It is well-known that dogs are man’s best friend. Unsurprisingly, they become members of our family because we spend most of our leisure time with them. Most dog owners love to take their pets wherever they go, which means allowing them to frequently join in car rides. Of course, it is important to ensure that our pooches are safe and comfortable when going on long trips. This is why the best dog car seats are purposefully designed to keep dogs comfortable, safe, and most importantly, restrained, which is a requirement by the law. This helps protect you, as the driver, passengers, and your pet from accidents while traveling.
Besides this, a dog car seat ensures that your pet does not get overly nervous and avoids getting travel sick. If you have ever traveled with an unrestrained dog in your car, you might have had a nasty experience of a dog trying to climb into your lap or skid around on the back seat. Usually, puppies and small dogs are uncomfortable with car rides due to the motion of the car and being unable to look out of the window. Here, we look at the best dog car seats in the market that you should consider if you want your pup to be safe during car rides.
Best Dog Car Seats
1. K&H Pet Products Elevated Pet Booster Seat
The K&H Pet Product is our top pick for the best dog car seat list. It features a design that offers a safe, comfortable, and restrained position for your dog while on a car ride. In addition to this, the dog car seat elevates your pet to allow it to look out the window while traveling comfortably. And for extra comfort, the dog seat comes with a plush quilted interior and durable fabric exterior.
Moreover, the pet booster seat is designed to fit perfectly in either the back or front car seat in your vehicle. It is easy to install and remove. Also, it includes a washable dog car seat cover. The seat is available in different color combinations and two sizes that allow it to fit the car’s interior best. Plus, the two sizes come with fully adjustable leashes that can fasten on your dog’s harness for safety. With these premium features, this dog seat makes traveling with your pooches safer and easier.
K&H Pet Seat Key Features
- Elevates Dog for a better view
- Comes with an adjustable security leash
- Keeps dog restrained for safety
- Fits in both back and front seat
- Durable fabric exterior
- Removable and washable cover
2. Kurgo Pet Car Booster Seat with Seatbelt
The Kurgo Pet Car Booster is our runner-up product for the best dog car seat. It is purposely designed to keep your pet restrained to prevent distractions while you are driving. Remember, it is not safe to drive with the pet on your lap as it can get excited during the ride and cause an accident. With the pet booster small dog car seat, you can be sure that your pet is secure and he or she will still be able to enjoy a window view.
In addition to this, the dog seat is easy to install in either the rear split-bench seat or the front seat. The pet booster seat comes with a water-resistant exterior, and metal supports for durability.
Finally, the pet car seat features a seatbelt that is easily adjustable and latches on the dog’s harness to keep your pooch restrained on the seat. The dog seat is suitable for dogs that weigh up to 20lbs.
Kurgo Pet Car Booster Seat with Seatbelt Key Features
- Easy installation
- Ideal for dogs up to 20lbs
- Keeps dogs restrained
- Offers a better window view
- Includes a dog seatbelt
3. PetSafe Solvit Tagalong Pet Booster Seat
If you are looking for a dog car seat with a classy and unique design, then the PetSafe Solvit Tagalong is a great option for you. The dog car seat is designed with an internal frame that allows it to hang on to the seat headrest. Also, it features adjustable headrest straps for customizable pet booster seat height. With two easily adjustable straps, the seat installs quickly and securely in any vehicle with headrests. The pet booster seat is made of polyester oxford shell for durability and also includes a soft fleece liner for extra comfort. Moreover, the dog seat is easy to clean as it comes with a removable and washable liner.
PetSafe Solvit Tagalong Pet Booster Seat Key Features
- Unique design for a better view
- Includes adjustable headrest straps
- Durable polyester construction
- Quick installation
- Easy to clean
4. Snoozer Lookout Pet Car Booster Seat
Snoozer is a brand that has made a name in producing stylish, long-lasting pet products, including car seats, dog beds, and carriers. As the name suggests, the seat features a unique design that allows your pet to look out the window comfortably. Also, it comes with a security strap that helps keep your dog restrained and prevents him or her from getting into your lap while driving.
In addition, the seat is ideal for both summer and winter as it features simulated lamb’s wool lining in the interior. The seat is also available in different fabric options and includes a comfortable foam form.
Snoozer Lookout Pet Car Seat Key Features
- Removable and washable, quilted nylon cover
- Sherpa lining for comfort and warmth
- Available in different fabric options
- Includes security strap
- Harness and seatbelt connection strap
5. Pet Gear Pet Booster Car Seat with Safety Tether
If you are looking for a durable, safe, and comfortable dog seat, it is good to consider this product. The pet car seat features a sturdy foam form and includes a removable machine-washable plush pillow and softcover. Moreover, the pet booster is designed with a safety tether that latches to a seat harness to keep pets secure and comfortable.
With the excellent design, the seat can be easily attached to a car seat and quickly installed without any assembly.
Pet Gear Pet Booster Car Seat with Safety Tether Key Features
- Sturdy foam
- Safety Tether
- Quick installation
- No assembly required
- Removable and machine washable pillow
- Soft microsuede cover
6. AmazonBasics Pet Car Bucket Booster Seat
With the bucket-style design, this seat is able to keep your pet in a restrained position for safe and comfortable travel. The dog seat perfectly fits in both the vehicle’s back or in the front seat. Moreover, the dog seat comes with durable oxford fabric at the bottom and along the sides and a quilted plush top for extra comfort.
It also features an elevated design that allows your pet to enjoy a better window view for memorable car rides. Besides this, the seat is machine washable and is designed with an adjustable security leash that can be attached to a pet harness.
AmazonBasics Pet Car Bucket Booster Seat Key Features
- Elevated design
- Includes an adjustable leash
- Bucket-style Booster
- Quilted plush top
- Machine washable
7. WOpet Pet Car Seat
This is another top quality product that is suitable for small dogs as well as any other pets that weigh up to 15lbs. This pet car seat comes with adjustable straps that are compatible with most vehicles, including vans, cars, and SUVs. It includes a hook that is meant to hook dog harnesses to prevent your pet from jumping out.
The pet seat is extra padded and made of a waterproof 600 denier nylon shell. Moreover, the product offers great versatility as it can be used as a car seat and pet carrier.
WOpet Pet Car Seat Key Features
- Ideal for small dogs
- Extra softly padded and waterproof
- Includes adjustable straps
- Can be used as a car seat and pet carrier (2 in 1)
- Easy to store as it folds flat
- Provides proper ventilation
8. Devoted Doggy Booster Car Seat
The Deluxe Pet Car Seat is designed with fully adjustable straps that allow the product to fit in any car seat, including cars, SUVs, and vans. In addition, it also softly padded, making it super soft and cozy for extra comfort. The pet car seat is suitable for small and medium-sized dogs.
Devoted Doggy Booster Car Seat Key Features
- Easy to install
- Elevated design
- Suitable for small and medium dogs
- Adjustable safety leash
- Open-air design for extra space
9. A4Pet Pet Booster Car Seat
The A4Pet Pet Booster Car Seat features a sturdy construction and comes with a security leash that allows it to fasten on a car seat. This helps ensure that pets are restrained for safe driving. With the elevated design, the pet seat provides a better view of dogs or other pets. The pet car seat elevates your pet 6.5 inches above the car seat.
A4Pet Pet Booster Car Seat Key Features
- Ideal for medium to large dog breeds
- Secure and sturdy construction
- Washable, foldable and portable design
- Multifunction as it can be used in the home as bed or sofa
10. Stellar and Bear Pet Booster Seat
The Pet Booster Seat is washable and water-resistant, which makes it a perfect choice in case your pet has any spills. Besides, the pet car seat is built to last as it features sturdy construction with a high-quality frame, unlike standard pet seats that are made of plastic. The Stellar and Bear Pet Booster Seat comes with adjustable straps that make it fit in any car seat.
Stellar and Bear Pet Booster Seat Key Features
- Washable liner and water-resistant
- Sturdy construction
- Premium quality
- Collapsible design for easy storage
- Spacious and incredibly comfortable
11. Animal Planet Pet Booster Car Seat
This pet car seat keeps your dog restrained for safety while you drive as it includes a safety leash for the dog’s collar or harness. With a plush Sherpa interior, the pet booster seat offers more comfort than standard products. Moreover, the Animal Planet Car Seat is designed to fit perfectly on any vehicle seat. It securely and quickly installs on the back or the front car seat.
Animal Planet Pet Booster Car Seat Key Features
- Extra leash
- Plush Sherpa interior
- Easy to install
- Suitable for small dogs
Who Should Buy One?
Any dog owner can purchase a dog seat, but it is more beneficial for a person with a small or medium-sized dog. For small or medium-sized dogs, car seats play the same role as the seat belts on us. Therefore, they help secure your pooch to ensure it remains safe and in place and prevents accidents.
Moreover, dog seats make your dog more comfortable while in the car and also helps fight motion sickness. It also helps small and medium-sized dogs to see out of the window, which keeps your dog engaged and calm while traveling.
Things to Consider When Looking for Best Dog Car Seats
There are several factors to look out for when choosing the right dog car seat. Here are some of the things to consider:
What is the Right Size?
The first important thing to do is to ensure that you choose the right size for your pooch. Choosing too large seats increases the risk of injury and is unsafe, while too small seats are uncomfortable for your pup. For car seats that come with a harness, it should not be too tight as this might cause irritation to the dog’s skin.
Does the Seat Add Height?
Some car seats are designed to not only secure your pooch, but also add height. Car seats that add height are known as booster seats, and they can add up to 10 inches. Booster seats allow them to look through the window comfortably. Therefore, when looking for the right car seat, you should decide whether to pick a normal seat or a booster seat.
Car Seat or Harness?
When it comes to securing your pooch, you will have to choose between a harness or a car seat. A car seat provides a comfortable space for your pup in the car, and some are booster seats that add height for a clear view out of the window. The only downside about car seats is that they are relatively bulky. Therefore, if you just want to secure your dog in place, you can just opt for a harness.
Materials and Color
It is also advisable to check the materials used to make car seats. Some materials are more durable and easier to clean than others. Besides this, if you are concerned about aesthetics, it is also important to ensure that your dog seat complements the décor of your vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How Do I Install a Dog Car Seat?
Well, the answer to this question depends on the kind of dog car seat that you decide to buy. There are some dog car seats that use the existing seatbelts while others use the car’s headrest and others rest on the console. Seat belt booster seats offer the safest way of keeping your dog safe and in place while traveling.
Are Dogs Safe in Dog Car Seats?
Dogs are much safer in dog car seats than being allowed to roam about the vehicle while your vehicle is in motion. However, it is important to ensure that the dog car seat is properly installed. Small and medium-sized dog car seats are ideal for young and small dog breeds while a dog seat belt is recommended for larger dogs.
What is a Dog Booster Seat?
A dog booster seat is a chair that is specially designed to secure your pooch when traveling. The seats come with a seatbelt that keeps the dog in place and also offers extra padding for protection in case of an accident.
Final Verdict
In conclusion, dog car seats are an ideal choice for all pet owners that enjoy driving around with their furry friend. The best dog car seat helps keep your pet restrained and prevents them from getting into your lap, therefore avoiding distractions while driving.
