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Best Dog Car Seats

Updated July 2023
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Petsfit Booster Seat for Large Dogs
Petsfit
Booster Seat for Large Dogs
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Simple yet Solid
Bottom Line

Here’s a comfortable and cost-effective way to keep your dogs safe as you drive, with pockets for treats and toys.

Pros

The large version can fit 1 or 2 pets weighing up to 55 pounds. It gives your dogs room to move around as you drive. Buyers praise its simplicity, safety. and comfort for their dog. Sturdy safety buckles make it easy to place.

Cons

Some may still want something bigger than the larger version offers.

Best Bang for the Buck
Adorepaw Booster Seat for Large Dogs
Adorepaw
Booster Seat for Large Dogs
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Spacious Design
Bottom Line

If it’s space you’re looking for, look no further than this adjustable safety seat.

Pros

This model attaches to the seats of your vehicle for a sturdy surface that can extend past your window. One of the roomiest choices for large dog owners. This option doesn’t constrict as much as other models, either.

Cons

This seat isn’t especially sturdy, which could be concerning.

Snoozer Lookout Car Seat
Snoozer
Lookout Car Seat
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Most Comfortable
Bottom Line

A cozy, padded booster seat with a sturdy restraint system that small to medium-sized dogs take to almost immediately.

Pros

Dogs like the comfortable seat, with most adapting to it quickly. The restraint system holds pets in place and is adjustable. A washable cover is a big plus.

Cons

Takes up a lot of space on the back seat. Side walls and seat belt connector strap seem flimsy. Harness tether connects to seat belt but not the car seat, so the dog isn’t well secured into the seat.

PetSafe Happy Ride Quilted Dog Safety Seat
PetSafe
Happy Ride Quilted Dog Safety Seat
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Sturdy & Solid
Bottom Line

A very sturdy booster seat that secures dogs well, but the harness may not leave them enough room to lay down comfortably.

Pros

Well-made and sturdy, owners report that dogs are safely secured in this booster seat. The large clip secures to the dog’s chest harness well.

Cons

Can be time-consuming to put together and install. Harness system is too loose for some dogs. Harness clip is too big to handle comfortably for some owners.

Pettom Lookout Booster Seat
Pettom
Lookout Booster Seat
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Unique Design
Bottom Line

A clever design that doubles as both a car seat and a soft-sided carrier, but its flimsy construction is a deal-breaker for some.

Pros

Easy to install and remove. Owners like the double-use convenience as both an open-top car seat and a closed-top carrier. Side storage pockets are a nice plus.

Cons

Tether strap is too short for dogs to comfortably lie down when hooked in. Owners want more padding and reinforcement of the bottom panel. Reports of tether clip breaking after a few uses, and the handle fraying at attachment points.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

52
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Considered
90
Consumers
Consulted
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Buying guide for best dog car seats

Whether you’re driving your dog to an awesome off-leash hiking spot or a necessary trip to the vet, it’s not safe for Fido to roam around your car unsecured. One option for safe canine car travel is a dog car seat.

Buying a dog car seat can be tricky, though. There are quite a few to choose from, and you’ll need to know what features to look for to make sure your pooch can ride both safely and comfortably.

At BestReviews, we’re here to help. Not only have we chosen the top five dog car seats on the market, we’ve also put together this detailed guide that breaks down everything you need to know about dog car seats before you buy.

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Some dog car seats feature pockets, which are handy for storing accessories you might need when taking your dog out and about, such as treats or a leash.

Benefits of dog car seats

Do you really need a dog car seat? Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of securing Fluffy while you drive.

  • A dog car seat secures dogs so that they can’t distract the driver, which can cause accidents.
  • Dog car seats are safer for your four-legged friend. The majority feature some kind of tether that will help protect your pooch in the event of a collision.
  • Most dog car seats are well-padded, giving your canine companion a more comfortable ride.
  • Raised dog car seats act as a booster seat for small dogs so they can see out of the window as you drive.
  • Dog car seats can protect your car’s upholstery if your dog gets car sick or has an accident.

Key considerations

Size

You’ll need to choose a dog car seat that’s the correct size to fit your four-legged friend. Many canine car seats are sized to fit small or medium dogs, but you can find some larger models for big dogs.

Some larger dog car seats are suitable for either one large or medium dog or two small dogs. However, only let your dogs ride next to one another if they’re calm together and won’t fight. Even a play fight could distract the driver enough to be dangerous, so it’s often better to secure multiple dogs on opposite sides of the back seat.

Comfort

Part of the reason to buy a dog car seat is for the comfort of your canine companion. You can usually tell how comfortable a dog car seat is just by looking at it. Seats with plenty of padding made from soft materials provide a nice, plush surface for your dog to settle down on.

Another factor is the size of the seat compared to your dog. If the car seat is not large enough for lying down, your dog won’t be able to snuggle in for a snooze. Comfort is especially important on long car rides, so if you’ll be road-tripping with your pooches, be certain they can get comfy.

Ease of cleaning

Dog accidents do happen, so your chosen dog car seat should be easy to clean. Removable covers or seat pads are a must-have for ease of cleaning. While the vast majority of dog car seat covers and cushions are machine-washable, a handful aren’t. Be clear on the cleaning instructions before buying a dog car seat.

Safety features

Dog car seats are supposed to keep your dog safe in the car, so it’s important to consider safety features. Your chosen model should have a high-quality locking system to attach the seat to your car seat. This usually involves threading the car’s seat belt through part of the dog car seat to secure it. The other main safety feature is the tether to secure your dog to the seat. This should be strong enough to restrain your dog in case of a collision.

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Did you know?
In many areas, the law requires that any dogs traveling in your car be sufficiently secured.
STAFF
BestReviews

Dog car seat prices

What’s the average cost of a dog car seat? It varies depending on the size, quality, and features, but the majority range from $20 to $100.

Basic canine car seats cost between $20 and $40. While you can find some decent models in this price range, many are subpar. It’s also rare to find any options for larger dogs.

A mid-range dog car seat costs $40 to $60. At this price point, you can find some excellent models, including some options for large dogs.

Expect to pay $60 to $100 for high-end dog car seats. At this price point, you’ll find the safest, most secure, and most comfortable canine car seats.

Tips

  • Check how easy your chosen dog car seat is to install. Some are trickier to fit into your car than others, which can be frustrating, especially if you don’t always want to leave the dog car seat in your car.
  • Pick a dog car seat that’s compatible with your car. Some dog car seats require a headrest or a certain type of seat belt to be properly secured.
  • Back seats are safer. You might want your dog to ride up front, but it’s generally safer to install your four-legged friend’s car seat in the back since the bulk of cars have airbags in the front, which can injure your pet if deployed.
  • Make sure your dog car seat is attached securely to the car’s seat. This will help keep your four-legged friend safe in the event of an accident.
  • Think about whether a booster seat is best. Although booster seats allow small dogs to watch where they’re going and enjoy the ride more, some tiny dogs can become over-excited and bark at everything they see going past. If this is the case with your dog, it’s best to avoid a booster seat and opt for a lower model.
"Some dog car seats are adjustable to fit dogs of various sizes."
STAFF
BestReviews
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Color isn’t extremely important when selecting a dog car seat, but some models come in various colors, so you can pick one that you like or that matches your car’s upholstery.

FAQ

Q. Do dog car seats have a maximum weight limit?
A.
Yes, most dog car seats have a weight limit. This can vary widely depending on the car seat you choose. Some compact car seats can only house dogs up to 10 or 15 pounds and are therefore suitable for small breeds only. The largest and heaviest-duty options have weight limits up to 300 pounds – enough to seat the biggest of giant-breed dogs. Never use a canine car seat if your furry friend exceeds the weight limit as it’s likely the safety tether won’t be strong enough to restrain your dog in an accident.


Q. Can I attach the dog car seat’s safety clip to my dog's collar?
A.
The safety clip or tether should never be attached to your dog’s collar. It should only be attached to a car-safe harness, which you’ll need to buy separately if it doesn’t come with your dog car seat. If you attach the clip to a collar, your dog is likely to be seriously injured in an accident due to the force of a collision.


Q. How heavy are dog car seats?
A.
The weight of dog car seats varies between different makes, models, and sizes. That said, the majority tend to be lightweight. The average person should have no problem carrying a dog car seat or lifting it into the car.


Q. Can raised dog car seats help dogs with travel sickness?
A.
Although it won’t work in all cases, many dog parents find using a raised dog car seat helps avoid car sickness by allowing their four-legged friend to peek out the window. If your canine companion is too small to look out of the car window and tends to get sick in the car, it’s well worth trying a booster seat.