The Best Car Dog Seat for 2025
- Christian Glason
- Dec 18, 2024
- 8 min read
Updated: Jan 22
Taking your dog along for the ride can make any trip more fun, but it’s crucial to ensure their safety and comfort. The best dog car seats keep your pet secure, reduce distractions, and provide a cozy spot to enjoy the ride. Whether it’s a quick errand or a long road trip, the right car seat can make all the difference.
We’ve reviewed the best car dog seats of 2025, from heavy-duty options to budget-friendly picks, so you can find the perfect fit for your pup. But first, up, let's set the scene.
🐶 What is a Dog Car Seat?
A dog car seat is a specially designed seat that provides a safe and comfortable place for your furry friend to ride in a vehicle. Installed in either the front or the back seat, these seats are crafted to keep your dog secure and prevent them from distracting the driver. You don't have to sacrifice style, as many designs offer both function and flair, ensuring your pet travels safely. Dog car seats come in various styles, including booster seats, hammock-style covers, and pet carriers. They provide a cozy spot for your dog while protecting your car’s interior from dirt, hair, and other debris. To help you make the best choice for your furry companion, we've compiled a list of our top picks for the best dog car seats of 2025, each offering unique features to ensure maximum safety and comfort for your pet.
🏆 Best Overall: Gunner G1 Crate
Price: Starts at $199.99
The Gunner G1 is more kennel than car seat, but if you're looking for the safest way to transport your most precious cargo, we have to mention the leading option on the marketing. The Gunner G1 is designed for maximum safety and durability. Its crash-tested double-wall rotomolded construction ensures unparalleled protection for your pup. This car seat includes three locking points and strong straps to keep your dog safe in any situation.
✅ Why It’s the Best:
Crash-tested for maximum safety.
Durable, heavy-duty design with protection against impact.
Multiple sizes for small, medium, and large dogs.
❌ What to Consider:
Heavier and bulkier than other options.
Not really a car seat
Pricier than most solutions on the market
Best For: Pet parents prioritizing safety above all else.
🛋️ Best for Long Trips: Snoozer Lookout II
Price: Starts at $104.95
The Snoozer Lookout II is a plush and cozy dog car booster seat perfect for dogs who love long car rides. It elevates your pup so they can see out the car window, which can help reduce car sickness. The sherpa-lined interior is incredibly soft, ensuring your dog’s comfort on extended trips. Available in different sizes and designs, it caters to various preferences and needs, making it a versatile choice for pet owners.
✅ Why We Love It:
Elevated for visibility and reduced nausea.
Plush sherpa lining for ultimate comfort.
Storage drawer for toys and treats.
❌ What to Consider:
Dated style and design.
Pricier than most solutions on the market.
Bulky. Harder to install and uninstall.
Best For: Dogs under 25 pounds who need extra comfort on the road.
💼 Best Budget-Friendly: Frisco Travel Dog Car Seat
Price: Starts at $39.99
The Frisco Travel Dog Car Seat is an affordable option that doesn’t skimp on safety or functionality. It’s lightweight, easy to install, and features two zippered pockets for storing pet essentials. Its compact size makes it ideal for small dogs and puppies. For added safety, it is recommended to pair the seat with a dog harness to keep your pet fully secure during travel.
✅ What Makes It Great:
Affordable and accessible for all budgets.
Zippered storage pockets for travel necessities.
Compact size for easy portability.
Includes an adjustable tether that attaches to your dog's harness
❌ What to Consider:
Less plush and luxurious than higher-end options.
Best For: Budget-conscious pet owners looking for reliable safety features.
✨ Most Luxurious: Animals Matter Companion Car Seat
Price: $369.99
The Animals Matter Companion Car Seat offers unparalleled comfort and elegance. Comparable to high-quality dog beds, it provides a cozy and safe environment for your pet. Made with upholstery-grade foam and a removable velvet cover, this pet car seat is as stylish as it is functional. It meets safety standards like CA Prop 65, so you can travel worry-free. This dog car seat elevates your furry friend for a clear view out of the window while ensuring a comfortable space to stretch out and nap on long journeys. It mitigates car sickness and keeps adventurous pups from wandering around the vehicle or attempting to sit on the driver’s lap.
✅ Why It’s Worth the Splurge:
Upholstery-grade foam construction.
Luxurious velvet cover that’s machine washable.
Safety-tested for peace of mind.
Includes an adjustable tether that attaches to your dog's harness
Can secure more than one dog
❌ What to Consider:
Premium price tag.
May require a car seat belt extender
Best For: Pet parents who want a high-end, stylish booster seat for their furry friend.
🏞️ Best for The Small-est Dogs: KONG Secure Dog Booster Seat
Price: $69.99
The KONG Secure Dog Booster Seat is a specialized dog seat designed for small dogs, ensuring their comfort and happiness during travel. Its compact and cozy design ensures your tiny pup stays secure and comfortable during the ride. Adjustable straps make it easy to fit into most cars, and the tether ensures your dog stays in place.
✅ Why It’s Perfect for Small Dogs:
Compact and secure design.
Adjustable straps for a snug fit.
Great for dogs under 20 pounds.
❌ What to Consider:
Some customers report the straps securing it to the back seat aren't always secure.
Will feel cramped for slightly larger small breeds.
Best For: Pup parents with loyalty to Kong, and tiny pups who love to travel in style.
🧳Best Lightweight Option: K&H Bucket Booster Dog Car Seat
Price: $59.99
The K&H Bucket Booster Dog Car Seat is a lightweight, easy-to-use, and highly portable option for pet owners who are frequently on the go. Designed for small to medium-sized dogs, this booster seat provides a comfortable, elevated view for your pup, making car rides safer and more enjoyable. The seat is compatible with most vehicles, thanks to adjustable tether straps that secure to your car’s seat belts.
✅ What Sets It Apart:
Lightweight and easy to move between vehicles, making it perfect for families with multiple cars.
High, cushioned sides provide extra security and create a cozy space for your dog.
Durable materials and quilted fleece lining for added comfort and longevity.
Portable and easy to install/un-install
❌ What to Consider:
Foam panels may shift over time.
Best For: Short trips and daily commutes with small or medium-sized dogs.
The Plushest: PETSFIT Small Dog Car Seat
Price: $55.56
The Petsfit Dog Car Seat is a cozy and sturdy option for small and medium-sized dogs. It features a velvet-like interior for extra comfort and a firm structure to prevent sagging. An adjustable strap ensures easy installation, while the dip in the front allows smaller dogs to get in and out easily.
✅ Why It’s Great for Comfort:
Plush fleece lining for maximum coziness.
Sturdy structure prevents collapsing.
Easy to install and secure in most cars.
Includes tether that attaches to your dog's harness
❌ What to Consider:
Not suitable for larger dogs.
Best For: Dogs under 30 pounds who need a cozy, secure ride.
👗 Best in Style: FunnyFuzzy Deluxe Faux Leather Dog Car Seat Booster Bed - Urban Voyager
Price: $129.99
The FunnyFuzzy Deluxe Faux Leather Dog Car Seat Booster Bed - Urban Voyager is the epitome of style and functionality for fashion-forward pet owners. This chic dog car seat combines a modern aesthetic with practical features, ensuring your furry companion travels in luxury and safety. The faux leather exterior offers a sleek look while being easy to clean, and the plush interior provides a cozy space for your dog to relax during car rides.
✅ Why It Stands Out:
Stylish faux leather design that complements any vehicle's interior.
Comfortable and plush interior for a luxurious ride.
Easy-to-clean materials for hassle-free maintenance.
Safety harness attachment for secure travel.
❌ What to Consider:
Higher price point for the style-conscious pet owner.
May not be suitable for larger dogs.
Best For: Pet owners who prioritize style and comfort, and want their dogs to travel in a chic, secure booster seat.
🐕 Why Dog Car Seats Are Essential
Investing in a dog car seat or pet car seat is a no-brainer for any pet owner. These seats not only protect your dog in the event of an accident but also help reduce distractions while driving. They keep your pet comfortable, secure, and happy during every journey.
Here’s why every pet owner needs a car seat:
Safety: Secures your dog and reduces injury risk.
Comfort: Provides a stable and cozy space for your pup.
Reduced Car Sickness: Many booster seats elevate dogs, helping them see out the window and feel less nauseous.
🌟 Benefits of Using a Dog Car Seat
Using a dog car seat offers numerous benefits for both dogs and their owners. Here are some key advantages:
Safety: A dog car seat helps keep your dog secure, reducing the risk of injury in the event of an accident.
Comfort: These seats provide a stable and cozy place for your dog to ride, which can help reduce anxiety and stress.
Convenience: Dog car seats are easy to install and remove, making it simple to take your dog on the go.
Protection: They help protect your car’s interior from dirt, hair, and other debris.
Reduced Distraction: By keeping your dog secure in the back seat, dog car seats help minimize distractions for the driver, ensuring a safer journey for everyone.
🔍 Safety Features to Consider
When choosing a dog car seat, it’s essential to consider several safety features to ensure your pet’s well-being:
Crash Testing: Look for dog car seats that have been crash-tested and meet safety standards.
Harness Attachment: A dog car seat with a harness attachment can help keep your dog secure in the event of an accident.
Seat Belt Compatibility: Ensure the dog car seat is compatible with your car’s seat belt system for added stability.
Stability: Choose a dog car seat designed to stay in place and not shift around during driving.
Material: Opt for a dog car seat made from durable and easy-to-clean materials to ensure longevity and hygiene.
🛠️ Types of Dog Car Seats
There are several types of dog car seats available, each catering to different needs and preferences:
Booster Seats: These seats elevate your dog to a comfortable height, providing a clear view of the road and reducing car sickness.
Hammock-Style Covers: Designed to create a secure and comfortable space, these covers protect your car’s interior while keeping your dog safe.
Pet Carriers: These versatile seats offer a safe and secure place for your dog to ride and can be easily installed and removed.
Convertible Seats: These seats can be transformed from a dog car seat to a dog bed or other uses, offering flexibility and convenience.
🏅 Best Dog Car Seat Brands
When it comes to choosing the best dog car seat, several brands stand out for their quality and reliability:
Animals Matter: Known for their high-quality and durable dog car seats, offering both safety and luxury.
Petsfit: Offers a range of dog car seats, including booster seats and hammock-style covers, known for their comfort and sturdiness.
Kurgo: Provides a variety of dog car seats, including convertible seats and pet carriers, designed for safety and convenience.
K&H Pet Products: Offers a range of dog car seats, including booster seats and hammock-style covers, known for their innovative designs.
FunnyFuzzy: Known for their high-quality and comfortable dog car seats, combining style and functionality.
By considering these factors and exploring these top brands, you can find the ideal dog car seat to ensure your furry friend travels in safety and comfort.
🚘 Choosing the Right Dog Car Seat
When selecting the right car seat for your dog, consider these factors to ensure their safety and comfort:
Size and Weight: Make sure the seat can accommodate your dog comfortably.
Material: Look for soft, durable materials for added comfort.
Safety Features: A secure harness attachment and sturdy straps are a must.
Ease of Cleaning: Removable, machine-washable covers are a big plus.
🐾 Conclusion
From the heavy-duty Gunner G1 to the plush and cozy Snoozer Lookout II, there’s a dog car seat for every pup and every adventure. Whether you’re prioritizing safety, comfort, or budget, the perfect booster seat awaits.
Invest in a car seat today and make every trip with your furry friend safe, enjoyable, and unforgettable!
Comentários