Best Dog Car Seats of 2024

Looking to provide your dog with the best travel experience? Dog car seats and boosters are crafted to give your furry companion an elevated position, allowing them to relax and watch the scenery pass by while you keep your focus on driving.

Your dog can sit by your side up front or stretch out on the back seat throughout your journey.

Our Picks of The Best Cars Seats for Dogs on The Market Right Now

Best Dog Car Seats

Not sure which dog car seat is the right choice for your pup, your car, and your lifestyle? Our Buying Advice and Features to Consider sections will be your guide!

We’ll walk you through all you need to know to pick the perfect dog car seat that ensures your pet stays safe, comfortable, and happy on the road.

---

In This Article

• Buying Advice for Dog Car Seats
• Features to Consider
• Our Picks of the Best Dog Car Seats
  1. Best Overall Elevated Car Seat – Kurgo
  2. Best Mid-Range Dog Car Seat – PetSafe
  3. Best Small Dog Booster – Kong
  4. Best Luxury Dog Car Seat – Luther Bennett
  5. Best Large Dog Car Seat – Petsfit
  6. Best Non-Elevated Large Seat – Julibees
  7. Best Non-Elevated Luxury Seat – Julibees
  8. Best Non-Elevated Small Seat – PetSafe
  9. Best Non-Elevated Budget Seat – MuttStuff
  10. Alternative for Large Dogs – Kurgo

---

Buying Advice for Dog Car Seats

Dog car booster seats are game-changers for smaller dogs and puppies, especially those prone to car sickness, as they offer a better view out of the window.

An elevated, front-facing position with improved ventilation has proven effective in alleviating car sickness symptoms in dogs.

Let’s be honest, if your pet feels secure and comfortable, they’re more likely to stay still, allowing you to concentrate solely on driving.

This buying guide will help you determine which features matter most to you and your dog, grouping car seats to make your choice easier.

Bear in mind that dog car seats, unlike child seats, don’t have standard safety testing. Therefore, it’s up to you, as a caring dog owner, to decide which products seem safest for your pet. However, keep in mind that any form of car restraint is better than none.

Talking about safety, we also feature a crash-tested harness and two of the best seatbelt tethers later in the article.

---

Features to Consider

At Smart Bark, we’ve tested numerous car seats, so before you make a purchase, here are the key factors we suggest you consider:

Booster Type
As we’ve mentioned, decide which type suits your dog best:

• 🚗 Elevated – attaches to headrests (1-3)
• 🚗 Elevated Base – sits on your seat with a raised base (4-5)
• 🚗 Non-Elevated – sits directly on your seat (6-10)

We’ve reviewed all three styles.

Seat Size
Elevated seats (which appear first) are generally ideal for smaller dogs and puppies. For larger dogs, we recommend checking out the non-elevated models (see 6-10), which accommodate bigger, heavier dogs safely.

Safety
There are different attachment methods: straps around the seat, adjustable headrest straps, or connecting directly to your car’s seatbelt system. Some seats use all three, providing extra security and stability, especially on corners.

Image of Best Dog Car Seats for Small Dogs

Cleaning
If your dog loves mud, look for seats with removable, machine-washable covers. Also, consider the color—light shades may look nice but can stain easily.

---

Our Picks of the Best Dog Car Seats

Best Overall Elevated Car Seat – Kurgo

The Kurgo Skybox Booster, from the Kurgo lineup, was put to the test. Renowned for their travel safety products, Kurgo offers the Skybox Booster, Rover, and Heather Boosters, all of which install effortlessly on either your front or rear seats. The Kurgo design allows for extension straps, enabling installation on wider seats, making them some of the safest on the market.

Kurgo Heather car seat with dog
Arriving pre-assembled, installation is a breeze. Each seat includes built-in metal supports for stability, along with an adjustable dog seatbelt tether, so as long as your dog has a harness, you’re set. The waterproof exterior and machine-washable liner make it easy to maintain. It folds flat for convenient storage and is designed for dogs up to 9 kg, although it can hold up to 13 kg.

Dimensions: 30 x 40 x 20 cm
Type: Elevated
Machine-washable: Yes (Base cushion & liner)

Reasons to Buy:

• Fits wide rear seats
• Built-in support
• Includes seatbelt tether
• Collapsible for storage

Reasons to Avoid:

• Suitable only for dogs up to 9 kg

[View Kurgo Car Seat Range on Amazon]

Best Mid-Range Dog Car Seat – PetSafe

For those seeking an affordable option, the PetSafe Happy Ride Booster is recommended. Featuring three attachment points for added security, it’s easy to adjust and includes a seatbelt tether. Though it requires a simple 10-minute setup, it offers a cozy ride.
[Read our full review]

Dimensions: Small: 36 x 31 x 20 cm; Large: 41 x 33 x 20 cm
Type: Elevated
Machine-washable: Inner & outer liner

Reasons to Buy:

• Three points of attachment
• Adjustable straps
• Harness tether included

Reasons to Avoid:

• Minimal padding
• Requires assembly

Best Small Dog Booster – Kong

Kong, well-known for its dog toys, has expanded into travel gear with the Kong Secure Booster Seat.

Designed to the highest standards, it can sit directly on your car seat or be adjusted to an elevated position using the headrest straps.

Multiple storage pockets make it a convenient choice for carrying toys, water bottles, and more. It’s waterproof on the outside, and the inner lining is machine washable. Recommended for dogs up to 11.5 kg.

Dimensions: 40 x 30 x 20 cm
Type: Elevated
Machine-washable: Inner lining

Reasons to Buy:

• Stylish design
• Extra storage pockets
• Waterproof exterior
• Machine-washable liner

Reasons to Avoid:

• Limited to dogs up to 11.5 kg

Best Luxury Dog Car Seat – Luther Bennett

If luxury is what you’re after, the Luther Bennett Travel Pod range is the ultimate in dog travel comfort.

Available in standard and XL sizes, it’s suitable for larger dogs or multiple smaller ones. The Travel Pod doubles as a bed, unzipping to lay flat once you reach your destination.

It offers extra comfort with thick padding, super strong handles, and adjustable straps for secure installation.

Dimensions: Travel Pod: 55 x 50 x 30 cm; XL: 90 x 50 x 45 cm
Type: Slightly elevated base
Machine-washable: Yes

Reasons to Buy:

• Stylish, multipurpose design
• Suitable for larger dogs
• Can be used as a portable bed
• 30-day return policy

Reasons to Avoid:

• Higher price point

Best Large Dog Car Seat – Petsfit

For those with bigger dogs or two small dogs, the Petsfit Large Dog Car Seat is a top choice. It offers a spacious, elevated base, sitting across two rear seats.

Updated with reinforced safety features, it secures to your car with three attachment points and folds flat for easy storage. The fleece liner is removable and machine washable.

Dimensions: Large: 75 x 40 x 35 cm; Medium: 38 x 40 x 35 cm
Type: Elevated Base
Machine-washable: Fleece liner

Reasons to Buy:

• Roomy, perfect for large dogs
• Improved safety features
• Foldable for easy storage
• Built-in storage pockets

Reasons to Avoid:

• Occupies two rear seats
• Not adjustable for height

Best Non-Elevated Large Dog Seat – Julibees

Julibees offers a non-elevated option perfect for one large or two smaller dogs. The Fluff model, available in various sizes, sits directly on your car seat and attaches via adjustable headrest straps.

Soft, cushioned, and equipped with three harness attachment points, this model provides comfort and flexibility, though it lacks more secure attachment points.

Dimensions: Standard: 55 x 50 x 35 cm; Large: 88 x 42 x 28 cm; X-Large: 95 x 47 x 32 cm; XX-Large: 120 x 47 x 32 cm
Type: Non-Elevated
Machine-washable: Yes (except Standard)

Reasons to Buy:

• Available in four sizes, including XX-Large
• Comfortable cushioning
• Adjustable headrest straps

Reasons to Avoid:

• Limited attachment for stability

Best Non-Elevated Luxury Dog Seat – Julibees

The luxury version from Julibees brings a touch of style to non-elevated car seats. Available in multiple colors, it arrives pre-assembled and comes with two harness attachment points.

It offers both headrest and back seat straps for security. The reversible base cushion ensures comfort in all seasons, and the durable exterior is machine washable.

Dimensions: Double: 85 x 50 x 30 cm
Type: Non-Elevated
Machine-washable: Yes

Reasons to Buy:

• Multiple color options
• Adjustable headrest and back seat straps
• Reversible cushion for versatility

Reasons to Avoid:

• Only available in one size

Best Non-Elevated Small Seat – PetSafe

Combining a dog seat and bed, the PetSafe Happy Ride is a cozy, non-elevated option. Offering three attachment points for stability, it fits on either the front or back seat and features a soft, padded interior with bolster cushions. The removable, machine-washable cover ensures easy maintenance. Ideal for a single small dog or two smaller pups.

Dimensions: 102 x 58 cm, with 13 cm high bolsters
Type: Non-Elevated
Machine-washable: Yes

Reasons to Buy:

• Soft, cushioned interior
• Multiple points of attachment
• Great value for comfort

Reasons to Avoid:

• Not elevated

Best Non-Elevated Budget Seat – MuttStuff

For budget-conscious dog owners, MuttStuff offers a non-elevated seat that doubles as a seat cover. With multiple attachment points, it keeps your dog secure while protecting your car seats.

The water-resistant coating and anti-slip base add to its practicality, though adding a cushion can improve comfort.

Dimensions: 58 x 52 x 52 cm
Type: Non-Elevated
Machine-washable: Yes

Reasons to Buy:

• Affordable and practical
• 2-in-1 design
• Suitable for larger dogs

Reasons to Avoid:

• Lacks padding for extra comfort

Alternative for Large Dogs – Kurgo Backseat Extender

The Kurgo Backseat Extender transforms the entire backseat area into a comfortable space for large dogs. By extending the seat into the footwell, it creates additional room for pets to stretch out. With foldable sides, it accommodates human passengers too. Ideal for large dogs or multiple pets, the extender is reversible, durable, and easy to clean.

Dimensions: 40.6 x 132.08 cm
Type: Non-Elevated
Machine-washable: No

Reasons to Buy:

• Expands backseat space
• Great for large dogs
• Reversible design

Reasons to Avoid:

• Not elevated

---

FAQs

What Harness Should My Dog Wear in the Car?
Dogs should always wear a harness attached to a seatbelt tether for car rides. Never connect the tether to a collar, as it can be dangerous. A proper harness ensures safety during sudden stops and minimizes distractions for the driver.

How Do I Attach the Harness to My Car?
Two options are available: seatbelt tethers or ISOFIX-compatible restraints. We recommend the Nasjac tether, which connects to ISOFIX points, standard seatbelts, or D-rings in the boot. This versatile setup ensures a snug, secure fit for your pet.

Can I Use the ISOFIX System in My Car?
Yes, if your car has ISOFIX anchor points, you can opt for compatible dog restraints like the Kong Ultimate Safety Tether. Ensure your car’s rear seat has a top tether point for this system, which creates its own seatbelt, offering extra security and control.

Our Verdict: The Kong Ultimate Safety Tether provides a high level of safety, keeping dogs secure and minimizing movement, making it an excellent companion for any dog car seat mentioned in this article.

---

How to Introduce a New Dog Car Seat

The best way to introduce your new dog car seat is to set it up inside your home and allow your dog to explore it. Gradually make it a positive experience by rewarding them with treats.

Once they’re comfortable, install the seat in your car, attach the harness, and adjust the tether for security. If the seat is positioned in the front, be sure to turn off the airbag and move the seat back.