Are you looking for a safe dog car seat that meets 2023 standards? Then you are exactly right here.
In an intensive research, for which I invested more than 18 hours, I analyzed and processed the best car seats for dogs on the market.
You can find the top five models here in this article. My personal test winner, the BOUTIQUE ZOO dog travel bed, is also presented in detail.
However, since every person has different requirements in terms of safety, quality and value for money, and every dog is an individual who likes certain products better than others, I think it is important not only to present my test winner, but also other products to present to give you a comprehensive overview.
Based on this, you can choose for yourself which dog seat for the car suits you and your beloved four-legged friend best.
Have fun browsing and exploring the different models in this article.
My dog car seat favorites:
The best car dog seats in the test
My test winner: Dog travel bed – cuddly & safe
This practical dog travel bed from the BOUTIQUE ZOO brand is a true all-rounder. It not only serves as a cozy place to sleep, it also ensures safe transport in the car.
The basket shape of the car seat makes it ideal if you want to travel with your dog or visit friends, for example.
Because then you can simply take the basket with you and your dog can withdraw into it at any time. You don’t have to pack an extra sleeping place.
The model has an adjustable harness that attaches to the headrest of the car seat and a safety belt inside the basket that hooks onto the dog’s harness.
The dog car seat is available in different versions, each made of different materials. You can choose between imitation suede, plush and polyester for the inner lining of the seat. The outer cover is made of smooth synthetic leather.
The travel dog bed is available in sizes S, M and L. Don’t let the size information fool you, however, because L is not suitable for large but for medium-sized dogs (e.g. Beagle).
In general, the fabrics are very easy to care for and some can be washed in the washing machine or wiped off. At least the bottom of the seat can be removed and is machine washable. I find this very important to keep the car seat clean and hygienic.
Foldable dog car seat – a multi-talent for small to medium-sized dogs
The WUGLO dog car seat is a rectangular box with a backrest. It is designed for small to medium-sized dogs up to 12 kg. A larger version for dogs up to 18 kilograms has been available from the same manufacturer for not too long.
A great plus are the padded walls, which provide more stability and support in the event of loads. The material consists of an oxford fabric, which can be thought of as nylon fabric. It has the properties of being very resistant and protected against scratches and dirt.
The seat is mounted on either the front or back seat in the car using three straps. So if you want extra security, this seat isn’t a bad choice. In the box itself there is a length-adjustable safety belt with which you fix the dog.
The high walls and the water-repellent functional fabric ensure that dog hair and similar dirt caused by dogs does not spread throughout the car. So if your dog is an extreme shepherd or mess maker, I would recommend this product to you.
Another cool feature is the foldability of the dog car seat. If you simply need the space, you can easily fold up the box and stow it away. I personally find it super useful.
elevated car seat for small dogs
Since this Trixie model is quite small, the car seat is suitable for dogs from 8 to 10 kilograms. It doubles as a travel cot and is a convenient solution for longer car journeys.
The booster seat allows your darling to look out the window.
The whole seat is also very dimensionally stable, as the side walls are well padded. The inner part is equipped with soft plush and ensures a cuddly atmosphere for your dog.
The outer cover is made of nylon, which is known to be a functional fabric and has, among other things, water-repellent properties.
What really convinces me about the product is the fact that the cover of the cushion and the seat can be removed so that you can wash it afterwards. Another cool extra is the front pocket on the car seat, in which you can store everything.
The car seat is strapped into the car by passing the car seat belt through the backrest of the travel cot. This also fixes the seat, but there is no additional strap that you can attach to the headrest of the car seat. Ultimately, this would further increase security and stability.
In the seat there is an adjustable belt that is fixed to the dog.
Car seat for medium-sized dogs
BOUTIQUE ZOO has a car seat for medium-sized passengers that impresses with its high-quality workmanship. According to reviews, the seams are neatly finished and the material makes a high-quality impression. For the outer part of the car seat, the manufacturers chose artificial leather, and the inner part is made of imitation suede. So your dog can make himself comfortable, even on longer car journeys. The cushion in the car seat can be removed for cleaning.
On the back of the backrest there is a device to connect the car’s seat belt to the dog car seat and buckle it. With an adjustable strap you can mount the seat to the headrest of the car seat. Also, there are two straps in the car seat that can either both be attached to one dog or two small dogs each.
Car seat for large dogs
Mayaadi-Home has launched a dog car seat that I personally really like. It looks extremely high-quality, which is also reflected in the reviews.
Not only does the quilted look made of artificial leather make a noble impression, the manufacturer also scores with anti-allergic materials that are processed in the seat.
The cover of the inner part is removable and can be washed in the washing machine.
The seat has several safety features. It can be buckled with the car’s seat belt and attached by a strap to the back of the car seat. Inside the dog car seat there are two short leashes that can be hooked onto the dog’s harness using a carabiner.
How important is safety for dogs on the road?
According to a representative study by Autoscout24, every fifth car owner with a dog on board does not adequately secure their four-legged friend on the road.
The dog owner takes an enormous risk when starting the engine. Because a dog that doesn’t sit still while driving can quickly lead to distraction, and distracted driving is one of the most common causes of accidents on the road.
Even if the dog is as good as always in its place, emergency braking or a collision, for example, can have serious consequences that could possibly have been prevented.
And even if I find it strange that animals are considered cargo in road traffic (i.e. not as living beings, but as objects), they must be secured according to Section 22 of the Road Traffic Act. So they must not “slip, fall over, roll back and forth, fall or create avoidable noise”.
Note: A fine of up to 75 euros can be imposed if the road traffic regulations §22 “Charging” is not complied with. If there is an acute threat, a point in Flensburg is the result.
Therefore, I can really recommend to you: For reasons of traffic law and above all for responsible reasons, please ensure that all two- and four-legged passengers are sufficiently safe.
Why a car seat for the dog?
From a simple seat belt to a dog crate to expensive security systems, there are many ways to keep your dog safe while driving.
But one thing should be said: a dog car seat is not necessarily the best choice for your dog. Because many of these are designed more for small to medium-sized dogs.
Dog seats for larger dogs are not so easy to find and you may have to use a dog box or a simple seat belt.
In my opinion, the car seat is a good choice when the car is not big enough for a bulky box in the trunk. In addition, some dogs are not used to such boxes and feel uncomfortable in them.
I have had the experience with my little pug dog that she feels cramped in dog crates and after a short time begins to complain. But of course it is a question of upbringing.
I would also recommend the seat for those who want to offer their dog a little extra comfort and security instead of strapping them into the car seat with a simple seat belt.
For which dogs are car seats suitable?
When considering whether a car seat would also be an option for your four-legged friend, you should weigh your own needs and those of your dog. Factors such as the size, age and behavior of your dog are also taken into account. Unfortunately, most dog car seats are not suitable for larger dogs.
Because the dog sits in a box, a dog of a larger nature has no chance of lying down in this seat, let alone sitting in it at all. Unfortunately, your Great Dane has to stay outside.
I think the gray snouts benefit from the car seat too. Because the older the dog, the more comfort is usually necessary. This is guaranteed by the padding of the basket.
If your dog is a bit older, but you still often take it out in the car, I also recommend a dog ramp for the car to protect its joints when getting in and out.
If incontinence occurs with increasing age, the car seat covers also remain intact, depending on the model.
If your dog is a total bully, or maybe even a puppy (or both), I highly recommend the car seat. This way, small teeth and claws have no chance of damaging the seat cover or anything else on the car.
What are the advantages of a dog car seat?
Safe transportation
The certainty that in the event of an emergency stop the dog will not fly off the seat but will be softly cushioned can be reassuring. Because the dog is surrounded by padded front and side parts that prevent it from being thrown around or even falling. In this way, the dog is caught softly and does not become nervous or…