Dog car seats are an excellent way of preventing you from getting into road accidents due to distracted driving and help in keeping your dog secure during the drive. Nevertheless, finding the best dog car seat can be a challenge due to the number of options available.
That said, we have prepared a quick guide on how to choose and buy the best dog car seat. We have also compiled a list of several products which we believe are the best on the market.
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Last update on 2023-12-04 // The links above are affiliate // Images from Amazon
How to Choose the Best Dog Car Seat
There are several things you need to consider when choosing which dog car seat is the best. The right dog car seat will keep your dog safe and sound while simultaneously keeping them out of your hair while you drive.
They are as follows:
Size
Dogs come in many shapes and sizes, so you would want to get a dog car seat that is proportional to the size of your dog. For larger dogs, you might want to consider a dog car harness or dog seat belt instead.
Ease of Installation
Sometimes, you need the space it takes up; hence, you would want to choose a car seat that can be easily installed and removed should the occasion call for it.
A dog car harness or a dog seat belt is much easier to install and remove, so you might want to consider those, especially if your dog is medium or large-sized.
Ease of Cleaning
You would want something that’s easy to remove and clean. That way, you can keep your car clean and smelling fresh all the time. Removable dog car seat covers are also an excellent way of ensuring that your car seats remain clean even when your dog is on them.
Safety Features
Your dog car seat should be attached securely to your car seat and prevent it from moving around during travel. Moreover, it should have an adjustable leash that can be attached to your dog’s harness to ensure that he’s safely secured during your ride.
11 of the Best Car Seats for Dogs
Kurgo Car Pet Booster Seat for Dogs or Cats
Structurally Sound and Easy to Store
First on the list is the car pet booster seat from Kurgo whose maximum weight capacity of 30 pounds makes it perfect for use with small dogs.
With its quick and easy installation process, the Kurgo seat makes it convenient for you and your dog. Moreover, this dog car seat can be used for both your car’s front seat and back seat, giving you more options on where to place it.
Additionally, it provides added support and structural integrity with its metal frame that can be collapsed for easy and convenient storage. It also comes with a dog seat belt which can be adjusted and attached to any dog harness to ensure that your precious pooch stays securely in his seat during the ride.
However, the Kurgo seat might not be the choice for you if you have a longer or larger dog for space might be a bit cramped for them.
Why We Like It:
- Its collapsible metal frame gives the seat added structural support and integrity while giving you an easy way to store it
- Included dog seat belt to secure your beloved dog in their seat during the drive
What We Don’t Like:
- It is only meant for small and short dogs
Snoozer Lookout Car Seat
For Easily Anxious and Carsick Dogs
Another car seat meant for smaller breeds, the Snoozer Lookout Car Seat can be used by dogs up to 25 pounds. The raised nature of the seat allows your dog to enjoy the sights during your journey, keeping him calm and entertained.
It features a quilted nylon cover that repels hair and can be removed and washed, ensuring that their car seat and your car remain smelling clean and fresh all the time. Moreover, its Sherpa interior lining ensures maximum comfort for your pet by providing warmth during winter and helping them remain cool in summer.
For safety, it includes a security strap to attach the seat belt to your dog’s harness. However, like the first dog car seat, this model can end up being too cramped for larger and longer dogs.
Why We Like It:
- It ensures maximum comfort for your dogs, especially those who get anxious and carsick easily
- The removable cover allows you to keep the seat and your car clean at all times
What We Don’t Like:
- It can fit only small breeds
Solvit Tagalong Pet Booster Seat
Adjustable Height for a Clearer View
The Solvit Tagalong Pet Booster Seat also offers your dog a good view of the outside world. It has a unique design that enables you to hang the seat from the headrest of your car seat while providing ample support underneath.
This gives your dog a good view while remaining comfortable during the journey. Additionally, the polyester oxford body, along with its fleece liner, increases your pet’s comfort while ensuring the seat’s durability. The inner fleece liner can be easily removed and washed to help keep your car clean and odor-free.
It also features a quick installation process through the use of two adjustable headrest straps that can be securely attached in under a minute. The only downside is that it can only be used in cars with headrests.
Why We Like It:
- The adjustable straps enable you to adjust its height according to your or your dog’s preference
- This also gives your dog a better view of the outside
What We Don’t Like:
- The necessity for headrests limits its compatibility
K&H Pet Products Bucket Booster Pet Seat
Quick and Easy Installation
Another booster-type dog seat, the K&H Bucket Booster Pet Seat also gives your dog a better and entertaining view which can be calming for him throughout the ride.
This dog car seat was designed to fit both your front and back seat to give you more options on where to place it. Moreover, it can easily and quickly be installed or uninstalled, enabling you to remove it when you need the additional space. It is securely attached via your car seatbelt which is then hidden underneath the removable cushion.
It is made of a durable fabric exterior and a comfortable fleece interior that ensures maximum comfort. The car seat’s cover can also be removed and washed, something that will help keep your car clean and odor-free. It comes with two fully adjustable leashes that securely attaches to their harness to help keep them safe in their seat.
However, this car seat can take quite a bit of space so if you prefer otherwise, then this might not be the model for you.
Why We Like It:
- It’s easy to install and remove
- The adjustable leashes ensure that your pet is secure in their seat the whole time
What We Don’t Like:
- It can take too much space in your car
Petsfit Dog Car Booster Seat for Medium to Large Dogs with 2 Tethers
Accommodates 2 Small Dogs or 1 Larger Dog
The Petsfit Dog Car Booster Seat is a booster-style car seat that’s solid and stable enough to handle medium-sized dogs of up to 45 pounds. This is due to its design wherein the seatbelt goes through its back. Aside from that, it has an adjustable strap that attaches to the headrest to increase stability.
It is also spacious enough to accommodate not just a medium-sized dog but also another smaller dog. The inclusion of 2 tethers allows you to secure them to their seats. It’s also versatile because you can use it as a dog bed when not in use as a car seat. The plush inner lining is comfortable enough for this. Moreover, it’s easy to clean due to its removable and washable nature.
However, since it is meant to accommodate two dogs or one large dog, it takes up quite the space in your backseat, leaving little to no room for anything else.
Why We Like It:
- It can accommodate two small dogs or one large dog
- It has a solid and stable structure
- It is comfortable enough for use as a dog bed
What We Don’t Like:
- It takes too much space in the backseat
Snoozer Luxury High Back Console Pet Car Seat
Keeps Your Pet Near You at All Times
The Snoozer Luxury High Back Console Pet Car Seat is designed for use on your car’s console. This allows your pet to sit in front and keep them with you at all times. It’s designed to be attached to your seat’s base and console’s lid, ensuring that the car seat and your dog are secure.
Added security features include a safety strap that attaches to your pet’s harness, a high-back design to keep them from jumping out, and a non-skid bottom to keep them safe in case of a sudden stop.
Its cover and inner pad can be removed and washed, allowing you to keep your car free of pet hair and dirt. However, this car seat is on the more expensive end price-wise.
Why We Like It:
- Its high-back design keeps your dog from jumping out
- The non-skid bottom and secure attachment prevent it from dislodging in case of a sudden stop
What We Don’t Like:
- It is more expensive compared to others
PetSafe Solvit Jumbo Pet Safety Seat for Dogs
Comfortable and Spacious
The PetSafe Solvit Jumbo Pet Safety Seat is designed to accommodate dogs of up to 35 pounds while still having enough room to move around.
Its unique design adds 9 more inches above your car seat to give your dog the best view possible. Unlike the others, this car seat doesn’t need to be attached to headrests, though it’s still easy to assemble. It also comes with a safety tether that has been thoroughly tested which keeps your pet secure in their seat.
For easy cleaning, its liner is removable and can be washed often to keep your car smelling fresh. However, it doesn’t have as much padding, thereby lessening its comfort aspect.
Why We Like It:
- Its design doesn’t require headrests
- It also adds 9 more inches to give your pooch a better view
What We Don’t Like:
- It doesn’t have enough padding to keep your dog comfortable for long trips
Pet Gear View 360 Pet Carrier & Car Seat for Small Dogs
Perfect For Pets Who Want To Be Transported In Style
The Pet Gear View 360 is an excellent transport option for smaller dogs, particularly the most anxious ones. With it’s well-considered features and ease-of-use, it could be the perfect addition to your out-of-the-house adventures with your pooch.
The star feature of the carrier seat is the fact that it allows your pet to see all around them, with a mesh material covering most of the product. As a carrier you simply place the pet inside and pull over the canopy, which can be secured in three different positions. You can also tether them with their harness inside the carrier for even more security. Once you’re ready to let your pet out, you just push a button and you have instant access to your pet.
Pet owners will love how easy this product is to use. It is collapsible for easy transportation and storage. It also contains a washable liner, and attaches to a car seat in seconds without any tools. The fact you can load your pet inside the home and then take them to the car is also really handy if your pet is a bit of a flight risk.
Why We Like It:
- Very easy to use
- Allows the pet 360-degree view
- Attaches to the car seat in seconds
- Carrier and car seat in one
What We Don’t Like:
- May not be suitable for pets who vigorously chew
- Is not as sturdy as other types of car carrier
Devoted Doggy Deluxe Dog Booster Car Seat
Comfortable with an Unobstructed View
The Devoted Doggy Deluxe Dog Booster Car Seat is designed for small and medium-sized dogs of up to 15 pounds. It provides enough room for your dog to stand, sit, or even lie down while giving him an unobstructed view of what’s outside.
For durability, it is also built with a sturdy metal frame that’s wrapped in soft canvas and comes with complete lining and soft padding that ensures your pet’s ultimate comfort. Its installation process is quick and easy, making it convenient to install and remove. The liner can also be easily pulled out for washing when it’s time for a cleaning.
Its safety features include a clip-on leash that provides a custom fit that adds to your pup’s comfort. The only downside with it is it offers little space for bigger dogs.
Why We Like It:
- It comes with full lining and soft padding for optimal comfort
- It’s easy and quick to install
What We Don’t Like:
- It isn’t an option for dogs larger and heavier than 15 pounds
Perfect for Long Trips
If you’re looking for a dog car seat for your upcoming road trip, then the Stella and Bear Cozy Premium Booster Seat is a perfect choice. It was designed with those types of trips in mind.
It’s made of water-resistant and washable materials for easy cleaning in case of a spilling accident. It also has a collapsible metal frame that makes it easy to store when not in use. Additionally, it can be attached to either your passenger or back seat, depending on your preference. Its hanging design makes it easy to adjust. This helps calm and entertain dogs who are prone to anxiety or motion sickness.
The large space can accommodate not only your pup but also additional pillows or blanket to keep them cozy during those long drives. However, because of its basket-type design, you will need to pick up and place your dog in the car seat.
Why We Like It:
- It has a collapsible design that makes it easy to fold and store
- It’s made of water-resistant materials that can be washed in case of accidents or spills
- It’s spacious enough to keep your pet comfortable during those long trips
What We Don’t Like:
- It doesn’t give your dog the option to simply hop in or get out when needed
AmazonBasics Pet Car Booster Bucket Seat
Perfect for Distraction-free Driving
The AmazonBasics Pet Car Booster Bucket Seat not only gives your dog a good view, but it also helps you keep focused on the road. It’s designed to fit either the passenger or back seat, allowing you to choose where to place your pup.
It’s made of a high-quality and durable fabric that can be machine-washed and gives your pet the ultimate comfort. The tall sides and adjustable security leash keep your pet secure in his seat while the low front makes it easy for him to hop in or out. This sleek and stylish car seat can be installed easily with your car’s existing seatbelt straps.
The only downside is that the cover is flimsier compared to the others.
Why We Like It:
- It is made of high-quality materials that make it durable and long-lasting
- It secures your pet in one place for distraction-free driving
- It can be attached using existing seatbelt straps
What We Don’t Like:
- Its seat cover is flimsier compared to other car seats
FAQs
Q: Why is it important to use a dog car seat?
A: Using a dog car seat, a dog car harness, or a dog car seat belt not only ensures the safety of your dog but yours as well. This is because keeping your dog secure in one place helps you be less distracted and keep your focus on the road.
Q: How do dog car seats work?
A: Dog car seats are like child car seats or seatbelts for adults. They keep your pup firmly in one place during travel to keep him secure and avoid being a distraction to you while driving.
Q: How easy are dog car seats to install?
A: Most dog car seats available on the market are fairly easy to install, but it would really depend on your chosen model.
Q: Where can I buy dog car seats?
A: Going to pet supply stores are a good way to physically check out what car seat is the best for your dog. Another option would be buying from sites like Amazon. However, ordering online doesn’t give you the chance to check it out for yourself.
Conclusion
Dog car seats are an excellent option for dog owners who want to bring their beloved pup everywhere with them but don’t want to get into a road accident while doing so. They keep your pet firmly in one place to ensure that you don’t drive distracted.
Moreover, dog car seats can also help calm anxious and carsick dogs so if your dog tends to be this way during car rides, then investing in a dog car seat might be worth it.