Whether you're heading on long or short journeys, the best dog car seats will allow your pooch to travel comfortably and safely. These dog travel accessories are designed to give small and medium-sized breeds, as well as puppies, their own designated spot in the car. They'll offer protection and create a stress-free environment for your hound to get cosy in as they travel to their next adventure.
When it comes to car travel, dogs can be very spilt on their opinions of it. Some dogs absolutely love cruising along with you and will do anything to be a part of the action in the driving seat. Other hounds are not keen on it at all, with journeys in the car causing them stress and anxiety. Whatever camp your dog sits in, a dog car seat will be beneficial to both.
Best dog car seat at a glance:
• Best overall: Kurgo Heather Dog Booster Seat – view on Monster Pet Supplies
• Best quilted car seat: MuttStuff & Co Dog Car Seat – view on Amazon UK
• Best padded dog car seat: Trixie Car Seat for Dogs – view on Viovet
For those dogs that love to be in the car, a seat will give them an elevated spot so they can keep an eye on everything that is going on around them. However, they'll also be suitably restrained so they can't try and jump in with you or cause a dangerous distraction. If your pooch isn't such a big fan, they will appreciate the comfort and familiarity of their own space. You could even add a blanket or travel dog bed inside to make it extra cosy. It may help to reduce stress if they smell a bit like you and your home, too.
The car seats for dogs are not only beneficial to your hound, but they'll also offer some protection to your seats. Having an extra layer between your pooch and your upholstery will keep them clean against wet and muddy paw prints, shredded pet hair, and any little accidents that may happen. They are many different types out there, which is why we've rounded up the best dog car seats on the market. We've taken into account the safety features they include such as tethers and dog seat belts to keep your hound secure, durability of the materials, overall style and, of course, the amount of comfort they'll provide your pooch with.
Best dog car seats
Best overall
Monster Pet Supplieswww.monsterpetsupplies.co.uk
Easy and quick to install, the Kurgo Heather Dog Booster Seat can be used on the front or back seats to give your hound a comfortable ride. It has metal supports to give the seat some structure while your pooch is sitting inside and when you're done with travelling, it collapses down for easy storage. The exterior is waterproof and it comes with a machine washable liner with a reversible pad to keep the seat clean.
Customer review: "Easy to fit and really easy to take out and throw in the washing machine. My dog settles so much better in this seat as he can see out of the car windows."
Pros
- Metal supports for structural integrity
- Collapsible for easy storage
- Adjustable seat belt tether easily attaches to all dog harnesses
Cons
- Only holds up to 30lb so not designed for larger dogs
Best quilted car seat
AmazonIf you're after a seat that can be used as a cover too, take a look at this MuttStuff & Co Dog Car Seat. You just push the handle into the base of the seat and secure the buckles around the headrest before you decide whether to zip the four walls up to create a seat or leave them down to make a cover. When zipped, the walls are extra thick and when you've finished using it, it folds down neatly for easy storage.
Customer review: "Perfect for my crazy dog who insists on sitting in the front seat. Easily fitted."
Pros
- Comes with an adjustable seat belt
- Extra thick walls for greater stability and durability
- Quick to install
Cons
- Hand wash only
Best padded dog car seat
Viovetwww.viovet.co.uk
If you're heading out on a staycation or visiting friends and family for a few days, this Trixie Car Seat for Dogs will be just what you need. Not only is it a car seat, but it can also be used as a travel bed once you get to your destination and it has a zipped compartment underneath where you can store their food, toys and anything else you may need for an extended stay. The raised seat will allow your pooch to look out the window and they'll do it in extreme comfort, thanks to the soft lining inside.
Customer review: "Excellent my dog loves it. It's comfortable for him. Would recommend it."
Pros
- Lots of room for storage
- Puts dogs in an elevated position
- Soft inside
Cons
- Doesn't come with a seat belt or tether to keep dog secure so you would need to get this separately
Best dog car seat for light interiors
AmazonDesigned for hounds weighing up to 12kg, this Wuglo Extra Stable Dog Car Seat will be ideal for small and medium breeds, as well as puppies. The walls have been made with elasticated rods and plastic plates to make the walls extra strong but also super comfortable. Available in beige and grey colourways, as well as two black designs, we like how this seat will match different coloured car interiors.
Customer review: "Love this car seat. It's very sturdy, well made and east to install. Every side is velcrod so easy for Ted's my Yorkie/Bichon X to get in and out over. Strap easy to attach to Teddy's harness so he's secure and long enough so that he can change positions. For added comfort, I've put a soft blanket inside. Teddy seems to like it and I know he's safe. I would highly recommend."
Pros
- Choice of four colours
- Strong walls
- Length adjustable seat belt
Cons
- Lighter colours will get dirty more quickly than darker ones
Best mesh dog car seat
AmazonWhether you're tackling sharp turns and rough terrain or suddenly need to break, the GoBuyer Waterproof Pet Dog Car Seat will keep your dog safe and secure. With mesh panels on two of the sides, it's extremely breathable and the material is also waterproof so you don't need to worry about it retaining water if you and your pup get caught in the rain before getting back into the car.
Customer review: "This is the perfect way to ensure that your dog is safe whilst travelling in your car. Much appreciated and I am happy that the dog was safe and comfortable. Medium size dog fits comfortably."
Pros
- Waterproof
- Breathable material
- Easy to fold away when not in use
Cons
- Walls aren't as thick compared to others on our list so may not be as sturdy
Best dog booster seat
Pets at Homewww.petsathome.com
Next up is this In-Car Dog Booster Seat from Pets at Home that will provide your pooch with a comfortable, elevated spot in the car. It has an inner fleece lining to make it soft and snuggly for your dog to curl up in, which is also detachable and machine washable for easy cleaning. It also has an integrated tether that attaches to your dog's harness to ensure they are suitably restrained.
Customer review: "This is great. The first time I used this was when I took the puppy to the vet. She was very happy and felt secure, so much that she lay down and fell asleep."
Pros
- Fleece lining for extra comfort
- Collapses down and folds flat for easy storage
- The lining is machine washable
Cons
- Some reviewers felt their puppies would soon grow out if it because it is quite small
Best dog car seat for storage
Viovetwww.viovet.co.uk
This KONG Booster Seat securely fastens to the base of your rear or front seats, with adjustable straps that connect around the headrest and a carabiner inside to connect to your dog's harness. As you'd expect from a brand that is known for its enriching dog toys, there are pockets to the front and side to store all your pooch's fave things and essentials, including toys, treats, poop bags and more.
Pros
- Made using quality materials
- Storage space around the sides
- Secure fastenings
Cons
- No customer reviews
Best dog car seat FAQs
Are dogs allowed in the front seat of the car?
There are no set rules in the UK as to whether dogs are allowed in the front seat of the car. Although it is generally considered safer for both hound and human to have your dog sit in the back of the car, they are no rules saying that they can't sit in the front. You will need to make sure that the passenger airbags are switched off if they are in that position as the force of them activating will cause your dog harm if you get into an accident. For that reason, it's best to have them sit in the back seat.
Regardless of seating position, your dog must be suitably restrained when travelling in the car, according to Rule 57 of the Highway Code. This is so they cannot distract you while you are driving or injure you or themselves in the event of you needing to stop quickly. The Highway Code suggests a seat belt harness, pet carrier, dog travel cage or dog guard are all suitable for keeping your pooch safe and secure.
Do dog car seats help with car sickness?
Did you know that, just like humans, dogs can suffer from travel sickness, too? It can be one of the reasons that your hound may not be keen on travelling in the car. However, getting them a dog car seat may help.
A dog seat will put your pooch in a more elevated position in the car, so they can have a better view of where they are, which may help to improve symptoms of motion sickness. This elevated position can make your dog feel more in control of their surroundings, often helping to alleviate nausea and dizziness.
The best dog car seats will also provide your pooch with a snug and stable environment, reducing the amount of bouncing and moving around that may happen as you navigate the roads. This in turn may stop your pooch from feeling car sick as they’ll be more settled and comfortable.
Rosie Floyd is a Pets, Homes and Garden Product Writer for Take A Break Pets, specialising in all things dogs. She grew up always having at least one dog as part of the family and has experience in owning a variety of breeds, including Labradors, Cockapoos and Yorkshire Terriers.