Best Crash-Tested Dog Car Seats, Carriers, Harnesses and Crates

If you're a pet parent, chances are there will come a time when you have to load your pooch into the car and take them along for a ride. Up until now, you may have been relying on hopes, prayers and the ability to swing your arm out and catch your wayward dog to keep them from having any accidents while en route, but investing in the right dog "car seat" can ensure both you and your pet's safety. While your pet can't exactly be clipped into a regular seatbelt or ride along in a baby car seat, having them loose in the car is dangerous for their safety as well as yours since your pet can become a projectile that hurts other passengers in the car, according to the Center for Pet Safety (CPS).

Whether you're looking for something that does double duty as a carrier and car seat, a crate that's Fido's home away from home or a harness that keeps your pet as safe in the car as it does while on a walk, the right car protection for your pet is out there. The Good Housekeeping Institute regularly researches and tests pet products to bring you the safest and best options for your lifestyle: Our engineers and Lab analysts regularly test everything from cat litter to cooling dog beds. When it comes to carriers and harnesses, our Lab experts have assessed over 25 of both in the past two years to help find the perfect fit for you and your lifestyle. While we have not personally tested all of the carriers and harnesses in this roundup, we've only included those that have been safely crash-tested by the CPS, an independent organization that doesn't accept funding from the manufacturers of any pet products, to ensure that your pet remains unharmed. CPS currently certifies pet travel harnesses, crates, carriers and pet travel seats according to Lindsey Wolko, CPS' founder.

Our top picks:

This roundup of the best carriers, harnesses and crates to keep your dog protected in the car is based on lab-tested results from The Center for Pet Safety, category expertise and knowledge from Good Housekeeping pros. All of our picks were crash-tested by the CPS through a third-party facility to help ensure that your pet will be as safe in the car as possible. You can read more about what to consider when picking a pet car seat and whether or not you need one at the end of this guide. Looking for something outside of the car? Check out the best carriers and harnesses for the on-the-go pooch. Here are the best dog car seats of 2022.