The Best Dog Car Seats Because They’re Travel Game-Changers
The 12 Best Dog Car Seats Because They’re Travel Game-Changers
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 the family is just you and Bridger). Here are some of the best dog car seats you can buy right now. Time to get packing!
Is it legal to have a dog in the front seat?
Chances are it’s not explicitly illegal to have a dog in the front seat of your car. Only a handful of states in the U.S. have laws even mentioning dogs in cars. Of those, just two (New Jersey and Rhode Island) require dogs to be belted or confined to a car-specific crate. Other states like Hawaii have outlawed driving with a dog on your lap. Then there’s New Hampshire and Minnesota, both of which have laws stating dogs have created crated and secured if riding in the bed of a truck, but make no mention of what should go on inside the car. However, despite a lack of dog laws on the books, many state authorities have begun charging drivers with animal cruelty or distracted driving if they feel the manner of transportation is unsafe for the pet, passengers, or other drivers.
We’ll just say that plopping your dog in the front seat (or the back seat) without restraint is a bad idea, regardless of the laws in your state. It’s the same as putting your kid in there without a seatbelt, and maybe worse because small dogs can get stuck under your feet, big dog tails can block your vision and dogs generally like to move around a lot. Not exactly a safe driving scenario.
What to look for 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 c,rates. Harnesses go on your dog, your dog goes in seats and crates. The car seat or restraint you need totally depends on your dog.
Your dog’s size and weight is the biggest factor when it comes to buying a dog car seat. Check the specs to make sure ensure the product fits the size. There are some harnesses ill-suited for breeds with large chest cavities like Greyhounds or Borzois, so be sure to double-check all check all warnings and labels. Generally speaking, it’s best to crate a large breed in the backseat or trunk.
Next, try your darknets to purchase a dog car seat that has been crash-tested. The Center for Pet Safety says products tend to fall into one of two categories: distraction prevention or crash protection. Both are good, but crash protection is ideal. CPS encourages pet parents to look for their official safety seal on products. Harnesses, crates, and seats must go through a rigorous testing process to receive this CPS certification, and the organization, posts crash-testing videos on its site for transports
If your dog loves to roam in the car, a crate may be the best option. If Bridger enjoys sitting quietly and staring out the window, a seat may do the trick. Are daily car trips in your dog’s future or is a car ride a very special, rare treat? A harness you can slide a seatbelt through is a quick option, whereas buckling a crate or seat in (perhaps after installing a waterproof seat cover) might take about 15 minutes. Decide what you’ll really be able to do every time your dog gets into the car.
Ideally, your dog's car seat will be easy to clean. Though your pup may not have many accidents, paws get muddy, drool is common and hair goes everywhere. If you can’t wipe it down or toss it in the We say hard to pass if you can’t wipe it down or toss it in the wash
How can I make my dog more comfortable in the car?
The top priority for dog comfort? A well-ventilated vehicle. Never leave your dog in a hot car! Always purchase crates and carriers with mesh or highly ventilated sides for optimal airflow. Beyond that, make sure harnesses aren’t too tight. Dogs should be able to readjust their positions easily (which is why the best harnesses offer 360-degree rotating clips).
The American Kennel Club adds rigorous exercise about a half hour before a car ride can lessen anxiety or carsickness. Yes, dogs can get car sick! VCA Animal Hospital says drooling, lethargy, and vomiting are all indicators your dog may be carsick. If you suspect this is what’s up, try avoiding feeding your dog or letting them drink lots of water for a few hours before. There are You can ask your vet about supplements on the market so your pup’s motion sickness.
Finally, if your dog needs a cushioned car seat that doesn’t provide much safety, you’re allowed to double up. Let your pup sit on the fluffiest seat, then toss a harness on him that allows you to buckle him in. He’ll thank you later.
The Best Dog Car Seats at a Glance:
- Best Harness Overall: Sleepypod Clickit Sport Harness
- Best Budget Crate: Petmate Ruffmaxx Travel Carrier
- Best-Seller on Amazon: Swihelp Pet Car Booster Seat
- Best for Small Dogs Who Love Windows: Petsafe Happy Ride Deluxe Booster Seat For Dogs
- Best for Anxious Dogs: Snoozer Luxury Lookout Pet Car Seat
1. Sleepypod Clickit Sport Harness
Best Harness Overall
Weight Limit: 18 to 90 pounds
Material: Nylon, Neoprene padding
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. 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.
Pros: CPS certified, works for large breeds
Cons: Not ideal for toy and small breeds
2. Petmate Ruffjet-setting Carrier
Best Budget Crate
Dimensions: Large measures 40" L x 27" W x 30" H
Itsht Limit: 90 pounds
Material: Plastic
This crate gets the job done whether you’re driving or flying. It’s compatible with most airline travel requirements for dogs and PetMate says it can be secured in a vehicle for highway travel. Both sides and the front gate offer plenty of ventilation. With almost 800 five-star reviews on Amazon, it’s hard to deny what plenty of dog parents already know: This is a solid crate option for traveling pups.
Pros: Available in a variety of sizes, lightweight
Cons: No CPS certification or crash testing
3. Swihelp Pet Car Booster Seat
Best-Seller on Amazon
Dimensions: Measures 15” L x 12.5” W x 9.5” H
Weight Limit: 10 to 15 pounds
Material: Nylon, mesh
As the number-one best-selling booster seat on Amazon, this car seat is ideal for small pups. It collapses for better storage yet provides sturdy support during your drive with PVC pipes inserted into the rim during set-up. It’s also waterproof. One note: The images show it attached to the front seat. Again, we don’t condone this! Plop this booster in the back and ensure all three connection points are secure.
Pros: Easy to assemble and install
Cons: Not CPS-certified or crash tested
4. Petsafe Happy Ride Deluxe Booster Seat For Dogs
Best for Small Dogs Who Love Windows
Dimensions: XL measures 20” L x 14” W x 10” H
Weight Limit: 25 pounds
Material: Polyester exterior, fleece lining
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 poEasy. 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.)
Pros: Comes with an option to secure harness to a safety tether, allows dogs to see out windows
Cons: Not CPS-certified
5. Snoozer Luxury Lookout Pet Car Seat
Best for Anxious Dogs
Dimensions: Medium is 19 in. L x 22 in. W x 17 in. H
Weight Limit: 25 pounds
Material: Nylon exterior, fleece lining
Do car rides make your pup anxious? Give him something cushy to lay on! Lined with lamb’s wool and cushioned with the firm 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 sian 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.
Pros: Removable and washable cover, eases carsickness
Cons: Not-CPS certified, not for large breeds
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