A dog car seat is a padded, walled booster that gives a small dog a defined spot in the car and attaches to the seat with straps or buckles. Choose a console seat for very small dogs who want to ride near you, or a back seat booster, bed or basket if your dog needs more room.
| Product | Best for | Placement | Size | Restraint / care |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Console Dog Car Seat with Pocket | Dogs and cats up to 15 lb | Console, front or back seat | 15.8 x 9.6 x 9.0 in | Built-in tether; reversible, washable cushion |
| Center Console Dog Car Seat | Small dogs, puppies and cats | Center armrest | 16.5 x 9.1 x 9.4 in | Straps; water-resistant fabric |
| Dog Car Seat Booster for Small Dogs | Small dogs who like a raised spot | Front or back seat | 18.9 x 18.5 x 19.9 in | Adjustable buckles; machine or hand washable |
| Portable Dog Car Seat Bed | Small dogs and cats | Passenger or back seat | Standard (4.2 lb bed) | Safety tether; removable and washable |
| Back Seat Dog Car Basket | Small and medium dogs | Back seat | 21.7 x 17.7 x 19.7 in | Walled basket keeps fur contained |
| Dog Car Seat Bed, Navy and Stripe | Dogs who like a cozy nest | Car seat, sofa or hotel | M, L | Raised sides; lifts out easily |
Before your next drive, add a dog seat belt, protect the upholstery with dog car seat covers, and run through our road trip checklist for dogs.
Dog car seats keep small dogs contained, comfortable and less distracting, but most, including ours, are not crash-tested, and there is no federal safety standard for them. Use the seat in the back where possible, clip the tether to a well-fitted harness rather than a collar, and never let your dog ride loose in your lap.
Keep your dog in the back seat, contained in a secured carrier or a car seat with its tether clipped to a harness. That keeps them away from front airbags and out of the driver's way. Take breaks on long drives, never leave your dog alone in a parked car, and keep heads inside the window.
The best type depends on your dog's size. Very small dogs often like console seats that keep them close to you, small dogs do well in raised boosters with buckles, and small to medium dogs may need a roomier back seat bed or basket. Whatever you choose, look for straps that hold the seat in place and a tether for the harness.
Weigh your dog, then measure body length from the base of the neck to the base of the tail and width across the widest point. Compare those numbers to the seat's listed recommendations and inside dimensions. Your dog should be able to sit and lie down comfortably without spilling over the sides.
