Keep Your Companion Safe With the Best Dog Car Seats
If you’re a pet parent, you’d agree that pet safety is of the utmost importance. It’s not safe for Fido to walk around your car without a car seat, harness, or crate, whether you’re going on a hiking trip or a required journey to the vet. A dog car seat is one alternative for safe canine automobile travel, helping you reach safety standards that should be common practice. However, purchasing a dog car seat may be daunting. There are a lot of choices to consider, and dog owners need to know what to look for to ensure that their fur babies are safe and comfortable while riding. We’ve not only picked the five best dog car seats in 2023, but we’ve also put together a comprehensive guide to allow you to weigh your options. You’re on your way to making car rides safer and more peaceful.
The Top Dog Car Seat Options, Reviewed
SWIHELP Dog Car Seat
– Best Overall
This safety seat from SWIHELP is ideal for small dogs, cats, and other creatures of a littler size who weigh less than 13 pounds, or about 6 kilograms. It includes strong PVC frame bars to keep the entire seat in good shape. It’s also foldable and easy to clean. You’ll never have to worry about paying too much attention to your pet while driving, which equals increased road safety.
Futhermore, your pets won’t bother you when you’re driving, as the car seat will securely hold them in place. It comes with adjustable straps that fit into most automobiles, trucks, and SUVs. There’s a ring to secure your dog’s harness so they don’t leap out. This pet car seat is composed of high-quality, water-resistant material.
- Used to keep dogs from damaging your vehicle seat
- Waterproof, thick, and abrasion-resistant material
- Mesh may rip
- A few reviews note that straps are too long and can cause serious safety issues
Henkelion Dog Car Seat
– Most Protective
Offering everything you need to keep your dog safe and comfortable during a car ride, this dog seat is a great option. It also makes pet safety much simpler, perfect for small dogs and medium ones who are less than 30 pounds. Even if your pet tries to crawl out over the top, the support rod of the metal frame makes the seat incredibly sturdy. The dog car seat is designed with two car tethers in a belt form to keep the seat from moving around too much. This design will keep your pet from bothering you while driving.
This seat comes with a safety belt clip to attach your dog’s harness to for extra security. It also offers a storage pocket at the front. The anti-skid, breathable, waterproof, and durable Oxford fabric reduces any cleaning hassle.
- Detachable board and waterproof materials simplify cleaning
- Offers a comfortable and secure spot for dogs to sit
- Some reviews state that there isn’t enough padding
BLOBLO Dog Car Seat
– Most Versatile
This dog seat is simple to install, with an adjustable buckle design that allows it to fit perfectly in place, making it ideal for a wide range of vehicles. The included harness tether will help you rest assured about your pooch’s safety. It’s intended for smaller dogs, so medium sized pups might have a hard time fitting safely.
Its soft but durable composition allows it to function as a regular pet bed, beside its obvious intended use in the car. On both sides of the seat, little pockets offer easy storage for your pet’s treats and toys. It is easy to clean, and the bed is both hand and machine washable, so you can get the seat cover looking like new as well. The booster seat can also help keep pets warm.
- Prevents dogs from scratching vehicle and shedding on the seat
- Machine washable
- Comfy design
- Reviews state to use a harness, not a leash, with the seat belt for better safety
PetSafe Deluxe Seat for Dogs
– Best View
This car seat lifts your dog to the ideal level for looking out the car window. It won’t safely accommodate large dogs, but smaller dogs can safely fit inside. It keeps a restless dog in place, connects your vehicle seat belt, and utilizes the safety tether. It has three stabilizing attachment points that provide a comfortable, pleasurable journey. Besides the pet safety it offers, it also can secure anxious dogs or pups who experience car sickness. It comes in three colors.
The warm fleece lining and polyester oxford shell provide a comfortable experience during long car rides. You can set this dog seat up easily using the adjustable straps. On top of it, this dog car seat has a collapsible design that folds flat for convenient storage. It also offers a removable liner that is machine washable, making it easy to clean. The zipped pocket may be used to store extra pet supplies.
- Has safety leash and a storage compartment
- Installs securely in all automobiles with headrests in about a minute
- The seat is kept clean and fresh with a removable, washable line
- Headrest required
Petsfit Dog Car Seat with belt
– Best Value
The dog vehicle travel seat is constructed of high-quality oxford and comes with a pad that zips into the bottom hole and can be removed for washing. The seat cover can be reversed for each season. One side of the seat cover offers smooth oxford cloth in the summer and the other is fluffy material for the winter, offering the comfy interior of a pet bed. Compared to other options, this plush car seat comes in two sizes, including a large size to accomodate medium sized dogs and bigger ones.
The manufacturer has paid special heed to your pooch’s safety and incorporated safety straps to the seat. It also requires strong seat belts to hold the seat in place properly. In terms of other safety features, it also features a ring to fasten the harness of your dog in order to have better control and reduce the risk of distraction while driving.
- Liner with two sides, perfect for all seasons
- Storage compartments on the front to keep pet essentials
- Provides dogs with a window view of the ride, which is ideal for road trips
- The lining and the seat are readily separated via the zipper
Finding the Best Dog Car Seat for Your Pup
Pet parents should know that it’s against the law to drive with your canine who sits in the car without any restraints. Distracted driving can exponentially increase when you’re traveling with an animal. And even a sudden stop can end in an injury with an unsecured dog constantly crossing the front and back seat. Therefore, a dog car seat is a must-have safety item for people who constantly have a pup in the car. However, knowing that you must purchase a car seat for your pooch and sorting out which one will work are the two sides of the same coin.
Many car seats for dogs merely hold your dog in place to keep them from disturbing you while driving, so it is essential to make sure you have one that can really protect your pup. Car restraints can even help to reduce motion sickness and add a feeling of security to an anxious dog as well. To help you discover precisely what you’re looking for in a pet car seat, we’ve offered a buying guide below.
What Are the Advantages of Dog Car Seats?
Is a dog car seat really necessary? As an important safety device, it is definitely not your average pet carrier. Let’s look at some of the advantages of keeping your furry friend safe while you drive.
- A dog car seat keeps canines from distracting the driver, which can lead to accidents.
- Crash tests prove that your four-legged buddy will be safer in a dog car seat. The majority of them come with a tether to keep your dog safe in the case of an accident.
- Most car seats for dogs are well-padded, and many are as comfy as the dog bed that your pup may be used to. This comfort will ensure a more pleasant trip for your canine buddy.
- Small dogs can use raised dog car seats as a booster seat to view out the window as you drive.
What Aspects Should You Evaluate While Purchasing Dog Car Seats?
Size
You must select a dog car seat that is the proper size for your four-legged companion. Many dog car seats are designed to suit small dogs or medium dogs, although there are also bigger, more heavy duty models available for large dogs as well.
One big or medium dog, or two small dogs, can fit in certain larger dog car seats. Allow your dogs to ride next to each other only if they are calm and won’t fight. Even a playful squabble might cause the driver to get distracted, so it’s best to strap numerous pets on different sides of the rear seat.
Comfort
The comfort of your canine buddy is one of the reasons to get a dog car seat. You might opt to just use the dog bed your pup already has as a car seat, but this may not be the safest idea. By simply glancing at a dog car seat, you can generally determine how comfy it is. A safety seat with soft material that offers plenty of cushioning will create a lovely, velvety surface for your dog to relax on.
Another consideration is the size of the dog seat in relation to your dog. Your dog won’t be able to cuddle in for a nap if the car seat isn’t spacious enough for lying down. Comfort is especially essential on lengthy vehicle journeys, so if you’re going on a road trip with your dogs, make sure they’ll be able to relax.
What Characteristics Should You Look for When Purchasing a Dog Car Seat?
Easy washing
For easy cleaning, a removable seat cover or seat pad is a requirement. While the majority of dog car seat covers and cushions are machine washable, there are a few exceptions. Before purchasing a dog car seat, make sure you understand the cleaning recommendations.
Features that ensure safety
To attach the seat to your vehicle seat, your chosen model should feature a high-quality locking system. A seat belt is generally threaded through a portion of the dog car seat to fasten the dog car seat. The tether that secures your dog to the seat is another important safety element.
How Much Do Dog Car Seats Cost?
The price varies based on the size, quality, and features, but most fall between $20 to $100. The cost of a basic canine car seat ranges from $20 to $40. While there are some good models in this price range, most are mediocre. It’s also uncommon to come across a lot of choices for bigger size dogs, but they definitely exist.
A mid-priced dog car seat can set you back between $40 and $60. There are numerous good models available at this pricing bracket, including some alternatives for big dogs. High-end car seats for dogs may cost anywhere from $60 to $100. You’ll discover the safest, most secure, and most comfy canine car seats at this price point.
What Are Some Tips and Advice When Buying Dog Car Seats?
- The best dog car seats to consider will be the options that are compatible with your specific vehicle.
- To be properly fastened, certain dog car seats require a headrest or a specific type of seat belt. In this aspect, back seat area may be more secure.
- Although you may want to put your dog in the front seat, it’s typically better to put his or her car seat in the rear since most cars have front airbags, which can hurt your pet if they deploy.
- Make sure your dog’s car seat is firmly fastened to the vehicle’s seat. If a booster seat is the best solution, look at it.
- Although booster seats help little dogs keep a better eye on their surroundings and enjoy the journey more, some smaller dogs can become too enthusiastic and yelp at everything passing by. If this is the case with your dog, a lower model is preferable to a booster seat.
People Also Asked
A: Yes, most dog car seats have a maximum weight capacity. Depending on the car seat you select, this might vary significantly. Some smaller car seats are only appropriate for little breeds and can only hold dogs weighing up to 10 or 15 pounds. With this information in mind, you can ensure that this safety device is as effective as possible.
A: The safety clip or tether should not be fastened to your dog's collar. It should only be used with a vehicle-safe harness, which you'll have to purchase separately if your dog car seat doesn't come with one. If the clip is attached to a collar, your dog is more likely to be badly hurt in an accident due to the impact's power.
A: Dog car seat weight varies depending on the manufacturer, model, and size. However, the bulk of them is quite light. A dog car seat should be easy to carry and hoist into a car for the typical human.
A: Bigger car seat options do exist for larger dogs, but you may have to hunt harder for these to ensure they're the perfect fit. You could also find specific car-safe harnesses that can help restrain your canine. Don't strap your dog into a human seat belt by itself as a last resort.
A: Accidents and crash tests can prove that the force of an airbag can cause serious harm to a dog, or much worse. That said, having your dog ride in the front of your car is definitely not recommended. If this can't be avoided, turn off the passenger seat airbag in case of an accident and move the seat back as much as you can. The back seat usually has airbags as well, so make sure your pup is as secure as possible – you can also consider a car-safe crate. This will lessen the possibility of harm befalling your beloved pet.
