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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.
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
Best Overall
BurgeonNest Dog Car Seat for Small Dogs
Best Value
Premier Pet Car Booster Seat for Small Dogs
Honorable Mention
K&H Pet Products Bucket Booster Pet Seat
Best for Larger Dogs
K&H Pet Products Buckle N' Go Dog Car Seat for Pets
Best Seat and Carrier Combo
Pet Gear View 360 Pet Carrier & Car Seat
Best for the Center Console
Snoozer Console Pet Car Seat
Best Waterproof
Waterproof Dog Car Booster Seat
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.
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.
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.
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.
