Kids and dog in back seat of red car LIGHTFIELD STUDIOS | Adobe Stock

The 8 Best Dog Car Seats

See recent posts by Megan Johnson

When you are traveling by car, it’s tempting to take your dog with you, since you don’t have the hassle of flying with a pet. If you don’t want to leave your dog at home or in a kennel, taking them with you is a great solution, however, just letting them jump into the car without any sort of tether is not safe. Here are the best car seats, tethers and barriers for dogs. 

K&H Pet Products Bucket Booster Pet Seat

K&H Pet Products Bucket Booster Pet Seat

Give your dog a little boost along with safety with this bucket booster seat. It can be used in both the front seat and back seat, it elevates your dog so they can look out the window, and has a zippered, removable cover which is machine washable for easy cleaning. 

Pet Gear Dog & Cat Bucket Seat Booster

Pet Gear Dog & Cat Bucket Seat Booster

Simply use your car’s seat belt to secure this sturdy booster seat for your furry family members. There is an included tether to secure your dog in the seat, and it has a plush pillow interior, so you don’t have to worry about bringing along your pets bed—it’s comfy enough as it is! 

Pet Hub Adjustable Dog Seat Belt

Pet Hub Adjustable Dog Seat Belt

Perhaps the easiest way for pet owners to secure their dog in the car is a seat belt like this one. Simply buckle one end into the car seat belt receptacle, and attach the other end to your dogs safety harness. It’s the easiest way to ensure your dog’s safety while riding in the car. 

Related: Dog-Friendly Hotels That You and Your Dog Will Love

Pawple Adjustable Universal Fit SUV Dog Car Barrier

Pawple Adjustable Universal Fit SUV Dog Car Barrier

If you want your dog to have a little more freedom, but not be able to roam around the entire car, try this vehicle barrier. Adjustable to fit almost any car, SUV or hatchback, you can put your dog in the back of your car without the worry. For top safety, you should never leave your dog untethered in the car in case of an accident, so if you are going to use a car barrier, we suggest using a zipline or other restraint to make sure they cannot escape in case of an accident. 

BloBlo Dog Booster Seat

BloBlo Dog Booster Seat

Keep your dog comfy, cozy and safe with this car seat. Perfect for smaller dogs (under thirty-five pounds), you can travel easy knowing they are comfortable and safe. There are storage pockets on both sides of the seat, so you can keep your dog’s favorite treats and other necessities easily accessible, and it’s easy to clean. 

Pet Safe Happy Ride Booster Seat

Pet Safe Happy Ride Booster Seat

For really small dogs, try this booster seat so they can get a good look at the world outside. Perfect for dogs up to twenty-five pounds, it secures with three stabilizing attachment points so they won’t jostle around, and the safety tether ensures extra security. The soft liner is removable and machine washable. 

Related: The 10 Best Dog-Friendly Beaches

iBuddy Dog Car Seat Cover

iBuddy Dog Car Seat Cover

Keep your dog contained in the back seat with this seat cover and barrier in one. It protects your seats, while letting your dog have more freedom than most car seats. The viewing window allows your dog to see you, while creating ventilation. It’s waterproof and durable, so you know your car and your pet will be protected. Like other barriers, we suggest using a tether or zipline along with it for additional safety. 

Dog Seatbelt 

Dog Seatbelt

This three-in-one dog seatbelt is simple yet practical. Connect it to the car seat receptacle using the universal car seat buckle, or clip it to other hooks in the car. Adjustable from nineteen  to thirty-one inches, it can give your pet the freedom they want, while ensuring their safety. Perfect to use with any barrier for your car. 

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