The 15 Best Dog Car Seats Because They’re Travel Game-Changers
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Flying on an airplane these days can be pricey and stressful—let alone with a dog in tow. Plus, if you’re the proud owner of a large breed, you know car rides are sometimes the only way to bring your pet along for the, well, ride. This is why many pet owners prefer road trips to flights. For long road trips with pets, car seats are game changers. They make everyone safer which means more fun for the whole family (even if family is just you and Bridger). Here are some of the best dog car seats you can buy, whether you need a crate for a large breed, a pet carrier for dogs that like to roam or something for anxious pups. Time to get packing!
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The Best Dog Car Seats at a Glance
Meet the Experts
How We Chose the Best Dog Car Seats
When selecting the best car seats for canines, we first consulted to experts in the field to get their advice for what to look for in these products. After taking their professional advice into consideration, we then pored over hundreds of user reviews, asked around to our own dog-owner editors and looked at editor- and reader-preferred retailers to compile our list. We also made sure to include a range of budgets and specific needs in our roundup (a larger dog breed needs a different type of car seat compared to a smaller breed, for example). The end result is a comprehensive list of dog car seats for every type of four-legged traveler.
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1. Sleepypod Clickit Sport Harness
Sleepypod makes tons of travel accessories for jet setting pets. This harness is one of the few that has received the CPS seal of approval (for dogs up to 75 pounds). Its design (which was crash-tested in the same way child safety restraints are) distributes force to three different areas throughout the padded harness so your dog doesn’t feel one harsh point of impact. Oh, and the straps are made with seatbelt-grade material. The harness is designed to be used in the rear passenger seat of a vehicle—and it doubles as a harness for regular walks.
2. Kurgo Tru-fit Smart Harness
Some dogs don’t need—or want—a cushy seat. They just want to be clipped in like their humans! While this harness hasn’t earned CPS certification, it has been crash tested (for dogs up to 75 pounds) using the U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards meant for children. Clip it to the seatbelt in your car and simply unclip when you arrive at your destination. You can also clip your leash to it for pit stops and it saves space in jam-packed vehicles. Be sure to purchase the size (it comes in XS to XL) best-suited for your pup. Kurgo products come with a lifetime warranty, so don’t worry about this harness’ longevity.
3. Gunner G1 Kennel
Get ready for a doozy of a crate. This thing is five-star crash tested and even has images of crashes on their site in which dogs’ lives were saved by this crate! It comes in four sizes (and nine colors) and suits just about any sized dog. The double-wall rotomolded sides offer twice the protection of traditional crates, and then some (they literally test these things by tossing them off cliffs). It comes with straps to secure in the trunk or back of a pick-up and the ventilated windows are designed to repel rain and snow. Add a soft cushy bed to the crate if you like, or keep as is with a handy drainage system for accidents or mud. The crates are also CPS-certified for travel.
4. Rock Creek Stationary Aluminum Dog Crate
Here’s another crate with a stellar CPS certification and crash-test record. These are lighter in weight and less bulky than the Gunner G1 Kennel, though definitely pricier (Rock Creek does offer payment plans!). Manufactured with aircraft-grade aluminum and stainless steel, these things have a 10-year guarantee. The frames are welded internally, ensuring a strong structure. Anxious dogs may appreciate the ventilation slots begin halfway up the side of the crate, offering some additional privacy. These crates also have non-slip feet and can be custom painted in a variety of colors. Be sure to check out Rock Creek’s sizing page to ensure you buy the crate designed to fit your pup. Finally, if necessary, you can customize which way the door of this crate opens.
5. PetSafe Happy Ride Collapsible Dog Travel Crate
As the winner of the 2022 Pet Innovation Award for Crate Product of the Year, this collapsible soft-sided crate is a game-changer for small breeds who love to wander. Letting your pup move about is a dangerous distraction! This crate with mesh sides keeps small breeds secure while making sure they have ventilation and can see what’s going on around them. It buckles directly into the back seat using car seat belts and folds down when not in use.
6. BurgeonNest Dog Car Seat
The BurgeonNest is Amazon’s best-selling dog car seat. It comes in three colors and is really more like a bed than anything. The plush cushion is removable and washable, in case your pup has an accident. The car seat’s nylon straps keep it secured to your vehicle’s seats and a safety leash clips to your pup to keep them in place. Nearly 6,000 five-star reviews on Amazon rave about this seat. The only drawback is that it’s not suitable for medium or large breeds.
7. Swihelp Pet Car Booster Seat
This is another popular booster seat on Amazon. Ideal for small pups, it collapses for easy storage, yet provides sturdy support during your drive with PVC pipes inserted into the rim during set-up. It’s also waterproof and very easy to clean. One note: The images on Amazon show it attached to the front passenger seat. This isn’t a very safe space for your dog. However, this booster seat also works well on captains seats in vans and SUVs. Always be sure the seat is installed securely and your dog is connected to the safety leash.
8. Petsafe Happy Ride Deluxe Booster Seat For Dogs
Yes, dogs love sticking their heads out windows. Yes, it’s cute! No, it’s not safe. But, if your pup really wants to see out the window and is too short to reach, this booster seat is the perfect perch. There are three sizes available for dogs up to 25 pounds. It’s got more than 10,000 five-star reviews, including one user who said this booster seat kept her dog secure during a high-speed crash. (Be sure to follow instructions to ensure a secure installation.)
9. K&H Pet Products Travel Safety Pet Carrier
Letting your dog roam around the car is a great way to get distracted and make mistakes while driving. Please don’t do this. Instead, invest in a dog car seat that completely envelops your pup without suffocating him or cutting him off from the group. This carrier has three entry points, mesh walls and a plush pad for maximum comfort. It’s collapsible too, which means easy storage if you’re on a road trip and need to stash it upon arrival. Install by clipping straps around the headrest and securing with a seatbelt.
10. Diggs Passenger Travel Carrier
Though the Diggs Passenger Travel Carrier and the Pet Carrier by Away (listed below) are very similar, this one ranks higher on our list because it has an easy waste removal door in case your pup has to go potty on a lengthy trip. The carrier comes with one pee pad and you can purchase more as needed. Plus, it comes in four different colors. With a CPS certification, this carrier can be secured with a seatbelt and carrier straps. Use the locking mechanism for dogs known for escaping their carriers!
11. The Pet Carrier By Away
Now, if you’re driving to the airport and need something to work double duty, this carrier is here for you. With multiple pockets for storage and a water-resistant lining, it is CPS certified and meets Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements when it comes to carrying on your pup (though it’s always best to check your specific airline for guidelines). You can clip your dog in by her harness or collar as well. Mesh panels let your dog breathe easy and privacy screens can be rolled down if crowds cause anxiety. Hook the long strap around a headrest and slide a seatbelt through two latches on the front to secure in your vehicle.
12. Pet Gear Signature Dog & Cat Car Seat & Carrier Bag
When you know you’ll be making frequent stops or you just want a multi-purpose piece of equipment, this car seat will be your best friend (after your dog). Seamlessly buckle it into the backseat and unbuckle when you arrive at your destination. It also contains an interior line you can secure to your pup’s harness for added safety, which we love. Oh yeah, it’s got a pouch to store treats in, too.
13. Snoozer Luxury Lookout Pet Car Seat
Do car rides make your pup anxious? Give him something cushy to lay on! Lined with lamb’s wool and cushioned with firm, CertiPUR-US foam, this booster works well to lull your dog to sleep or give him a stellar view of the outside world. This might also be a good option for dogs who get motion sickness. Treating a car ride like naptime could improve their experience. A seat belt hooks into this booster to keep it sturdy and there’s a tether clip to keep your pup in their chair.
from $137 at Chewy (sizes Medium and Large)
14. LeSure Sherpa Dog Booster Seat
Does your toy breed require a little extra… luxury? Then the LeSure Sherpa Dog Booster Seat is the seat for you. This memory foam-filled seat has four connection points to secure in your vehicle and a safety leash to prevent small dogs from roaming around the car. The cover is removable for washing and is super soft for comfort. The waterproof bottom also makes this an ideal seat for outdoor excursions (like picnics in the park that your dog wants to join).
15. Diggs Enventur Travel Kennel
Talk about a revolutionary design! Diggs, which makes a CPS-certified carrier, has developed a strong, puncture-proof inflatable travel kennel. With the Diggs Pump, this thing inflates in one minute and is super lightweight. Secure the kennel with tie-downs for optimal safety. The small size has passed bench seat crash safety tests; Diggs says the medium and large sizes are still going through testing. Ventilated windows keep your pup cool and breathing well. The travel bundle, which includes the kennel, the pump and the tie-downs is on sale right now for just over $400.
What to Consider When Buying a Dog Car Seat
Dog car seats are the answer to your concerns about safe doggy driving practices! Equipment designed to keep canines from flying around in the event of an accident or sudden stop is a wise investment. When buying a dog car seat, you’ll come across three primary styles: harnesses, seats and crates. Harnesses go on your dog, your dog goes in seats and crates.
The 5 Best Dog Harnesses for Safer Walks and Happier Pups
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PureWow's editors and writers have spent more than a decade shopping online, digging through sales and putting our home goods, beauty finds, wellness picks and more through the wringer—all to help you determine which are actually worth your hard-earned cash. From our PureWow100 series (where we rank items on a 100-point scale) to our painstakingly curated lists of fashion, beauty, cooking, home and family picks, you can trust that our recommendations have been thoroughly vetted for function, aesthetics and innovation. Whether you're looking for travel-size hair dryers you can take on-the-go or women’s walking shoes that won’t hurt your feet, we’ve got you covered.
