Best Dog Car Seat for Small and Large Dogs – Booster Seats
You'll never have to find a companion for long drives if you could make your dog feel comfortable sitting next you in the car. And you can make that happen by some training and using the best dog car seat. Today, you can find a number of ways to restrain your dog in the car, and using car booster seat is probably the most comfortable one for your furry friend.
Here are some of the very best dog car seat options to help you select the most appropriate car seat for your beloved pet.
Snoozer Lookout Car Seat
BEST in Comfort
Rated by: Amber
K & H Pet Products Bucket Booster Seat
BEST OVERALL
Rated by: Amber
Kurgo Skybox Booster Seat
Best in durability
Rated by: Amber
The Best Dog Car Seat: Our Top Picks
1. Snoozer Lookout Car Seat
Quick Summary
Rated by: Amber
It's one impressive car seat that is comfortable and rather affordable too. It can be used for pets up to 25 pounds. And pet owners that are looking for easy-care products will be happy that this item comes with a washable and dryable cover. What’s more, the cover also repels hair.
The doggie car seat can be used in both warm and cold months. And it’s also equipped with a security strap and a connection strap. If you want a product that will blend well with your car’s interior, this dog car seat won’t disappoint. It’s available in various color and fabric options.
Overall, it's a good dog car seat to consider but some users are just not happy with the tether that you used to connect the dog's harness. It's basically a simple loop designed to keep the booster in place, but the problem is that it can sometimes slide along the length of your seat belt, leaving the dog unprotected. A built-in connection would've made it an even better product.
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2. K & H Pet Products Bucket Booster Seat
Quick Summary
Rated by: Amber
It’s hard to go wrong with a product that has a perfect customer rating and positive reviews. That’s the case with this bucket booster pet seat from K&H. It comes with two adjustable security leashes and you can place it in either the front or back seat. Your dog can enjoy a better view of their environment as their seat is elevated.
The product is also easy to use, which is perfect for busy travelers or those traveling with kids. Depending on the size of your dog, you can choose between two sizes - the small dog car seat and large dog car seat. While the smaller seat can accommodate your small dog, the larger one can accommodate two small dogs or a medium-sized dog comfortably.
Keeping the seat clean won't be an issue because it comes with a washable cover, so you can give it a wash whenever you feel it looks dirty. The installation process looks quite simple too. Unlike many other booster seats, it doesn't feature a frame but you can use the seatbelt to ensure the chair is in a perfect place, and that's when the tether that attaches to the seatbelt anchor comes into play. If you install everything correctly, the features will keep your dog from getting out of the chair in case you suddenly press the brakes.
Overall, this car seat looks stylish and certainly quite safe for your little furry friend. As it's secure, it also keeps the motion sickness to the minimum. The only concern many users have is about its price tag, which is a bit on the higher side.
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CONS
3. Kurgo Skybox Booster Seat
Quick Summary
Rated by: Amber
If you're looking for a high quality product that works great to reduce distracted driving, you can opt for this booster seat from Kurgo. The price for the product varies depending on whether you’re purchasing a brand new or used item. But with other a thousand reviews, the question is likely not so much about the price but what it can do for you and your dog during long drives.
Kurgo, the manufacturer, has been in the business since 2003. It is one of the best booster seats to keep your pet from distracting you. And at the same time, keep your pet relaxed, safe, and secure. This dog booster seat is also designed to be easy-care. The exterior fabric on kurgo skybox is waterproof and the inner lining can be tossed into the machine. The dog booster seat also comes in a hanging-style, which means your dog can have a good view of their surroundings.
The dog booster seat also comes with an adjustable seatbelt tether that you can attach to your dog’s harness. The manufacturer offers a lifetime warranty for their products. It's suitable for most dogs up to 20lbs, but you can easily keep a 30lb dog comfortable in the seat depending on the body mass of your dog. Moreover, the installation is never going to be an issue with this dog booster seat because you can easily install it in a 60/40 rear split bench seat or opt for the front bucket seat for installation.
Overall, the booster car seat is highly recommended for dogs, but it's worth mentioning that some buyers are not entirely happy with its frame, as it uses a thin metal pole frame, which offers structural integrity but could be dangerous for your dog. A simple solution is to put foam pipe insulation over it to make it feel more comfortable.
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4. BLOBLO Dog Car Seat Pet Booster Seat
Quick Summary
Rated by: Amber
From Bloblo, this is another pet booster seat that’s worth checking out. Available in three colors, the set is made of oxford cloth that is resistant to tear. This may be an ideal choice for dogs that love chewing.
The material of this dog booster seat also helps keep pets warm during cold seasons. The product is easy to install and comes with an adjustable bucket that is compatible with various car types. The seat can be installed either in the front or rear seat.
You will also find storage bags on both sides of the dog booster seat where you can store your pet’s essentials. As for cleaning, the mat is removable and can be machine washed. However, the manufacturer says the product can only accommodate small pets.
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FAQ - A Buyer's Guide
Do Dogs Need Car Seats?
Dogs looking out the window are an adorable sight. But without a harness or a car seat, they can be in danger. This can also pose safety hazards to everyone they’re sharing the ride with. Let’s talk about more reasons why you should buy car seats for dogs.
- Dogs can be distracting. In 2011, AAA and Kurgo conducted a survey and found pet parents admitting to taking their hands off the wheel to stop their dog from climbing the front seat. That means taking attention away from the road, which is comparable to the risks involved in using mobile phones while driving.
- Dogs can be a dangerous projectile. In the event of an impact, dogs can get thrown out of the car or hurt themselves or other passengers. Even if your dog is used to traveling and is always well-behaved inside the car, that won’t save them or you from sustaining injuries during a crash. Therefore, it's important to use dog booster seats.
- Dogs may panic during an accident. Once they panic or get stressed, they may escape or bite. You’ll want to keep your dog from doing something that may expose them or other passengers to further harm. Keeping them secure in dog booster seats is the right thing to do.
- Keep your car interiors clean. By using a dog car seat, you can protect your car interiors from messes, scratches, or accidents. There are car seats for dogs that are made easy to clean and waterproof so you also won’t have a hard time cleaning your car.
- Protect your dog from choking hazards. By keeping your dog secure in a specific location, which can be achieved through dog booster seats, you also keep them from reaching your valuables and playing with choking hazards or poisonous substances.
- Airbags can kill dogs. The force of an airbag can cause danger to car passengers. Avoid having your dog occupy the front-seat. It’s best to let them stay in the backseat and safely restrained.
- There are so many reasons why you should buy a dog car seat, but you should also know how to make a good purchase. Here are some features to check when buying the best dog car seat:
- There are dog owners that confess to having the best dog car seats but are not using it. One factor is the effort it takes to set up most of these dog booster seats. Be sure that the dog car seat you choose is easy to assemble to motivate you to use it all the time. This also helps a lot if you’re traveling with kids.
- You might want to as well consider how the best dog car seats are packed away. Is it foldable or collapsible? Does it take too much space? Will it fit in your car?
- Check if the dog car seat allows you to attach it properly to the back seat or the headrest. There should also be leashes to keep your dog in place throughout the drive.
- If your dog often gets into accidents, you’ll want one of the best dog car seats that are machine washable. It’s a bonus if the cover is removable so you can clean it more easily.
- The car seat should allow your dog enough space to sit comfortably or lie down as they please. If you want, you can also check out options that let your dog look out the window with ease.
- How much padding do you think your dog will need? Will they feel more comfortable in thicker padding? Or perhaps you have dogs with allergies and may require hypoallergenic materials.
- Car seats for dogs come in various price points. The luxury choices may have more extras while too cheap products may not last as long or probably might not have features you’re looking for. There’s no single best choice and it’s not good to look at the price alone.
What's more, you should listen to what other pet parents have to say about products they have tried, especially if you have the same dog breeds. When buying online, it pays to look at photos and personal experiences of other users before making your final decision. It feels tempting to purchase a product that seems to be working well with another pet parent that you trust. But remember, every dog is unique. Pay attention to what matters most for you and your pet.
How Do I Get My Dog in a Booster Seat?
If it is your first time to have your dog use a car seat, be sure to spend time introducing them to their new ‘place’ while on the road. They may hesitate or feel scared to get inside. You should proceed slowly and don't push them to accept the new piece of equipment. If you force it onto them, they're never going to feel comfortable using your newly bought booster doggy car seat.
Ideally, you should make it a step-step process. Offer them treats to encourage them to get their feet (or even foot) inside. Once you see they’re already stepping inside, try to practice them to stay longer in it. Here, you'll need to have lots of treats with you to establish and reinforce that sitting behavior. Once your dog is inside the car and in the dogs car seat, you should start driving. It's a good idea to have an assistant with you at the same time who should appreciate your dog staying in place. They could also help provide treats to ensure the dog associate the car with rewards and positive things. Sometimes, you can also benefit from giving chew toys to your small dog – it may work if you opt for a special types of car booster dog car seats.
Another thing to make sure the proper safety and comfort of your dog is to exercise them properly. It means that your dog should get some time to play and feel a bit tired. This way, he won't cause as much resistant as he's likely to cause when he's fresh and fidgety. Playing with him before the car trip will help burn off excess energy and you're likely to have a responsive dog who'd be willing to learn how to use car booster seats properly.
When your dog is comfortably sitting in the booster seat, it's still important to avoid pushing it too much and go for smaller trips at first. This way, your dog would know that the trip is eventually going to end and he should behave for a few more minutes. Once he gets used to the seat and his place in the car, you can go for longer rides as well.
Do You Need a Seat Belt for a Dog?
Yes, it's a good idea to get a seat belt for your dog to ensure that he doesn't distract you while driving. Statistics show that distracted drivers end up hurting them and others using the road. While your mobile phones are the biggest culprits, you just can't take dog out of the picture, especially when you're trying to keep one comfortable in your lap. Therefore, it's important to use a car booster seat or at least opt for a seat belt to keep him secure.
You may need to use dog seat belt because it's mandatory by law. Therefore, it's a good idea to get in touch with your state legislature or at least use the internet to read about pet restraint laws in your area. You can't drive without buckling up your dog in places like New Jersey, Hawaii, and Rhode Island. Other states may also have laws keeping you from driving when your dog is not restrained. Remember, even if your state doesn't have a law to keep your dog buckled up while driving, you may still be guilty of distracted driving and end up getting a ticket.
There's really no reason not to use a dog seat belt to be on the safer side. It's true that using a dog car seat will work more efficiently at keeping your dog safe, secure, and comfortable. But, you should at least be using a seat belt, which is more like a dog harness with a padded vest and a clip to connect with the car seat belt. A good harness is the one that allows your dog to sit up and lie down but doesn't let him move side to side and cause any unnecessary distraction. Similarly, a harness needs to be secure enough to keep your dog in the seat when you suddenly slam the brakes.
While both car seats and car seat belt or harnesses work great to keep your dog safe, you should still keep some important tips in mind when driving with your furry friend. For instance:
- It's always a good idea to have a partner with you while driving. They can help keep your dog calm, especially when your furry friend becomes nervous while driving.
- It's never a good idea to leave your dog in the car when there's no one inside to take care of him. Even if you need to go out for a few minutes, be sure to take your furry baby along with you. It will also help him feel more comfortable while sitting in the car.
- Understand that buying a good dog car seat is never enough, as it's more critical to install it properly. Even the best car seats won't help when they're not installed correctly. You can check the instruction manual with high end dog car seats or you can use the internet to watch some tutorials. Remember, not all car seats are simple to install, so you should consider this at the time of making a buying decision.
- Prefer shorter quick rides if you're still training your dog to stay calm while sitting in the car seat.
- Always ensure that your dog is not hungry when you decide to go for a ride. Ideally, they should have a light meal at least three hours before your departure. It will help keep them comfortable during the ride. Just ensure that your dog's not too full.
- Be sure to keep the windows closed and don't allow your dog to take his head outside the window. Letting him take his head out could be dangerous as any flying object could hit him. If you take your time to select the best car booster seat, he will already be in a comfortable place to look outside the car without having to stick his head out of the window.
The Best Dog Car Seat to Buy
It all boils down to the fact that enjoying the lovely outdoors with your furry friend can be dangerous if you do nothing to keep him in the right place, and that's when dog car seats come into play. If you're confused but want the best dog car seat only, be sure to check what K & H Pet Products Bucket Booster Seat has to offer.
About the Author Amber
Hi, I'm Amber! iPetCompanion care about your relationship with your pets. I realize how hard it is to leave them behind especially when you have an out-of-town trip schedule so I made this blog to help!
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