Many people like to travel with their pets, and what dog doesn’t love to go for a ride in the car? Whether driving a long distance or just up the road to the local dog park, the trip can be challenging. Traveling with an unrestrained dog can be dangerous for not only you but your dog as well.
The problem is that many dog owners don’t use a car seat. This can result in the dog being a distraction, especially if he climbs into your lap. This could significantly increase the chances of a collision.
Not only will your beloved furry-friend be injured, but the human passengers in the car can be hurt too. An unrestrained dog weighing a mere 10 pounds can generate up to 500 pounds of projected force.
In a survey conducted by Kurgo, 29% of the drivers admitted to being distracted by their dog while driving. In another study done by AAA, 84% state they take their pets on a variety of car trips. But only 16% use any type of pet restraint.
This is why a dog car seat is so beneficial. You can strap your little one in for the ride and feel assured they won’t get hurt, become a distraction, or hurt themselves. And if they like to look out the window, the majority of car seats can be used as booster seats as well.
Finding the ideal car seat can be difficult, so we have put together a list of our 8 best picks that pet owners can purchase for their beloved dogs.
Here are our 8 top picks:
1. Snoozer Lookout I
Our Top Pick!! If you want to ensure your dog has a great view, then you’ll want to purchase the Snoozer Lookout Car Seat. It’s available in two sizes, small and medium. It comes in 8 color and pattern varieties on the exterior with a cream colored faux wool lining. The faux wool lining and a foam frame making it an exceptionally comfortable sleeping spot whether in the car or the home.
The exterior of the frame is made of quilted nylon that repels pet hair and is machine washable. The seat will keep your pet warm in the winter but is breathable for summer traveling.
Pros:
- Allows pet to see out the window
- Lightweight
- Can be used as a pet bed
- Helps alleviate car sickness in some cases
- Removable and washable cover
- Outer lining repels pet hair
- Strong stitching for durability
Cons:
- Takes up a lot of space
- Can be difficult to secure with the seatbelt
- Front may be too low for some pets
- Safety tether may allow the pet to jump out
- Not waterproof
- Faux wool my shed
2. Kurgo Skybox
Booster seats are an excellent option for pets that love looking out the window during a drive. The Kurgo Skybox is not only stylish, but it is also easy to set up with two sets of backstraps and a strap for the headrest ensuring that the dog remains in place. You can have your dog with you in the front seat and not fear that it may crawl into your lap.
Pros:
- Provides a great view out the window
- No assembly required
- Can be hung low or high on the seat
- Waterproof
- Prevents dog from climbing into your lap while driving
- Machine washable liner
- Reversible pad
- Easy to install
Cons:
- Best for dogs weighing less than 25 pounds
- Not as cushioned as other car seats
- Tether attached to dogs harness can become too tight if the dog twists a lot
- Longer breed dogs may be restricted
- There must be a headrest to attach the car seat
3. K&H Bucket Booster Seat
An excellent choice if you are taking your dog on a road trip. The K&H Bucket Booster Seat is comfy and provides elevation so even the smallest dog can see the scenery. The seat easily fits in most cars in both the front and rear seats. It’s secured using a regular seatbelt and has a security leash to strap your dog in.
Pros:
- Easy installation
- Safety buckles
- Removable 3-inch foam cushion
- Washable cushion cover
- Elevated view of the window suitable for medium and small dogs
- Available in two sizes
Cons:
- Bulky
- Threading the seatbelt through the loops can be difficult
- Not waterproof
- Not as cushioned as the other seats
4. Petsfit Booster Seat
Ideal for the medium-sized dog. The Petsfit Booster Seat is comfortable, yet sturdy and has two pockets on the outside for storage. It has microsuede cover and a removable cushy pillow.
Pros:
- Two sizes for small and medium dogs
- Double sided-plush side for colder months and breathable side for warmer months
- Side pockets for storage
- Sturdy foam
- Microsuede cover
- Removable pillow
- Machine washable
- No assembly required
Cons:
- Not ideal for larger dogs
- Clips on the harness are small
- No written instructions
- No information on the manufacturer’s website
- Seat doesn’t attach well in some vehicles
5. Devoted Doggy Booster Car Seat
The Devoted Doggy Booster Car Seat is another hanging car seat that helps keep your pet comfortable and safe during car trips. It is easy to install with a single strap around the seat and another around the headrest. It comes in two colors-black/grey and blue/beige. The exterior is a sturdy canvas fabric, and the interior is a thick fleece.
Pros:
- Easy installation
- Premium quality metal frame
- Clip-on safety leash
- Collapsible metal form makes it easy to store
- The inner lining is removable and washable
- Zippered pocket for storage
- Lifetime guarantee
- Washable
Cons:
- Needs more padding
- Limits dogs movement in seat making it difficult to get comfortable
- Doesn’t sit flush to the bottom of the seat
- Limited to small dogs
6. Pupsaver Crash-tested Car Safety Seat
If your primary concern is the safety of your small pet, then this may be the perfect seat for you. Similar to baby car seats, this is meant to be used as a rear-facing car seat. In a collision, the clamshell-shaped frame will keep your pet safely in place.
Pros:
- Heavy duty J-hooks attach to LATCH anchors
- 5 seatbelt grade plastic clips to lock the seat into place
- Rear-facing for safety
- Crash-test rated
- Can be used in the front seat to protect from airbag deployment
- Durable and comfortable seat pad
Cons:
- Pricey
- Lining is not removable or machine washable
- Installation can be challenging
- Dog does not have a good view
7. Solvit Tagalong
As far as dog booster seats go, the Solvit Tagalong looks like a comfy ride. This is a basic booster seat that does well for dogs 20 pounds or less.
Pros:
- Installs quickly and easily
- Removable and washable liner
- Reversible pillow
- Front storage pocket
- Easy to install
- Large clip secures dogs chest harness well
Cons:
- Fleece liner is thin and not very cushy making it ok for short trips
- Harness system may be too loose for some dogs
- Doesn’t sit straight
- Can fold down on itself
- Limited to smaller dogs
8. Pet Gear Booster Dog Car Seat
This particular dog booster seat has an exceptionally thick foam padding for an extra level of comfort. It is sturdy with a soft micro-suede cover and removable soft pillow. The cover is machine-washable, and the seat is large enough to accommodate two small pets or one large pet. It is easy to attach to the car seat, and there is no assembly required.
Pros:
- Easy to install
- Microsuede material
- No assembly required
- Machine washable cover
- Sturdy foam
- Comes with two harness attachments
- Can accommodate up to two small pets
Cons:
- Takes up a lot of room on the car’s seat
- The tethers are a little too long and may need to be adjusted
- Harness attachment is not easily adjustable
- It is pure foam, no metal for support
- Top portion is shallow
Hot Tips
Just like child safety seats, it’s best to put your pet in the back seat of the car. This avoids the serious harm that could result if an airbag deployed. The best location is on the passenger’s side so you can easily check on your dog in the mirror and it can see you.
When traveling on long trips, consider taking a canine first aid/safety kit, blanket or towel, spare dog leash and collar, dog treats and water dish. This will help should an unexpected problem arise.
Dog safety seats aren’t just for dogs. A pet of the comparable size such as cats, rabbits, and other smaller pets, can ride in them.
Bottomline
Buying a dog car seat for your dog is just as important as purchasing a car seat for your child. You are basically a parent to your pet, and you need and want to take care of your pet’s safety and comfort as well as your safety and that of your passengers. Choose a car seat that is sturdy, well-made, has the best safety features and works for you and your dog.
Happy Travels!!