5 Best Dog Car Seats (2023 Guide)

Aidan Pounder is a Motor1.com product tester who has written reviews spanning from car insurance to rooftop cargo boxes. He regularly traveled both cross-country and internationally for cycling throughout his youth, having been awarded multiple state titles and podiuming at national championships across several different disciplines of the sport. He spent his more formative years under the hood of a car making sure he could get to his next bike race and knows the best way to secure all of your gear out on the road. His reviews have appeared in major automotive digital publications such as HotCars and Motor1. Aidan brings road trip know-how and a touch of DIY spirit to our team. If he's not burning through the clutch on his 2003 Ford Focus Zx3, you’ll find him keeping up with the latest happenings in the world of European football.

Reviewed By: Charles Noyes

A safe and comfortable dog car seat that will fit most small- to medium-sized dogs.

A hanging dog car seat that's great for pups who like to look out of the car window.

A sturdy dog car seat that will keep your pooch comfortable year-round.

A heavy-duty dog car seat that's designed to fit snugly in your backseat.

An innovative dog car seat that sits on top of the center console in your vehicle.

Pandemic puppies are a real phenomenon, and many owners face the dilemma of leaving their anxious pooch at home to tear up the house or risk bringing them along and having them damage their car's interior. The best dog car seat can help ease a dog's anxiety by providing a safe and comfortable place to sit while you’re on the road.

If your dog doesn't do well sitting in a car seat, there are other options you can explore. We recommend taking a look at dog car seat covers, and dog seat belts, which improve your pet's safety on the road.

The dog car seats in this article went through two rounds of reviews. We started by searching Amazon for top products, looking at factors like Prime shipping eligibility, customer ratings, Amazon superlatives, and prices. Our testing team ordered the five dog car seats that best met these standards.

A team member tested each product in a car with our official testing dog, Beau – taking note of how safe each dog car seat kept a dog, how comfortable each dog car seat was for our testing dog, and how well the dog car seats fit in a vehicle. Each dog car seat was given a rating out of 5 stars based on this criteria.

Note that Beau is a Boston Terrier that weighs roughly 15.0 pounds.

Each year, we test over 350 auto products on vehicles and in our testing lab. Our team of product testers thoroughly researches top products, unboxes and puts our hands on each component, and tests the items on real vehicles before making recommendations to readers.

We publish hundreds of product and service reviews to bring car enthusiasts detailed guides on automotive tools, detailing kits, car seats, pet products, and much more. For more information on our testing methodology and how we evaluate every product, check out our methodology page here.

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Sized at 22.44 by 21.25 by 12.99 inches (length by width by height), the Bochao Dog Car Seat can accommodate small- and medium-sized dogs with the potential to hold some large dogs. This pet bed is made from high-quality Oxford fabric and claims to be wear-resistant and bite-resistant. The Bochao includes a safety tether with an adjustable buckle design to keep your doggy content and safely secured.

The internal filling of this dog car seat is made from polypropylene (PP) cotton, which is lightweight yet durable. Although the hooks and buckles won't detach, it should be noted that this dog car seat is machine-washable.

The Bochao Dog Car Seat is easily the safest dog car seat that we researched or tested due to its non-slip backing and inclusion of safety tethers for dog and seat alike.

Safety: Our review team valued how safe and secure this dog car seat kept our official testing pooch, Beau, during the testing process. The non-slip backing of this chair and various safety tethers ensure both your dog and the seat itself won't be sliding all over your backseat.

Comfort: In terms of comfort, none of our team members sat in this car seat – so you’ll have to ask Beau. But between the Oxford fabric and PP cotton surrounding and stuffing, Beau seemed quite content sitting in this dog car seat.

Fit: Our review team really appreciated the fit of the dog car seat. Beau had plenty of room to readjust in the seat, while the seat itself lay flat against the backseat and didn't take up an overwhelming amount of space.

Amazon Review Score: 4.5 out of 5 based on over 2,700 reviews

Many reviewers note that they can tell how much happier their dog is sitting in this seat compared to others they’ve bought in the past.

Other reviewers mention having larger dogs who struggle with anxiety in the car and that this dog seat is the first thing that calmed them down. Negative reviews complain about the quality of materials the product is made from.

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The Marslabo Dog Booster Seat features an internal collapsible metal frame that allows the hammock-style dog car seat to be hung from the headrest and supported by the seat below. An adjustable leash clips to the inside of the seat and acts as a car harness of sorts, while an adjustable strap fits around the headrest to anchor the seat and get pets up higher in the car so they can see out the window.

The adjustable leash featured on this dog car seat attaches to a dog's harness to alleviate feelings of car sickness and ease your dog's anxiety on car rides. A removable plush liner and double-sided pads make it easy to hand or machine wash. Because the seat hangs from a headrest, it can be placed above any of the back seats and even above your passenger seat.

In our experience, the Marslabo Dog Booster Seat fit really well in our testing vehicle and was safe as well.

Safety: Although the idea of putting your precious pooch in a hanging basket might not bring thoughts of dog safety to mind, this dog car seat is much safer than you may imagine. Two safety straps mean the basket won't move at all, and the adjustable leash ensured Beau couldn't jump out of the basket and was safe during testing.

Comfort: While Beau was a little unsure about the look of this hanging dog seat, he quickly took to it after he realized how stable it was. Once Beau was sitting in the dog car seat, he seemed quite comfortable and relaxed.

Fit: Our review team was truly impressed by the fit of the seat. Beau fit into the basket with ease, while the dog car seat itself didn't take up too much room. Additionally, due to its hanging design, you can possibly even store things beneath the dog seat.

Amazon Review Score: 4.6 out of 5 based on over 5,400 reviews

The majority of reviews focus on the metal frame that prevents the pet carrier from collapsing upon itself, making it sturdy enough to hold smaller dogs trying to peer out the window. An individual review notes that this is the first car seat their dog hasn't managed to hurt itself in. Negative reviews complain about the seat belt tether ripping.

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Made from quilted Oxford fabric, the BurgeonNest Dog Car Seat will make for a comfy ride and won't rip in the washing machine as it's reinforced with double stitches. Built-in sliding zippers make this seat easy to clean, as its stuffing is packed in separate bags. A sturdy dog seat belt will keep your dog in one place and prevent your pet from jumping out, while an anti-slip rubber bottom prioritizes your dog's safety.

An adjustable buckle design means this dog car seat can fit in the front seat or the backseat of most vehicle types. Two storage pockets on the side of this dog safety seat provide a convenient spot to store Scooby Snacks and puppy kibble, amongst other things. Two-sided cushions mean your dog will be content on road trips regardless of the weather, as one side is warm and fluffy while the other is cool and breathable.

The BurgeonNest Dog Car Seat was named the Best Reversible Seat by our review team, as the dual-sided pillows mean your dog will have warm fluff to cuddle up to in the winter and cool, breathable fabric to rest against in the summer.

Safety: This dog car seat was one of the safest options that our team researched or tested. While there were a few car seats that we think would keep your dog even safer, this seat does not have any glaring safety issues.

Comfort: Beau had no issues jumping right into this dog car seat and making himself at home. The sides of the seat were too cushy to allow Beau to prop his head up, preventing it from receiving a perfect score.

Fit: Our testing pooch had no issues fitting in this dog car seat, and he even had room to stretch out. The seat itself fit nicely in the car, but we do wish it had additional straps to keep it more firmly in place.

Amazon Review Score: 4.6 out of 5 based on over 5,000 reviews

The majority of reviewers praise the removable cushions and the shell's machine-washable fabric. An individual reviewer likes the fact that this is the first car seat they could find to fit their dachshund due to its weight-to-length ratio. Negative reviews complain about the quality of the material.

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The K&H Pet Products Bucket Booster looks unassuming, as your car's seat belt can covertly hold the seat in place while remaining hidden under the removable booster cushion. Two adjustable security tethers attach to a safety harness or your dog's collar. Firm foam around the edge of the bed keeps your dog safe and comfortable while on the move.

The machine-washable fleece liner enhances your dog's comfort. It also allows dog owners to easily clean up any messes caused by the dog and keep the dog car booster seat smelling fresh. The contoured back is designed to fit snugly against the front or rear seat of any sized vehicle.

Our review team named the K&H Pet Products Bucket Booster the Best Standalone Seat. Due to its contoured back, it doesn't need anything else to help keep it in place.

Safety: While we don't think you’ll have many safety concerns with this dog car seat due to its high retention walls, it is worth mentioning that this seat is prone to movement during sudden stops.

Comfort: Due to the shape of our testing vehicle's backseat, this dog car seat never really sat completely flat. It rocked back and forth, causing Beau to be slightly skeptical.

Fit: While Beau had no issues fitting in this dog car seat, it should be noted that this dog car seat is notably larger than most other pet seats you’ll encounter.

Amazon Review Score: 4.8 out of 5 based on approximately 14,000 reviews

Reviewers rave over the level of protection it provides their dog, as the high back and sides will keep the dog secure in the event of a sudden stop. An individual reviewer claims she hit an elk on the highway, and while she sustained multiple injuries from the airbags, her two dogs were both unharmed.

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The Dotouud Small Dog Booster Seat is easily the most unique dog car seat that we tested, as it is designed to sit on the center console of the car between armrests. This means that your pet can enjoy the scenery and stay close to its owners, possibly resulting in a less anxious dog. This seat's material is hypoallergenic, free from toxic chemicals, waterproof, and made from high-strength pure cotton.

This means your dog should be happy as it has a comfortable place to rest on long car rides, and you’re happy because paws with the potential to scratch fabric remain in the car seat rather than touching your car's upholstery. A zipper design allows for the car seat to be separated and dismantled for easy cleaning.

In our experience, the Dotouud Small Dog Booster Seat is certainly designed for only small dogs or cats, but it is very well-made.

Safety: Due to its positioning in the middle of the car, dog safety isn't at the forefront of this seat's design. However, it could work well if you drive slowly and have an exceptionally docile dog.

Comfort: Due to Beau's size and the shape of our testing vehicle, he couldn't hop in this seat without help. Once Beau was sitting in the seat, he seemed happier.

Fit: While Beau did fit this dog car seat, he had little room to spare and needed the front flapped down to properly fit. The seat itself fits nicely on the center console between the two front seats of our testing vehicle, but you have to be careful to not hit your dog with a stray elbow.

Amazon Review Score: 4.5 out of 5 based on over 1,500 reviews

A large number of reviewers laud how easy it is to clean this pet car seat. Many reviewers note their dogs don't experience motion sickness because they can see out of the car window. Negative reviews complain that the dog car seat is too small for their dog.

Finding the right dog seat for your pooch can take some time. You may have to try a few options to find the one best suited to your animal. As you try out different options, you’ll want to consider size, safety, and comfort.

Make sure you select a seat that is appropriately sized for your pet. A smaller dog car seat can be positioned in more places and can provide a sense of comfort and security for a little dog.

Some dog car seats include a harness to tether your dog to your vehicle. It's always a good idea to secure your pooch with a dog car seat belt any time you take them on the road. If your dog car seat doesn't include a safety harness, these can (and should) be purchased separately.

The only way to figure out which dog car seat is most comfortable for your dog is to dry different options and see what works. The seats we recommend in this article were comfortable for our test dog, but every animal is different.

As mentioned above, the comfort of your furry friend should be a factor when shopping for the best dog car seat. Plush fabrics can be nice but look for pet gear that has removable cushions and is machine washable. Water-resistant textiles are also helpful for potential messes.

Dog car seats are one of several options to keep your dog safe on the go. Below is a list of other dog safety restraints that can be used in a car:

While the Bochao Dog Car Seat was a standout for our reviews team, we recognize it won't fit every dog. Pet owners looking for the best car seat for their mutt should seek options that are comfortable, feature a firm but easy-to-use safety belt, and don't impede car travel for the driver.

In our experience, the safest dog car seat is the Bochao Dog Car Seat. We came to that conclusion after noting its myriad of safety features and physically testing the dog car seat with our testing dog, Beau.

Yes, a dog should be in a car seat or should have some variation of safety gear while they ride in the car with you. Experts recommend putting your dog car seat in the backseat, as that will be the safest place for your pet in the event of an accident.

In our experience, the best dog seat is the Bochao Dog Car Seat. This dog car seat is the safest seat we researched or tested, and our testing pup seemed content and comfortable while sitting in it.

Unlike safety standards for humans, there are no concrete guidelines for dog car seats. Advocacy groups like the Center For Pet Safety publish a list of approved harnesses, but findings like those aren't binding for manufacturers.

The best option for dog car seats is to purchase one that best fits your dog. A larger dog may exceed the weight limit for a harness, so a dog carrier or dog crate is more appropriate. For smaller mutts, a dog bed may suffice.

*Data accurate at time of publication.