6 Best Dog Car Seats

What's better than a road trip with your four-legged friend? Whether it's a trip to the local park or a family weekend getaway, you always want to make sure your dog is safe, secure and comfortable as can be. Although it's awesome having a fuzzy co-pilot, it's usually a distraction from the road. And you wouldn't want your canine companion going flying if you slam on the brakes!

Read on to find the very best dog booster seat for your fur baby.

labrador looking out of automobile

Why Should you Consider a Car Seat for a Dog?

Do I really need to get a dog booster seat?

You DO! Here's why:

More safety. Your dog won't be sitting on your lap and distracting you from the road.
More comfort. Pet seats have proven to reduce dog car sickness and travel anxiety.
More enjoyment. Booster seats elevate your dog so they can see out of the window.

Who is a Dog Booster Seat Suited to?

A dog booster seat works best for small to medium-sized dogs.

If you have a larger dog, you should go for a secure, crash-tested crate or harness. A car seat cover is also a good idea to keep your car interior spick and span from grubby paws.

While pet seats are more suited to small pets, it is possible to find a decent booster seat for bigger pets (see our recommendation for large dogs below).

Car safety features aren't made with dogs in mind. A dog booster seat is a fantastic solution to keep your dog restrained in the back seat for safety.

You may think it's unnecessary, but if you have a car accident, for example, it will activate the airbags in the front seats. This can cause your precious doggo more harm than good.

Best Overall: Kurgo Rover Booster Dog Car Seat

Kurgo Rover Booster Dog Car Seat

This award-winning dog booster seat takes the prize once again. You can relax knowing your pooch is super safe and comfortable in his sturdy dog booster seat.

Say goodbye to distractions and car sickness as your dog calmy enjoys the scenery out the back window.

Secure, durable and comfy - what more could you need?

Pros

  • Extremely easy to install (no assembly required)
  • Waterproof material and easy to clean
  • Includes a sturdy, adjustable dog seatbelt
  • Can support weight up to 30 lbs
  • Lifetime warranty
  • Collapsible - doesn't need much storage space.

Cons

  • The rim isn't padded like the rest of the seat.

View Latest Price for Kurgo Rover Booster Car Seat

Best Value: PetSafe Happy Ride Booster Seat

PetSafe Happy Ride Booster Seat

All dogs LOVE watching the world go by out the car window. This dog car booster seat makes it possible without breaking the bank.

Keep your dog safe and secure without clumsy straps to impair their favourite view or their comfort.

Pros

  • Durable and stain-resistant basket frame
  • Soft, comfortable fleece inner liner (washable)
  • Great for smaller dogs
  • Comes in three different sizes
  • Quick and easy to set up.

Cons

  • Not suitable for large dogs (11kg or more)
  • Only works on car seats with a headrest.

View Latest Price for PetSafe Happy Ride Booster Seat

Comfiest: BLOBLO Dog Car Seat

BLOBLO Dog Car Seat

A comfy dog is a happy dog, and BLOBLO's dog booster seat provides the ultimate snugness for your furry friend.

Think of it as a pet bed. It's well-cushioned and supportive to make your dog feel at ease for every car ride, no matter how long.

Pros

  • Great fit for smaller to medium-sized dogs
  • There are storage pockets on both sides of the dog seat 
  • It has no weight limit 
  • Easy to clean (machine washable).

Cons

  • It's pricey
  • Your car's rear seat needs to be singular chairs (not a bench) to assemble the dog seat's back strap
  • The attached tether isn't very strong.

View Latest Price for BLOBLO Dog Car Seat

Large Dog Car Seat: PetsWow Pet Booster Seat LARGE dogs

PetsWow Pet Booster Seat for big dogs

Have you noticed that most dog booster seats are designed for smaller dogs or puppies?

If your canine friend is on the larger side, this car seat is just what you need! It's made with a solid structure, big enough for your dog to lie down and relax in comfort during the journey.

Pros

  • Reasonably priced
  • Easy to assemble (attaches securely to the car's seat belts)
  • Machine washable and reversible inner lining, but don't tumble dry
  • Elevated so your dog can easily see out the window
  • 100% risk-free satisfaction guarantee.

Cons

  • Some users have reported that the zippers break easily.

View Latest Price for PetsWow Booster Seat

Best Luxury Buy: PetSafe Happy Ride Quilted Dog Safety Seat

PetSafe Happy Ride Quilted Dog Safety Seat

Your fur baby deserves only the best. This fabulous pet car seat combines top quality and luxurious comfort to guarantee your pampered pet enjoys every ride!

Forget car sickness and anxiety with this ultra snug dog booster seat.

Did we mention your dog is highly likely to abandon their old bed once they try this?

Pros

  • Comes in different sizes to accommodate smaller and larger dogs
  • Very sturdy and secure
  • Comes with a safety leash to attach your dog's collar to the basket
  • Easy to clean and doesn't trap odours (unlike foam-based booster seats).

Cons

  • Some users have found it challenging to assemble.

View Latest Price

FAQ's

Do I need a car seat for my dog?

Yes, pet car seats have multiple benefits. They protect your car's interior, help to prevent motion sickness, offer comfort, and most importantly, improve safety for everyone in the car.

It's especially useful for long road trips. Smaller dogs can easily see out of the window, and it acts as a comfy bed for a dog nap.

How to install dog car seat?

Most dog seats are easy to assemble, but it's crucial to ensure you install the seat properly so that it's safe. Every pet seat is different. Follow the instructions that you receive with your dog booster seat.

Tip: Collapsable designs are the simplest to install (and allow for easy storage).

How does dog car seat work?

Most dog car seats work with straps that are secured to either your car's seat belts, the base of the car seat, or one of the headrests.

A safety belt or harness (usually attached to the booster seat) keeps your pet from roaming around. No more distractions from the road!

Where to buy dog car seat?

You can choose one of our recommended best dog car seats above - we've provided the links you need to buy them on Amazon and online pet stores. This way, you can have them conveniently delivered to your door in a matter of days! Alternatively, you might also find what you're looking for at your local pet store.

Which dog car seat is best?

This depends entirely on your canine companion (size, weight, etc.), and your budget. For the best dog car seat, choose one of our top picks listed above!

Are dog car seats safe?

Certainly. Dog booster seats with safety harnesses improve the safety of everyone in the vehicle. It keeps the dog in the back of the car and restrains the dog in a potential accident.

The only case that it's unsafe is if the dog is untethered in the seat.

It's also important to replace the seat if it's been in a car accident - just like you would do with a bike helmet or a child's safety seat, for example.

Do dog car seats work?

A good quality seat will have features that keep your dog safe and comfortable - making car rides fun!

Cheaper pet gear often breaks after using it only a few times. When it comes to you and your dog's safety - it's best to invest in a (possibly more expensive) high-quality pet seat.

Is it a legal requirement to have your dog restrained in a car?

There are no road rules requiring your pets to be restrained when in the car, but the advantages of doing so are clear.

When it comes to the safety of the driver, the passengers, and your pet - it's in your best interest to do so.

Are dogs allowed in the front seat of a car Australia?

It's illegal to drive with your pet on your lap in ALL parts of Australia. Drivers must have clear, unobstructed views of the road from all angles.

There isn't a rule about having your dog next to you secured in the front passenger seat, but it's not advised. If the airbags deploy, it can cause a lot of harm to a dog.

Instead, choose a dog or puppy car seat to keep you and your pet safe and abiding by the law!

rachel white Written by Rachel White
21st January 2022