Travel Gear

11 Best Dog Car Seats and Booster Seats – Keep Your Pups Safe!

Why do I Need a Dog Car Seat or Booster Seat?

Welcome to our Best Dog Car Seats Review. It’s unbelievable how many people are still moved by how their dogs sit on the front passenger seat, absolutely free moving, or even put their heads out of the open windows, sticking out their tongues. Does it sound familiar? 🙂

But all this is funny only on the pictures from the Internet. In reality similar things can turn into a trouble. Travelling with your dog should be a combination of pleasure and safety at the same time for both. You undoubtedly want to provide your pet with a comfortable place to sit during car rides, while at the same time ensuring that it (and yourself) remain safe.

Best Choice
K&H Booster Pet Seat
Try out the K&H Pet Products Bucket Booster Seat if you want to take your pup for a safe trip. It is ergonomic and secured by a car seat belt. Highly recommended!
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In order for pet owners to achieve this, they must utilize products that will keep dogs as stationary as possible. The dogs should never move freely in the passenger compartment, as they endanger themselves and and the driver.

Top rated dog car harness, seat belts, dog car seats help a lot to avoid free movement in the car, keeping all passengers safe. We have made a profound research to help you choose the best one. Depending on the size of your dog car seats differ. For small dogs and puppies we have selected one type, for medium-sized or large – another. The car design also defines your choice. If you keep your dog on the front or back passenger seat, the list below is for you. We have tried and tested many products and will help you to choose best dog car seats and booster seats.

11 Best Dog Car Seats and Booster Seats — Overview & Rating

Author's Choice

K&H Pet Products Bucket Booster Pet Seat
  • Simple adjustment
  • Safe and secure
  • Removable and washable cover

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People's Choice

PetSafe Happy Ride Quilted Dog Safety Seat
  • Lightweight
  • Seat Belt Tether can be added
  • Machine Washable

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Premium Choice

Snoozer Lookout II Car Seat
  • Soft inside
  • Sturdy and secure
  • Available in variety of fabrics and colors

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Best Budget

Petbobi Pet Reinforce Car Booster Seat
  • Portable
  • Safe and Sturdy
  • Storage Pocket

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Crash Tested

PupSaver Dog Car Seat
  • Crash-Tested
  • Available in 5 colors
  • For dogs up to 30 lbs

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Best For Puppies

American Kennel Club Pet Booster Seat
  • Prevents car sickness
  • Safer trip in the event of airbag activation
  • Outer pocket for storage

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Easy to Install

Pet Gear Lookout Booster Car Seat
  • Soft removable plush pillow
  • Tether included
  • Easy to install

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Best Versatile

Instecho A4Pet Pet Lookout Booster Car Seat
  • Foldable, portable and washable
  • Sturdy and secure
  • Suitable for one large or two small dogs

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Best For 2 Dogs

Petsfit Dog Car Booster Seat
  • Two-sides: for winter and summer
  • Sturdy and secure
  • Fabric is removable and machine washable

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Best Portable

X-ZONE PET Dog Booster Car Seat
  • Portable and Foldable
  • Two-sided design for warmth in winter and cool in summer
  • Two outer pockets for storage

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Top Comfort

Queens Nose Dog Car Booster Seat
  • Durable outside fabric, yet with soft touch effect
  • Front and rear protection
  • Completely removable and easy to clean

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Authors Choice

K&H Pet Products Bucket Booster Pet Seat
  • Simple adjustment
  • You can choose a heated one
  • Removable and washable cover
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Looking for a safe, comfortable way to take your furry friend along on car rides? Look no further than the K&H Pet Products Bucket Booster Seat! This dog car seat features a sturdy foam bolster that keeps your pet in place, while the adjustable security tethers attach to your pet’s harness for added safety. The booster seat is perfect for small and medium dogs, puppies, cats, and kittens, and the removable, washable quilted fleece cover ensures pet comfort. Whether you’re going on a long road trip or just running errands around town, the K&H Pet Products Bucket Booster is a great way to keep your furry friend safe and comfortable. You can choose between 6 color combination to fit your car interior.

Pros
Available in 2 sizes: for small and medium sized dogs
Heated option available
Keeps dogs still and secure
2 adjustable security leashes (possible for 2 small dogs)
Firm foam around the edge
Cons
Some additional secure harnesses are needed

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K&H Pet Products Bucket Booster Seat Review

People’s Choice

PetSafe Happy Ride Quilted Dog Safety Seat
  • Lightweight
  • Seat Belt Tether can be added
  • Machine Washable
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No more worrying about your pup while you’re on the road – the PetSafe Happy Ride Quilted Dog Safety Seat has got him covered! This sturdy seat features a rigid plastic frame that’s easy to snap together without any tools, plus a soft fleece liner and pillow for a comfortable ride. It’s also easy to install on any bucket or bench seat in your car, and it supports dogs up to 30 lb. Best of all, the included Happy Ride seat belt tether keeps roaming or restless dogs secure, so you can keep your car seats clean and scratch-free. When accidents happen or things get messy, simply remove the fleece liner and toss it in the washing machine. Traveling with your furry friend has never been easier or more enjoyable! Choose between brown, navy and quilted tan color options.

Pros
Removable cover is easy to wash and maintain, and to keep your dog’s place clean
Stable construction preventing motion sickness
Available in standard and deluxe version
Cons
It may be a little hard to put parts together

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Premium Choice

Snoozer Lookout Pet Car Seat
  • Soft inside
  • Sturdy and secure
  • Available in variety of fabrics and colors
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Looking for a safe and comfortable place for your pet to ride while on the go? Then check out the Snoozer Lookout II Dog Car Seat! Made with a soft microsuede or simulated lamb’s wool interior, this car seat provides a cozy and safe place for your furry friend while you’re driving. It’s also available in a variety of colors and fabrics, so you’re sure to find the perfect match for you and your pet. Plus, the Lookout II has been upgraded with a hidden storage tray at the bottom of the seat, making it easy to store treats, combs, or other accessories while traveling with your pet. These is no other dog car seat available in such a variety of colors. Suitable for small and medium-sized dogs.

Pros
The height of the seat allows most dogs to see out of the seat without attempting to move themselves
A pocket on the front of the is big enough to fit several dog items inside (for Snoozer Lookout II model)
Installation doesn’t require any instruction; very simply
Cons
Used for lightweight dogs, may cause movement when the car is in motion

Best Budget

Petbobi Pet Reinforce Car Booster Seat
  • Portable
  • Safe and Sturdy
  • Storage Pocket
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Looking for a stylish and practical way to take your pooch on the go? Check out the Petbobi Pet Car Booster Seat! This budget car seat is perfect for small dogs, and comes in a new trendy leopard print design. The seat is made with sturdy PVC piping and durable PE partition boards, ensuring that your pup stays safe and comfortable during car rides. And for extra peace of mind, the seat belt easily attaches to the headrest in front and the seatback in back. So whether you’re going on a long road trip or a quick jaunt to the dog park, the Petbobi Pet Car Booster Seat has you covered! This pretty paw print design car seat made by Petbobi, prevents distruction of your attention while driving. Durable and waterproof materials provide comfort with cleaning.

Pros
The sit is securely fixed by two belts which makes it very stable
Anti-slip waterproof fabric
Easy to carry and store, as you can fold it down into a board
Cons
Fits well only for small pets

Best Crash Tested Dog Car Seat

PupSaver Dog Car Seat
  • Crash-Tested
  • Available in 5 colors
  • For dogs up to 30 lbs
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Worried about your dog being injured in a car accident? PupSaver is the perfect solution to keep your furry friend safe and sound in the event of an accident. The crash tested, rear-facing design will catch your dog upon impact and act as a protective barrier to prevent contact with hard surfaces. For use with dogs up to 30 lbs., PupSaver is equipped with five total seatbelt-grade plastic clips that lock PupSaver in place and integrate with seatbelt pretensioners in case of an accident. This ensures that your pup will be safely secured during any drive.

Pros
Constructed totally of ballistic nylon. There are no hard foam pieces (like a booster seat), so the PupSaver is somewhat flexible, and should fit any car design
New all-metal tether attachment system provides security at the base of the seat.
Can be used in the front or back seat
Cons
7 lbs weight may seem heavy by some users

Best Car Seat For Puppies

American Kennel Club Pet Booster Seat
  • Prevents car sickness
  • Safer trip in the event of airbag activation
  • Outer pocket for storage
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Looking for a safe and convenient way to travel with your furry friend? The American Kennel Club Pet Booster Seat is the perfect solution! This booster seat provides a safer ride in the event of airbag deployment, and can be used in most standard cars. This booster seat doesn’t need a seatbelt in order to be used and can be adjusted to better accommodate dogs that like to see outside the window. It also prevents car sickness and has adjustable straps for a custom fit. Plus, there’s a handy zip pocket in front for pet essentials. The seat folds for compact storage, and measures 10x10x10 inches. It’s available in black and grey colors.

Pros
A seatbelt isn’t needed (the product is secured with its own straps)
Suspends over the headrest and back portion of the passenger seat, keeping dogs high enough to see out windows
Height adjustment is possible by tightening or loosening the straps
Cons
On some vehicles, the straps could be too short to adjust as desired

Easy to Install

Pet Gear Lookout Booster Car Seat
  • Soft Removable Plush Pillow
  • Tether included
  • Easy to Install
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If you’re looking for a car seat that will keep your pet safe and comfortable on the road, look no further than the Pet Gear Lookout Booster Car Seat. This sturdy booster seat uses your car’s seat belt system to secure it in place, and comes with tethers to keep your animal in place. The removable cover and pillow make it easy to machine wash, and the seat belt easily installs with either lap or shoulder belt. Plus, the large size is perfect for larger animals. So give your pet the peace of mind they deserve on car rides with the Pet Gear Lookout Booster Car Seat.

Pros
Integrated tether can be easily attached to dog’s harness
Tight and yet soft foam, with micro suede cover
You can carry up to two dogs
Cons
The straps may break quickly

Best Versatile

Instecho A4Pet Pet Lookout Booster Car Seat
  • Foldable, portable and washable
  • Sturdy and secure
  • Suitable for one large or two small dogs
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When you’re on the road, the last thing you want to worry about is your furry friend being comfortable. The Instecho A4Pet t Booster Car Seat has got you covered, with a detachable liner made of high quality oxford cloth for spring and summer, and a plush inner for autumn and winter. Plus, safety ropes keep the seat in place and prevent your pet from sliding around, while the safety belts ring design keeps them steady from jumping out. And it’s easy to install in just a few minutes. So whether you’re taking a long car trip or just running errands around town, your pet will be snug as a bug in this multifunctional dog car seat. Try out the Instecho A4Pet if there are things that you want to take with you when traveling with the booster seat. It has pockets for your dog’s favourite toys and is secured by your car’s seat belts.

Pros
A side pocket allows owners to place miscellaneous items inside for later use
Can be folded in itself and carried like a bag (has a handle)
Rugged design
Cons
Although the booster seat remains secure, slight movement may occur when making turns and braking

Best Dog Car Seats For 2 Dogs

Petsfit Dog Car Booster Seat
  • Two-sides: for winter and summer
  • Sturdy and secure
  • Fabric is removable and machine washable
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The Petsfit Dog Car Seat is perfect for small to medium sized dogs who love to travel. The double-sided liner is made of high quality Oxford cloth and can be used on both sides, making it perfect for summer and winter. The seat is designed with safety belts to fix the seat to prevent it from sliding in the car, and a ring to hook the dog’s harness too so it won’t jump out, reducing the possibility of distraction when you driving. The small dog car seat also has a window view so your pet can enjoy the ride.

Pros
Large enough to fit two small dogs in the seat
The fabric liner on the outside can be washed, either by machine or hand
The seat can be taken off and used in the home
Cons
Leash strap featured on the product is very thin and may break quickly

Best Portable

X-ZONE PET Dog Booster Car Seat
  • Portable
  • Two-sided design for warmth in winter and cool in summer
  • Two outer pockets for storage
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X-ZONE PET Dog Car Booster Seat features a safety inner leash to prevent your pet from escaping, two seat belt loops for added stability, and a Car seat safety surround belt to keep it securely in place. The original folding structure means it can be easily stored away when not in use, and the free carry bag makes it easy to take with you on the go. The double-faced design is perfect for both winter and summer, and the large capacity base compartment with two outer pockets provides plenty of space for storing snacks or toys. Your dog will love riding in style and comfort in the X-ZONE PET Dog Car Booster Seat!

Pros
Designed to be used in a car, outdoors, or at home
The leash inside the seat is sturdy and not too long
Flaps in the interior will lower the entire seat for larger dogs to see out the window easier
Cons
Dogs can damage the inner fabric if chewed

Ultimate Comfort & Protection

Queens Nose Booster Car Seat
  • Durable outside fabric, yet with soft touch effect
  • Front and rear protection
  • Completely removable and easy to clean
Check Price

Looking for a safe and stylish way to transport your furry friend? Look no further than the Queens Nose Dog Car Booster Seat! This seat features front and back protection pillows to keep your pup safe and secure while on the go. The durable, scratch-resistant and water-proof fabric is easy to clean, while the removable covers and pillows make for easy care. The built-in leash is adjustable and provides added security, while the pocketed design allows for easy storage of essentials. Whether you’re running errands or hitting the open road, the Queens Nose Dog Car Booster Seat makes travel with your four-legged friend a breeze!

Pros
With a leash that attaches to the seat, encouraging dogs to remain stationary
Safe to use in either the front or back seats of vehicles
Water resistant
Cons
Can be big and inconvenient to carry

Best Dog Car Seats and Booster Seats – Buyer’s Guide

4 Reasons to Use a Dog Car Booster

Your dog has its own comfortable place in the car. At the same time it is well secured and in case of a car accident it is protected not only with harness, but also with soft pads.

1. Dog Car Seats are an Essential Safety Measure

As a dog owner, you certainly understand how important it is to keep your furry friend safe while traveling. Loose dogs in cars are not only illegal in many states, but they’re also dangerous. Dogs can be distractions to drivers and become projectiles during car accidents, injuring themselves as well as human passengers. A properly-installed dog car seat can help prevent these hazards and give you peace of mind knowing that your pet is secure while on the road.

It’s worth noting that while dog car seats can help prevent your dog from becoming a distraction and causing a car accident, car seats won’t do much to actually protect your dog in the event of a collision. The truth is that very few dog products are tested to the same degree that human safety products are. The vast majority of dog car harness, crates, and booster seats have not been crash-tested. This doesn’t necessarily mean that these items won’t work or provide your dog with safety, but it means we simply can’t tell you with 100% confidence that your dog will be safe in a car crash. To truly keep your dog safe, you’ll need to go with a crash-tested dog car harness or a crash-tested dog car crate.

2. For Small Breeds: a Clear View and Improved Safety

Our furry friends want to know where they’re going, but that’s tough for smaller dogs who can’t easily peek out the window. Not only is this no fun for your pup, but he or she will also jump around trying to get a glimpse, which can cause an upset stomach. Some dogs don’t like sitting still and would rather perch on your lap while you drive. Fortunately, dog booster seats offer a compromise of visibility, comfort, and safety for your pooch while making trips more enjoyable for both of you.

3. Car Sickness and Anxiety Relief

Many people don’t know this, but some dogs experience car sickness just like us humans. If you raise your dog up higher so they can see outside and have a better view, that often reduces the symptoms of car sickness. Dogs can also suffer from anxiety caused by being confined in a small space – think about how upset we would feel if we were stuck in one spot for hours on end! Whining and panting excessively are common symptoms of distress in dogs. A stationary car seat allows them to feel more secure and comfortable while riding.

4. Clean Car

No one likes a dirty car, but it’s especially important to keep your car clean if you have pets. Dog hair and dirt can quickly make a mess of your upholstery, and it’s not always easy to vacuum or brush it all out.

What To Consider Choosing a Dog Car Seat?

There are a few things you’ll want to consider before purchasing a car seat for your dog.

Remember! – Never attach the tether that comes with your dog’s car seat directly to their collar, as this can cause strangulation. Instead, only use a dog harness.

Safety

Dog car seats are an important safety feature for anyone who travels with their dog on a regular basis. Not only do they keep your dog restrained in the event of an accident, but they also help to protect them from being thrown around the cabin of the car. However, it is important to choose the right dog car seat for your dog’s size and weight, as well as their age and activity level. Smaller dogs may be able to ride comfortably in a booster seat, while larger dogs may need a harness or crate.

Comfort

Many dogs will struggle getting into this kind of seat on their own, but once they’re in, they seem content.

Fit

This point is of high priority when choosing a seat. For safety reasons your dog must fit in. Extra space is no good. Take into account your pet’s dimensions when it sits and when it lays. Check the dimensions of the car seat accordingly.

Fastening (How the Seat and Dog are Secured)

First of all check the video guide of the seat producer before fastening booster seat for dog in car. Most of them are secured in 2 basic ways:

  • The first one – one belt is placed around passenger seat, and the other around the headrest.
  • The second – with the help of passenger seat belt put into a special slot in the pet car booster seat. A security leash that can hook to a collar or harness is integrated into the whole constuction and have a fastening buckle.

Seats come with tethers making it more difficult for your pets to escape and thus improving safety.

Design, Fabric and Color

When choosing the design and fabric – think about the following:

  • Removable fabric liner. All dogs shed. But short-haired dogs and long haired dogs do it in different ways. You know your dog and can imagine how often you will have to wash and clean the seat. If often – removable fabric liner is important.
  • Two-sided liner. In case you live in the area with seasonal change a two-sided liner will be better. Or maybe you live in the hot area all the time – then no need to spend money for this option.
  • Padding. If there is padding and if it is removable (for easy cleaning).
  • Color is a matter of your taste and car interior.
  • Extra height added by booster seat. Some car seat boosters add extra height to your dog. From one side it adds visibility for your lovely friend during the ride. From the other – keep it in mind if your dog’s body is too tall and car compartment is low.

Easy Setup and Removal

By purchasing a dog car seat with easy installation and removal, you can avoid any stressful or unplanned delays at the start and end of your trip.

Compliance with Applicable Laws

If you’re driving with your dog in the car, be aware of local laws regarding restraint and follow them to avoid being fined. This is important even if you’re just passing through an area or visiting another country.

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Popular Questions About Dog Car Seats

Can I just use a collar or do I need a harness?
Harness. A harness will be much safer for your pet in the event of an accident.

Am I legally required to use a Booster Seat for my Dog?
In some states, yes. Check with your local government first, as some may only stipulate the use of restraints. Keep in mind that the law that pertains to dog booster seats could legally be open to interpretation.

How will I know if I can Use a Booster Seat on the Passenger Side?
Again, it’s best that you check what the law says from an official source. Remember to move the car’s chair back some distance, which prevents injury if an airbag is actuated during an accident.

 

Summary

So, if you’re looking for an easy way to keep your car clean and also ensure your pup’s safety while on the road, a dog car seat is the answer. Not only do they come in a variety of sizes to fit nearly any dog breed, but they are also relatively affordable. We highly recommend that all small dog owners invest in one of these seats – it could save your furry friend’s life.

Julia Powell

Julia is a founder of PetsLifeGuide and an author of articles about German Shorhaired Pointers and accessories for them. She is a specialist about this breed since 2002

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