Travel dog beds and car seats are some of the best dog travel accessories for when you're staycationing in the UK because it means you've got somewhere safe for your pooch to travel during the car journey. Plus, they're easy to pack up and go when you're on the road. Even if you're not going on your holidays, they're ideal for taking your dog on a long walk or visiting friends, too.
We know that not all dogs are fans of car travel. Many bark and howl, others are quiet and shake, and some may even try to escape and jump in the front to sit with you. Having a safe space, whether that's a car seat or dog bed, for your hound is important for ensuring they stay calm and comfy for the duration of the journey. The Highway Code also states that pets need to be suitably restrained so they cannot be a distraction to you while driving or injure either you or themselves if you have to stop quickly.
Best travel dog beds, travel mats and car seats at a glance:
• Best travel dog bed: Ismael Bolster Cushion – view on Wayfair
• Best travel dog mat: 3 Peaks Roll Up Travel Dog Mat – view on Pets at Home
• Best dog bed car seat: Kurgo Heather Dog Booster Seat – view on Pets at Home
• Best dog hammock: Kurgo Loft Hammock – view on Amazon UK
While car seats are great for keeping your pooch secure while in the car, travel dog beds will provide your pooch with somewhere comfortable to lay on during the ride and also can be used as a place to snooze once you've reached your destination, too. Plus, if you're looking for an option to soothe your dog while on a car journey, a travel dog bed is a good pick because it's the closest style to their bed at home.
Whether you opt for a dog car crate or cage to keep your dog secure, or your boot seats are high enough that your dog can't jump over them, there are plenty of car seats and travel dog beds to choose from that you can sling in the back of your car for when they're needed. Take a look at our top picks below.
The best travel dog beds
Best travel dog bed
Wayfairwww.wayfair.co.uk
Description
If you tend to go on regular muddy walks, the Ismael Bolster Cushion is the ideal bed to store in your boot because it's sturdy and fully waterproof. It's also covered in a heavy-duty, hardwearing, 100 per cent polyester waterproof material treated with a water-repellent coating that is easy to keep clean.
Customer review: "Lovely olive green colour, perfect size for a medium to large dog, durable fabric that's water-resistant and very easy to clean, and the cushion is comfortable for the pooch to lay on."
Pros
- Waterproof
- Easy to keep clean
- Choice of sizes
Cons
- A little heavier compared to other travel beds
Best water-resistant travel dog bed
Pets at Homewww.petsathome.com
Description
This round 3 Peaks Pack Away Round Dog Bed conveniently folds up and can be neatly stored in the included pack away bag, so it's handy for travel and easy for storage. It's made with a water-resistant and wipe-clean fabric, so you don't have to worry about muddy paw prints causing damage. It also has a removable cushion for easy washing and is machine washable, too. The non-slip base will help to keep the bed in place when excitable paws land on it.
Pros
- Easy to pack and store
- Water-resistant, wipe-clean fabric
- Recycled fill to reduce carbon footprint
Cons
- It is recommended that you avoid contact with light colours and wet floors as it could result in staining
The best travel mats for dogs
A travel mat is a great portable choice because when it's not in use, you can roll them up or stash them away out of sight. They don't take up much space and are easy to transfer to your vacation location or even a picnic.
Best travel dog mat
Pets at Homewww.petsathome.com
Description
Easy to store and unroll when needed, the 3 Peaks Roll Up Travel Dog Mat is the perfect size mat to roll up and take out on adventures. The soft fleece side ensures your best friend has somewhere soft to rest after a long day, whereas the other side is made with water-resistant fabric to protect against those wet and muddy days, and it's also a wipe-clean fabric for easy day-to-day maintenance.
Customer review: N/A
Pros
- Machine washable
- Water-resistant fabric
- Anti-bacterial treatment on the fleece side for freshness
Cons
- No customer reviews yet, as it is a new product
Best budget travel mat
AmazonDescription
The Petface Outdoor Paws Travel Mat is a truly portable option for your dog, as it makes it easy to pop in the carry case and keep in your car when needed. It's also water-resistant and quilted, so won't soak through into the boot of your car. You don't need to break the bank for this budget pick.
Customer review: "Really great quality. Rolls up really neatly making it portable in the little carry bag."
Pros
- Suitable for small, medium and large-sized dogs
- Water-resistant
- Rolls up and fits into its own carry bag
Cons
- Not many left in stock
Best personalised travel mat
Etsywww.etsy.com
Description
We love The Picnic Pad Travel Dog Mats because they're handmade in the UK by a small business, DesignedforDogs. There's a choice of patterns and colours available for you to choose from. It's had rave reviews from happy customers who said the mat is perfect for travelling, whether it's a trip to the pub to sit outdoors or further afield.
Customer review: "Fantastic product! The quality is impeccable and the pad is perfect for indoor use too. My puppy definitely needs to grow a bit more but he loves his mat!"
Pros
- Six patterns and multiple colour ways
- Waterproof base
- Carry handles
Cons
- Embroidered option available, but only for up to 10 characters, so not a suitable option if your dog's name is more than 10 characters
Best dog travel mat for warmer weather
Viovetwww.viovet.co.uk
Description
It can heat up pretty quickly in the boot of your car in warmer weather, so this All For Paws Chill Out Fresh Breeze Mat works perfectly to keep your dog chilled out while travelling. It's a springy plastic noodle mattress that allows air to flow through, making it both comfortable and refreshing to lie on.
Pros
- Perfect for hot dogs and summer travelling
- Keep air flowing under your dog to keep them cool
- Removable zip-fastened cover, which is machine washable in cold water
Cons
- Big price difference between medium and large sizes
The best dog bed car seat
A dog booster seat attaches to your car seat rather than in the boot, so likely to suit small to medium breeds that will settle easily.
If a dog seat isn't for you, a seat cover will also protect your car from dog hairs and dirt.
Best dog bed car seat
Monster Pet Supplieswww.petsathome.com
Description
Your dog will be able to watch the world go by in this Kurgo Heather Dog Booster Seat. They'll be able to look out of the window at their pleasure as the seat is attached to the car at a slight elevation. It's waterproof and also fleece-lined, so still comfortable for your dog to sit in.
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 handmade dog seat
Etsywww.etsy.com
Description
Take it up a notch with this Personalised Dog Car Booster Seat that you can customise with your beloved pet's name. It comes in a chic dark grey shade, so won't clash with most car interiors and still add a luxury feel. It attaches to the car seat's headrest and has foam-cushioned sides that provide a sturdy base for your pet.
Customer review: "Well made, comfortable and practical. Very happy with the product."
Pros
- Waterproof fabric
- Includes adjustable seat belt
- UV protection against fabric fading
Cons
- One reviewer felt the colour that arrived was darker compared to the picture
Best dog hammock
AmazonDescription
The Kurgo Dog Hammock for the back seat of the car comes highly recommended. If you're not looking to get an individual dog booster seat, a dog seat cover will protect your seats and prevent hair from getting everywhere. It's also waterproof and made from durable ripstop fabric and has zippered openings for access to seatbelts. It slips over your car seats and blocks access to the front seats so your dog won't distract you as much while driving.
Customer review: "I originally purchased the regular Kurgo Loft Car seat cover for my other car and when in the market for a second, found this hammock style. The hammock style really makes a difference in preventing my curious, affectionate dog from distracting me while I drive. The clips are strong and secure. The quilted satiny fabric seems durable and the bright blue is refreshing and energising. I recently had a flea infestation and washed everything my dog ever touched - it was a mess and I tossed this seat cover into the wash without even reading the care instructions (don't recommend usually), put this on the allergy cycle and it came out just as nice. I am impressed!"
Pros
- Durable water and stain-resistant
- Zippered openings for seat belts
- Carry case
Cons
- Some dogs may not like how a car hammock has a barrier between them and the front seat
Best dog car mat seat
pets at homewww.petsathome.com
Description
Keep things simple and opt for this Pets at Home Car Seat Mat that hooks over the headrest and protects your car from dirty paws. You will still need to keep your pet suitably restrained, so fastening the seatbelt to your dog's harness will keep them secure while you're driving.
Customer review: "Super easy to fit in any seat in the car, non slip backing prevents it sliding anywhere, easy access to seatbelts either side, nice and soft on the paws. Totally pawesome seat mat, much easier and more fit for purpose than any others I've tried before. Buy it!!!"
Pros
- Fully machine washable to reduce bacteria build-up
- Hooks around the headrest
- Suitable for most car seats
Cons
- Some dogs may prefer a seat over this mat as it doesn't have much padding in comparison
FAQs
What to look for in travel dog beds, travel mats and car seats
When trying to decide whether travel dog beds, travel mats or car seats are best for your on-the-go needs, there are a couple of things you should look at to help you make your decision.
Portability
Whether your chosen dog bed, mat or car seat is easy to transport is probably the biggest factor you'll want to think about. Make sure it's lightweight enough for you to pop it in the back of the car or take it with you down to the beach or to a friend's house. Look for features such as handles and storage bags to make it even easier to carry around.
Size
Is the size of your dog bed big enough for your pooch to fit completely in? This may not be as much of an issue to consider for smaller dogs, however for larger dogs, you'll want to make sure they've got equally got enough room to stretch out as they do curl up, with all of them being able to fit inside for a comfortable ride.
Cleanability
If you've taken your pooch on a particularly muddy walk or they've had a paddle in the sea, the last thing you'll want to worry about is how you're going to get their travel bed clean and dry again. Look for a bed that can be wiped clean or, better still, has a removable cover that can be popped straight into the washing machine when you get back. It'll be an added bonus if you choose one that's waterproof or made from water-resistant material.
Whether you're looking for a travel dog bed, a dog booster seat for your car, or a roll-up mat that can double up as a bed for whenever your pooch needs proper rest, we've selected options that will suit all breeds.
Can my dog travel in the car?
Yes, dogs are allowed to travel in cars, but they need to be secure. It's a legal requirement to make sure your dog is restrained when they're in the car so they can't distract you while you're driving or injure you or themselves if you stop quickly.
There are several pet safety travel products you can use to make sure they are comfortably restrained, like a seat belt harness or a specially designed lead that can be attached to a headrest or your car seat belt.
Some may prefer to opt for a dog guard to separate them from their boot and seats, a dog car crate, or a dog cage for car travel. If your pooch tends to be quite nervous while travelling in the car, you may want to opt for an anti-anxiety dog bed to help them feel more relaxed and calmer..
How long can a dog travel in the car?
Whenever you travel with your dog in the car, you'll want to make sure to take plenty of breaks so your pooch has a chance to go to the toilet and stop for food and drink. Depending on how old your pooch is and how long they can do without needing the toilet, you should be able to travel a couple of hours before you need to stop.
Natalie Corner is the Commercial Content Editor across the Specialist Portfolio for Bauer Media specialising in dog care. Her beloved cocker spaniel Dash is a keen tester of all dog treats and food, and will always show off his wagging tail for Take A Break Pets.