The Best Car Seats for Dogs
For dog owners who want to keep their dogs safe during car rides, just tossing them in the backseat isn't going to cut it. Smaller dogs especially are liable to get tossed around the car during a trip. Enter the dog car seat, which will help keep your dog safe, comfortable, and secure. With that said, not just any old car seat will do; it's vital that you choose a good one. A poorly constructed one could collapse or otherwise fail and put your pup in serious danger. If it's uncomfortable, your dog will hate it and drive you nuts. We reviewed dog car seats to find ones that are safe, easy to install and maintain, and will keep your dogs happy. Read on for our reviews of the best car seats for dogs.
What to Look For
In our research, we found that the best dog car seats are safe, comfortable, and durable. Pet Gear’s Lookout booster seat is perfect for smaller dogs, and we think it’s pretty nice looking too, so it won’t be an eyesore. If your dog is on the rambunctious side, consider Devoted Doggy’s deluxe car seat. While the interior is soft and fluffy, the frame is made of sturdy metal. Read on to learn more about our favorite picks. We’re sure you’ll find the right car seat for your furry friend.
Pet Gear Lookout Booster Car Seat
Give your pooch a boost
If you have dogs that would like to enjoy the view while you drive, get them this car seat from Pet Gear. The Lookout is a car seat that was designed to put dogs high up so they can see out the car windows. The base of the seat is a sturdy foam, and the cover is soft microsuede, so your dog will be comfortable while resting on a solid foundation. The car seat is strapped in place with your regular car seat belts, making it simple to install and easy to remove. There are tethers to hold your dog so they can’t jump off or fall off during the car ride. There are two tethers to give you the option of strapping two dogs; there is enough room on the seat for two small dogs. The seat is easy to keep clean because the cover is removable and machine washable.
Pros
- If you have two small dogs, this has a convenient feature we think you’ll appreciate. It has two tethers, so you have the option of strapping in two dogs at once.
- Getting your dog to stay in a car seat can be challenging, and that’s especially true if they want to see out the window during the drive. Since this seat provides a window view, your dogs will be less likely to try to wriggle out of the seat.
Cons
- The cushion isn’t the softest ever, but we have a feeling your dog won’t mind.
Devoted Doggy Deluxe Dog Booster Car Seat
Strong on the outside, soft on the inside
This is a wonderful dog car seat from Devoted Doggy. It has a strong metal frame that won’t bend or break. You can really count on it to hold up for the bumpiest of car rides and to last for years. It’s also collapsible, so this seat takes up very little space in your trunk or garage when you’re not bringing your dog in the car. The liner is soft plush, which makes for a very cozy ride for your dog. This dog seat attaches to the car seat via two straps – one goes around the back of the seat, and one goes around the headrest. They’re easy to attach, and they will hold the seat tight.
Pros
- Some car seats in this price range opt for a frame made of plastic piping, but we like that this one is made of durable metal.
- The liner can be removed when you need to clean it. Do note, though, that you’ll need to use the delicate cycle if you put it in the washing machine; otherwise, it should be washed by hand.
Cons
- Despite its quality construction and durability, this is a small seat made for small dogs. If your pooch weighs more than 15 pounds, this option probably won’t work for them.
PetSafe Solvit Jumbo Dog Safety Seat
Peace of mind
As you might guess from its name, PetSafe is a company that prides itself on the safety of its products. This car seat is made from rigid plastic panels that use Safe-T-Core technology to keep your dog safe. This seat has been tested in a crash-testing facility approved by the Department of Transportation. The tether that connects your dog to the seat has been tested up to 2,000 pounds of force.
Pros
- If your dog is travel-averse, any sort of added comfort can help make the experience more tolerable for them. This seat sports a quilted shell, which makes it a tad bit cozier than most other seats.
- This seat is available in various colorways. Since the seat will be in use pretty often, we appreciate being able to choose one that looks good to us.
Cons
- This seat is not quick to deconstruct and reconstruct, so when you plan on using it, it’s best that you set it up in advance.
Cozy Boost Premium Quality Dog Booster Seat
An adorable seat for adorable pups
This is a super cute dog seat from Stella and Bear. The thick fleece cover not only provides the utmost comfort for your canine, but it comes in the classic color coding for boys and girls: blue and pink. Under the fleece padding, the oxford fabric is water-resistant for easy cleaning. The frame is solid metal and will not collapse or break when in use. However, collapsing it for storage is easy. And unlike other seats that have a tall base that rests on the car seat, this seat hangs off the headrest above the car seat. A second strap wraps around the seat’s back so that the dog seat is tightly secured.
Pros
- We love that Stella and Bear is a mom-and-pop business. They regularly donate to animal rescues and shelters, so you can feel good about buying from them.
- The inclusion of a free collapsible dog bowl is a nice touch that adds a bit more value to this pick.
Cons
- You really need to pull the straps tight to keep the seat in place. If you have arthritis or similar conditions, this may be difficult.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the tether or safety strap attach to my dog’s collar?
It can, but we strongly recommend against doing that. In the event of a crash or an abrupt stop, it is possible that your dog could fly out of the collar or get choked by the collar if it is hooked into the strap. We recommend getting a vest harness and hooking the strap to that.
Is the seat big enough for my dog?
That all depends on the size of your dog. Always check the weight and size limits of the seat on the product page before ordering.
How do I keep the seat clean?
Most seats have removable, machine-washable covers. So just pull off the cover, toss it in the washing machine (make sure you use the right cycle), dry it, and presto — you’ve got yourself a clean car seat.
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