Retrievist / Reviews / Carriers & Travel / Dog Car Seats / Best Dog Car Seats to Take Your Dog for a Drive: 2022 Reviews
Best Dog Car Seats to Take Your Dog for a Drive: 2022 Reviews
Many dogs love to ride in the car, and it’s up to you as an owner (and driver) to make sure that your dog’s car ride is both comfortable and safe. A dog car seat is a great choice for any road trip. Dedicated dog car seats keep your pup from sliding around in the back seat or from bouncing haphazardly from side to side in your car.
Dog owners who drive with their furry friend in tow have found that a good dog car seat can also make a pet who’s normally a bit anxious about car rides more relaxed and secure. While car seats are a great option for small dogs, larger dogs might prefer a dog seat belt.
Overall Best Dog Car Seat
- COMFORTABLE
- STURDY
- SUPPORTIVE
- SECURE
- ACCESSIBLE
- EASY TO CLEAN
The K&H Pet Products Bucket Booster Pet Seat gives your dog a great view, whether it's in the front or back seat of the car. This dog car seat has a plush, quilted fleece interior for maximum comfort — perfect for a nap — and comes in two sizes to accommodate small and medium-size dogs (or two small dogs in one). The cover is also removable and can be ea...
- SECURE
- ACCESSIBLE
- EASY TO CLEAN
- COMFORTABLE
- STURDY
- SUPPORTIVE
The K&H Pet Products Bucket Booster Pet Seat gives your dog a great view, whether it's in the front or back seat of the ...
Best Budget Dog Car Seat
- cushioned
- spacious
- stylish
- uncomplicated
The PetSafe Solvit Jumbo Pet Safety Seat features Safe-T-Core technology and a seat belt tether that, when used with a harness or collar, provides maximum safety for dogs weighing up to 30 pounds and is sure to keep your pooch secure. This dog car seat elevates your pet nine inches for a great view out the window. Amazon reviewers give the bed a 4.5-star rat...
- stylish
- uncomplicated
- cushioned
- spacious
The PetSafe Solvit Jumbo Pet Safety Seat features Safe-T-Core technology and a seat belt tether that, when used with a h...
Most Durable Dog Car Seat
- plush
- good for small dogs
- stylish
- extremely safe
- rear facing
- straps in
This plush car seat was made for safety. It has a clamshell design so if there's ever an accident, the PupSaver encases the dog so they don't get injured. Made for dogs under 30 pound, there's a clip that attaches to their collar or harness to keep them nice and secure. It's also been tested to the canine version of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards...
Reviewers love that it can be used rear facing in the front seat and, despite the high price tag, say it's completely worth it for protecting their pups.
- extremely safe
- rear facing
- straps in
- plush
- good for small dogs
- stylish
This plush car seat was made for safety. It has a clamshell design so if there's ever an accident, the PupSaver encases ...
Reviewers love that it can be used rear facing in the front seat and, despite the high price tag, say it's completely worth it for protecting their pups.
Our Other Favorites
- cushioned
- spacious
- stylish
- uncomplicated
The PetSafe Solvit Jumbo Pet Safety Seat features Safe-T-Core technology and a seat belt tether that, when used with a harness or collar, provides maximum safety for dogs weighing up to 30 pounds and is sure to keep your pooch secure. This dog car seat elevates your pet nine inches for a great view out the window. Amazon reviewers give the bed a 4.5-star rat...
- stylish
- uncomplicated
- cushioned
- spacious
The PetSafe Solvit Jumbo Pet Safety Seat features Safe-T-Core technology and a seat belt tether that, when used with a h...
- BREEZY
- VERSATILE
- COLLAPSIBLE
- ADAPTABLE
The Pet Gear Deluxe Travel Carrier is a dog car seat and carrier—all in one—with a mesh screen that gives your pup a 360-degree view. It has a no-zip, push-button feature to allow for easy access to your pup—no fussing around with zippers or complicated latches. The interior tether will keep an excited dog in place when connected to your pooch's harnes...
- COLLAPSIBLE
- ADAPTABLE
- BREEZY
- VERSATILE
The Pet Gear Deluxe Travel Carrier is a dog car seat and carrier—all in one—with a mesh screen that gives your pup a...
![SWIHELP Dog Car Booster Seat Cover Travel Carrier Cage with Seat Belt Oxford Breathable Folding Soft Washable Travel Puppy Bags Small Dogs Cats [ Paw Pattern ]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51ihS-waYVL.jpg)
- Breathable
- Roomy
- Protective
- Reinforced
- Easily Storable
- Waterproof
The SWIHELP Dog Car Booster Seat is reinforced with PVC pipe construction, making it a solidly sturdy dog car seat that will never have you worrying about it collapsing on your pet. The simple yet safe design features two safely belts to prevent sliding, as well as a buckle that can clip onto your dog's collar or harness for even more support. Available in ...
- Reinforced
- Easily Storable
- Waterproof
- Breathable
- Roomy
- Protective
The SWIHELP Dog Car Booster Seat is reinforced with PVC pipe construction, making it a solidly sturdy dog car seat that ...
- WELL-PADDED
- STURDY
- UNFUSSY
- EASY TO CLEAN
The Pet Gear Car Seat will keep your dog safe while you're driving, with no assembly required. The booster is secured via your car's seat belt system, and then you can attach the included tether to your pup's harness to keep them in place for the ride. The cover and pillow are removable and machine-washable. Amazon reviews praise the way this dog car seat ra...
- UNFUSSY
- EASY TO CLEAN
- WELL-PADDED
- STURDY
The Pet Gear Car Seat will keep your dog safe while you're driving, with no assembly required. The booster is secured vi...
- Well-Ventilated
- Secure
- Easy to Assemble
- Folds Flat for Storage
The GENORTH Dog Car Seat is made with a sturdy PVC frame that keeps the seat in place and upright the entire ride. The built-in back belt will also ensure that this dog car seat stays put. The GENORTH seat also comes with a cute blanket for added comfort, and there’s a front zipper compartment for toys, accessories, and snacks. The seat is designed for sma...
- Easy to Assemble
- Folds Flat for Storage
- Well-Ventilated
- Secure
The GENORTH Dog Car Seat is made with a sturdy PVC frame that keeps the seat in place and upright the entire ride. The b...
- Snug
- Soft
- Compact
- Quality-Guaranteed
If your dog weighs less than 20 pounds, this booster car seat should keep them safe and comfortable while they ride. The sturdy metal frame keeps the seat from collapsing once it’s secured in the car. The oxford cloth is water resistant, and the fleece cover is cozy and warm. This dog car seat is not intended to be used as a safety device, and the manufact...
- Compact
- Quality-Guaranteed
- Snug
- Soft
If your dog weighs less than 20 pounds, this booster car seat should keep them safe and comfortable while they ride. The...
- Anti-Skidding
- Breathable
- Affordable
- Easily Stored
The durable Henkelion dog car seat is made with heavy duty Oxford fabric layered on memory foam and sturdy support rods. Two long straps help keep this dog car seat in place while in motion, while breathable mesh sides invite plenty of cool airflow for your pup. Front storage pockets can easily hold toys or treats, and the included ring can clip on to your d...
- Affordable
- Easily Stored
- Anti-Skidding
- Breathable
The durable Henkelion dog car seat is made with heavy duty Oxford fabric layered on memory foam and sturdy support rods....
- Cozy
- Non-Restricting
- Eye-Catching
- Easy
The sleek Utotol dog car seat is more shaped like a traditional bed than some other bucket-shaped, booster-style car seats. With a fun paw print design on the front, this versatile dog car seat can be installed in the front or back of your car and attaches easily around the seat. With a soft, padded cushion inside, and anti-slip silicon material on the botto...
- Eye-Catching
- Easy
- Cozy
- Non-Restricting
The sleek Utotol dog car seat is more shaped like a traditional bed than some other bucket-shaped, booster-style car sea...
What You Should Know About Dog Car Seats
A dog car seat is a seat for your pet that can be secured, often with the car's seat belt, to keep your pup from bouncing around in your back seat (or the front seat) during a car ride. Many dog car seats, called booster seats, are elevated, so that smaller dogs can see out of the window. Materials vary with some dog car seats being more plush and bed-like and others mimicking a more firm, sturdy carrier.
Some common features include anti-slip material on the bottom, breathable mesh side panels, clips to hook on to a harness or leash for added support, and removable pillows. For easy storage, some dog car seats can even be broken down and folded flat easily.
If you plan on bringing your dog along for the ride, then a car seat is recommended to keep your dog safe and secure. Dog car seats are also great for smaller dogs who struggle to see out of the window. A dog car seat provides a great boost while also keeping them safe.
Having a dog in your lap while driving can fall into the category of distracted driving. It's also not safe for the dog because if not properly secured your dog can be crushed by the steering wheel or go through the windshield on impact.
If properly secured in a dog car seat, your pup can sit in the front or back seat. The safest options come with are often used in tandem with a strap or harness that protects the dog during accidents and sudden stops.
When selecting a car seat, your dog's size, shape, and activity level should come into mind. Some dogs who get squirmy in the car might benefit from a roomier car seat, while others might like to be snugly secured.
