat itself
It is smaller than advertised
Flimsy seat cover
What is better than a comfortable and effective pet booster seat? A pet booster seat that doubles as a pet bed, with this your pet can enjoy car time and bedtime using the same booster seat. All this and more can easily be found in the A4Pet Lookout Dog Booster Car Seat. This seat is large enough for big and medium sized dogs weighing up to 300 lbs because they deserve to get in on that fun car action. In this dog booster seat, your fur babies can enjoy a better view as the world flies by outside the car window thanks to the fact that it is raised 6.5 inches above the car seat.
For the security of your pet, there is a security leash, two set belt loops and a sling included, so you can rest assured that they are adequately restrained while you keep your eye on the road.
Suited for large dogs
It is foldable and washable
Secure and sturdy for pets
Doubles as a pet bed
It is a reversible seat
Easy to stow away
Fitted with a leash clip attached to the seat
Wobbly while in the car seat
The strap is incredibly thin
Smaller than expected
Sometimes, all the straps present on a pet booster seat can complicate issues beyond imagination. Based on that, the Pet Gear Lookout Booster Car Seat is not just a comfortable and efficient option, it is the go-to option for anyone on the lookout for simplicity at its best.
It is made of a high-quality foam material which is covered with a microsuede fabric for your pet’s comfort. On the other hand, for the convenience of pet owners, the fabric cover is removable and machine washable. The overall design features a tether that can be attached to your fur baby’s harness in order to ensure their security altogether. The cherry on the top of all this is that this booster seat makes use of the car’s seat belts making it a more secure choice.
Fitted with tethers that can be attached to a pet harness
No need for set up
Easily attached to the car seat
Big enough for two small pets
It is not suspended from the car seat
Tidy design that does not feature any visible straps
It is lightweight yet sturdy
The accompanying tether is hazardous
Its harness holders are too short
Sizing is Inconsistent
The dog booster car seat from Kurgo is an ingenious design that is perfect for puppies and smaller dogs. One of the biggest points of distraction for a dog owner is not having their dog secured in their car. Having your dog with you when you’re driving means that you are constantly checking on them or worrying about them. Not all dogs like cars, so the distressed noises they may make will concern you and take your attention away from the road.
With the Kurgo dog booster seat, you have the option to securely strap your small dog into their own carrier basket so that they’ll stay in one place for the whole journey. They’ll get a great window-side view, instead of being shut in the back of the car away from you, and you just have to turn your head to check on them when they’re up front with you.
Suitable for small dogs up to 20 pounds
Made of a fleece lining and a metal frame
Quick installation with multiple options for your car
Dog seat belt included with the seat
Reduces distracted driving by keeping your dog in one place
Storage pockets for all your doggy accessories
Reversible seat pad
Not suitable for dogs any larger than 30 pounds because of the design restrictions
Only exterior is waterproof
Metal frame is very noticeable through the covering
The comfort a product offers up could make all the difference, especially when it comes to dog car seats. The aim is to keep dogs safe and relatively stationary while their owners are driving; the comfort that the Snoozer Lookout Car Seat offers can achieve this without a hitch.
The interior is made from a plush simulated lamb’s wool that offers up the cozy space your pet needs to thrive while you drive. If convenience is the aim, then this car seat has that front adequately covered as it is fitted with a strap that easily joins the seat belt to the harness. It is such a well-thought out product to the extent that it is available in a range of colors so as to ensure that it matches the seats of most cars.
Wide variety of fabric options
It has a comfortable foam form
Interior made of simulated lamb’s wool
Fitted with a connection strap to join the seat belt to the harness
The height of the seat is perfect
It is large and comfortable
Easy to install
The tether is flimsy
Not suitable for use in the front seat
The plush cover sheds
The view is what makes any ride all the more worth it, all dogs must know this since they are constantly trying to catch a glimpse while their owners drive. With the PetSafe Solvit Pet Safety Seat, your dog can have it all, the view, the comfort, and the safety all wrapped up in one. This seat is well equipped with Safe-T-Core technology which means that it has a sturdy internal structure that works hand-in-hand with the seat belt of your vehicle in order to give your pet the best security possible. It also makes it a lot easier for the seat to be set up in just a few minutes.
The fact that it elevates your pet a whopping 9 inches above the car seat makes it a great choice for pups who like to soak it all in.
It does not need headrests
Comes with a safety tether
Holds up to 30 lb of weight
Boosts pet’s 9 inches above the vehicle seat
Easy to install
It is the perfect height
Great for small dogs
The sizes do not correspond
The strap and clip do not fit on small dogs
Cushioning is not sufficient
For long rides out on the road, a highly comfortable pet car seat is a given, splurging for a comfortable get up like the Cozy Boost Premium Quality Dog Booster Seat is the only way forward. It is fitted with a collapsible silicone dish which makes it the best option for long road trips. Additionally, it has a safety belt which connects to your pet’s harness in order to provide some much-needed restriction while you are busy behind the wheel.
The overall design of this car seat features a heavy-duty metal frame which holds up the entire seat and ensures that it does not collapse once it has been placed in the car seat.
This booster is not only great for pets, but it is also quite convenient for their owners. The water-resistant oxford black fabric used to make it ensures that cleaning it will be no hassle at all .
It is adjustable
Comes with a collapsible silicone dish and a safety clip-on leash
It is water resistant
Easy to set up and take apart
Comfortable for long rides
Easily movable
The bottom is incredibly comfortable
Not great for dogs who move around a lot
The sides are not sturdy
Not too stable on the car seat
Going overboard with the safety of a pet, especially when they are in a moving vehicle is not out of the question. In fact, dog car seats such as the Petsfit Dog Car Booster Seat feature components that continually reinforce the safety of fur babies everywhere. The seat itself can easily double as a doghouse in summer and winter, nevertheless, as a car seat it offers up comfort, safety, and convenience.
With its comfortable inner liner, it offers up an option so soft and plush that your pup will feel at home in no time. The liner is also removable and machine washable, so that is pretty convenient for dog owners too. On the safety end of things, first, it is quite stable as it sits flat on the car seat and it comes with a leash and loops where the seatbelts go through.
It comes with one leash
Machine washable
Suitable for medium sized dogs
Fitted with side pockets for toy and treats
It is great for dogs with long torsos
The seat is a perfect height
Quite easy to install
The leash is weak
Fitted with faulty zippers
Quality does not match the price
Dogs are adorable, but when the facts are faced it mostly points to the fact that they can equally be unruly and untidy, especially while in moving vehicles. Sure, a handful of them are more prone to behave themselves, but the remaining few could greatly benefit from using the GENORTH Dog Car Seat. Not only does this pet car seat offer a secure way to keep your pup safe while you are out on the road, but it also protects your car from dirt.
The sides are high enough to keep your pet stationery, they are made of a breathable mesh that is not just a breeze to clean but are also a great way to make pets feel less restricted. The mesh is held up by metal bars, while the accompanying dog safety belt further keeps them as stationary as they can be. The complimentary blanket is just the finishing touch to give it an all-around warmth.
It is fitted with PVC frame bars to hold the entire structure
Comes with adjustable strap/leash
Easy to install
Complimentary flannel fleece dog blanket included
Easy to clean
Great for anxious dogs
It is adjustable
The sides are flimsy
The safety leash is not so safe
Metal bars are a little too exposed
It may not look like it does much, but when used correctly this could be the ultimate way to ensure that your furry little friend is all strapped in and is safe too in an on-road situation. The PetSafe Solvit Jumbo Pet Safety Seat can easily be all that stands between you, your pet and more wholesome riding experience. Not only does it offer up a safer environment, but it also elevates them so they can enjoy the scenery while their owners drive around. With the help of its Safe-T-Core technology, this pet car seat is equipped with a rigid enough structure to easily work hand-in-hand with the seat belts to keep your pup safe. Additionally, it is incredibly easy to set up, be it in the back or front seat and the attached safety tether has been adequately tested against 2000 lbs.
Has a padded and roomy interior
Works with the vehicles seat belt
It is easy to clean
Tried and tested design
It is big
It has practical and washable covers
Heavyweight carabiner and strap
The walls have no padding
Accompanying pillow is too thin
Hard to assemble
As much as being a small dog has its numerous perks, occasionally a downside to being fun-sized rears its head. For one, car rides can be incredibly uncomfortable without the right seat to make it all better. With a booster seat like the JESPET Dog Booster Seats for Cars, your actual furry little friend can enjoy car time as much as any other dog out there. Besides being as comfortable as can be, this car seat also provides some much-needed elevation so that your pet can enjoy a pleasurable look out the window while confined. Whether it is in the back or the front seat, securing it only takes the use of a standard seat belt, as well as a security leash that will further ensure that your pet does not fall out as you drive along.
Comes with a dog car seat belt
Two adjustable straps; in the seat and headrest
Front pocket for the storage of treats and accessories
Can hold up to 24 lbs of dog weight
It is a great size
Comes fitted with a carry case
Easy to install
The seat cover is too thin
It sways since it is suspended from the seat
The bottom is sturdy yet uncomfortable
For pet parents who love a good old-fashioned ride- along with their fur babies, it is no secret that their comfort factors in quite highly. The first thing that comes to mind when face-to-face with the Snoozer Console Pet Car Seat is how comfortable and cozy it looks altogether, the great news is that it has a lot more to offer. It features an efficient and patented design which makes provision for your pup to enjoy a safe and secure ride while seated right by your side. Though the restraints are as secure as they need to be, there are still provisions made for the comfort of your pet.
For the safety of your pet, it is attached to the console of a given vehicle and comes with a Sherpa interior which has either poly cotton or vinyl fabric donning the exterior.
Fitted with a safety strap
The seat is elevated for up to 3 inches
Comes with a removable cover
Mainly for pets that weigh up to 12 lbs
It is comfortable for both sitting and standing in
High enough for a view out the window
Both large and small sizes available
The straps are a bit too long
Hard to shut the console because of the buckles
Finishing is flawed
A stylish pet booster seat with several size options, the PetSafe seat is great for small dogs and puppies that need to take a ride in your car. The pet basket, itself, it secured to the headrest of your passenger seat using a adjustable strap that is attached to the carrier. It’s possible to install this dog booster seat on any seat inside your car, as long as there’s a headrest that the straps can be fitted to.
There’s a seat belt loop on the side of the carrier for extra security, and a storage pocket at the front with a zip for easier access to any dog accessories or treats that you have along with you. The size of the basket is perfect for smaller dog breeds, offering them safety during their car ride. In addition, the interior can be removed, washed, and put straight back into the seat once it’s dried.
Suitable for dogs up to 25 pounds
Made of quilted micro-suede and quilted plaid with a metal frame
Padded interior
Internal harness attachment
Can be installed in just one minute
Removeable internal liner
Storage pocket
Only suitable for small dogs and puppies
Headrest necessary for installation
May need more support under the carrier
Dog size has and will probably always be an issue when looking to purchase a good car booster seat, thankfully, there are a plethora of choices out there for small and big canines alike. The Kurgo Skybox Car Booster Seat is perfect for small dogs who weigh up to 30 pounds altogether. The fact that it is fitted with a metal frame for support also means that it is collapsible when not in use, so there are no storage concerns whatsoever.
Additionally, it is quite easy to install on literally any seat in the car, except the driver’s seat and while strapped in. You can rest assured that your pup is secure thanks to the accompanying adjustable dog seat belt which is tetherable to any harness. Thanks to the storage pockets on the sides, you can easily bring some toys and treats along for your furry little friend while you enjoy some time on the road together.
It is waterproof
Comes with a dog seat belt
No actual assembly is required
It can hold dogs that weigh up to 30 pounds
Suitable for dogs with long bodies
It is stable
Easily adjustable
Does not work on large car seats
Sizing inconsistencies
There is not enough cushioning
Seeing as making the wrong choice when it comes to dog car seats can have catastrophic results, perhaps this is not much of a head or tails moment. Proper research needs to be done and to that effect, here are some much-needed pointers.
One of the topmost reasons for buying a dog car seat is to ensure that your dog is safe while you are driving, so if safety concerns arise then that product is practically useless. Look out for any issues with the straps, and how stable it is when placed or suspended in your car.
It is no secret that dogs come in all shapes and sizes, thus, streamlining your purchase towards the specs of your pup is probably a good idea. Search solely for a car seat within your pet’s weight range, considering the fact that not all dogs stay small forever. Also, consider your pet’s body shape, long or short torso can be a deal breaker.
Seeing as it is a car seat, if it sits well with your dog but cannot be seated well in your car then it might as well be a dog bed. There is a lot of options out there in terms of model and design, so be sure to opt for something that will fit just right.
There are so many materials used to make these, be sure to opt for something that can be cleaned easily. Also, your dog is a biter or a scratcher, look for something that can take that amount of trauma and still come out looking neat.
Dogs are bundles of energy and there is something about some open scenery and fresh air that really gets them going. Just so you can get through a ride without having to watch your pet’s every move or pry them off your lap, getting a good booster seat is necessary.
Just as humans are required to strap on that seat belt for safety reasons, a good and secure car seat could save a dog from worlds of pain and even death in the event of an accident. The road is unpredictable but being strapped in can influence the outcome of events.
Most dogs love to look out the window while the car is on the move. So as to have a better reign on this situation, strap your dog in and concentrate on the road while your dog enjoys the scenery and fresh air within the constraints of their seat.
You may also like our guide on Dog Car Seat Covers.
Since there are different types of car seats, they all require different methods. With a headrest booster seat, they come in a design that wraps around the headrest. Seat belt booster seats, on the other hand, are equipped with loops for seat belts to go through as well as a strap which is to be clipped to your pet’s harness. Console booster seats have a strap underneath that can be attached to the console.
It is all about conditioning your dog to associate the booster seat with positive things. The go-to method is to offer treats or any other rewards your pet may like anytime they sit in it for a while. The key is to pace yourself, ease your pet into it and be sure to reward them anytime they make any progress.
A: This is a special seat meant to keep dogs safe while they are passengers in a moving car.
A: When the car is in motion, it is quite necessary to do so, in order to prevent distractions while driving and to guard against injuries in the event of an accident.
A: It all depends on the effectiveness of the product and if it is well installed. If both of these boxes are ticked, then your dog car seat is considered to be safe.
A: If the purchase is taking place online, then be sure to study the weight limitations religiously as well as the reviews. It is much easier to do this in the store because you can ask for some assistance and narrow down the right size.