One of the best parts of having a dog is having a steady companion that you can take anywhere along with you. And, if you’re like me, you love taking your dogs on long walks and on excursions to parks and play areas.
The issue is getting to these areas can sometimes be problematic if you don’t live close to one already. Or even if you do, it’s always nice to go somewhere different for a change. Living in a city makes this even more of a challenge.
So, when you’re looking at how to take your dog along for a car ride safely, I have one answer for you: car seats. Once you pick out the best car seat for you, with your dog strapped in and securely and comfortably along for the ride. Here are some of the best dog car seats available right now that I’d fully recommend.
Quick Top 3
Best Dog Car Seats in the UK
Small Dog Car Seat
#1 GoBuyer Waterproof Dog Car Seat
There are two versions of the GoBuyer dog car seat. The first has a cute paw print pattern and is suitable for any dogs that weigh less than 6kg, whereas the second option that has a paw and bone pattern is better for larger dogs that weigh less than 8kg.
They’re made with waterproof and durable 600D Oxford fabric with PVC mesh and extra padding and coating for protection. It’s very easy to clean so long as you have a hoover for all of the fur.
When not in use, it can be folded and is only about 5cm thick so you can easily pack it away somewhere.
The robust built-in PE board at the front and back, as well as the two PVC tubes on the sides, are what keep it in shape and stop it from collapsing while your dog is inside.
There’s a stretchy bungee strap that attaches to your dog’s collar for safety and doesn’t restrict your dog resulting in more comfort. It also has an anti-shock bungee buffer for easy and quick locking and unlocking. The strap that attaches it to your car seat is not bungee, can easily loosen, and is sturdy.
What’s really great about the whole thing is that the bungee strap that connects to the collar doubles as a leash, so that there’s no hassling whatsoever when it comes to getting your dog in and out of your car.
It’s also very easy to attach and only takes a couple of minutes. Simply open it up to insert the tube and close the Velcro back up, then secure the straps around the headrest of your car seat and you’re done. Best of all, it works both in the front and back seats.
- Bungee strap doubles as a leash
- Works in both the back and front seats
- Foldable when not in use
- Limit of dogs weighing less than 8kg
Safest Dog Car Seat
#2 Legendog Dog Car Seat
Next to the very professional looking MuttStuff car seat, the Legendog car seat looks like the fun, colourful alternative. The legendog car seat is similarly soft and well padded. But the design is a little and commendably different.
The legendog car seat has a hard base, because of a plank-like bottom, with a cushion on top of it. I found that this made sure the seat didn’t sag. And despite the improved ability to hold its shape, it was very comfortable for my dog.
The basket seat itself is made from a very good quality polyester blend, which made for a tough exterior. On the inside though, the seat is covered with a plush, dirt-proof wool lining, which makes for a luxurious cushioning. Both the lining and the cushion can be taken out, which I found super useful during the rainy season.
The seat is rather suitable for smaller to medium sized dogs, and puppies. The weight caps off at approximately 16 kg, according to the seat’s description. Inside this capacity, your dog can sit or curl up inside, as he likes.
The seat basket is very handy in that it also has pockets. I found it much easier to pack my dog’s things directly into the seat, rather than making a doggy bag. The seat has two small pockets in the front and two larger pockets on the side. So everything imaginable from snack treats, water bottles, toys, leashes or muzzles, can be tucked in for whenever you need them.
Plus, the seat itself is foldable. You can take it out of the car and with you, for example, if you’re on a picnic or want to carry your dog back with you over uneven terrain.
The fact that it held its shape so well was a huge plus for me. The seat basket actually has a steel frame inside. On top of that, there’s an adjustable strap, and a back save belt, both of which can be used to strap your dog in and hold him and the seat in place.
The difference between the two styles seems to be only cosmetic. As far as functionality is concerned, both are neatly on the same level.
- Looks great
- Sturdy structure
- Comfortable for your dog
- n/a
Medium Dog Car Seat
#3 PetSafe Solvit Tagalong Standard Pet Car Booster Seat for Dogs
A car seat on a different level, the PetSafe Solvit seat is a balcony view from the ground floor for dogs. The tagalong seats are booster seats for smaller pets and puppies. They set up a few centimeters off the base of the seat, so that the only view your pets have of the car ride, isn’t a running skyline.
I found the design very neat. No extra hanging straps, no Macrame-style set up necessary. You can basically just clip it onto your car seat, and it creates a balcony style overhang for your dog. And it doesn’t have to be only the front seat, too.
The PetSafe car seat also has a well padded interior, so your pet is never in danger of getting jostled. There’s a full internal lining, and the best part is, it comes out completely. So washing, drying, and replacing it was only a matter of minutes. No sponge and brush scrubbing for this car seat!
The seat also has a leash attachment, as an added safety measure. Because let’s face it, it’s reassuring to know that our pet also has a seat belt of his own.
The strap doesn’t obstruct the view, though. It stayed on the side me to my dog the whole time, and never got in the way of my dog’s running movie reel in the window.
Car seats like the PetSmart seat are optimal for small dogs. They are lightweight, breathable polyester constructs that snap on and off in no time. The seat has a fleece liner, which made my dog even cozier and snug in his little basket. And because the seat belt clips hold the seat supported at all times, he could go to sleep whenever he wanted, with no issues at all. And, given how much like a hammock it is, don’t be surprised if you find yourself wishing you had one for yourself. I certainly did!
- Nice design
- Lightweight
- Adjustable leash
- Easy to clean
- n/a
Large Dog Car Seat
#4 AMZPET Dog Car Seat Cover for Dogs
Here’s a product that’s a departure from the rest.
The AMZPET dog car seat is a full length, wide spreading car seat cover that is ideal for dog owners with larger dogs, or those who are frequently underway with their dogs.
The AMZPET car seat cover is a heavy duty car seat protector. It’s the fabric equivalent of Kevlar for your car seat, a thick, quilted, waterproof spread that fully covers your car seat, as well as raised flaps, in case you want to fix them into a basket like shape for your dog.
The AMZPET cover is literal construction of fabric. It has four layers of PU waterproofing, a lining with material with a 190 GSM rating, and is made without any AZO dyes or heavy metals.
The latches are child safe and the whole thing is water tight, except for the openings. The material affords a certain amount of friction, which allows even the largest dog to roll around on it without it slipping and falling off.
As an additional measure, there’s even anchors on it that hold it to the seat’s surface. Plus side flaps, extra UV protected adjustable straps, and clips to hold everything in place. This particular feature kept it safe through summer days when you’d expect anything in a parked car to melt.
It was really easy to wash, too. The cover is a little heavy but colour fast and washes out pretty easily.
The weight is a little problematic, though. This isn’t a car seat, rather a car seat cover. So it’s very good for people with large dogs, who are okay with consigning the entire back seat to them. It’s very good against dog hair and mud, but setting it up and clean up can be quite a time consuming process. If you have a small dog, a car seat is a more reasonable option for you.
- Easy to clean
- Waterproof
- Ideal for larger dogs
- Not as secure as an actual seat
Booster Seat for Dogs
#5 2 in 1 Pet Dog Car Waterproof Single Front Seat Mat Booster Seat Pet
One more option for people looking for a car seat, the Kisspet car seat is a little snug box for a little snug dog. It’s a lovely little small pet seat mat made from an Oxford quilted fabric, and waterproof to boot.
You simply have to lay it out on the seat, zip up the side flaps, slide the plastic into the slot to give it shape, and strap it around the seat. Two minutes, and your work is done.
Once you’ve established which size and strap fits your dog best, fixing the seat becomes even quicker. The strap holds the seat in shape and fixed to the car seat, so that your pet doesn’t get bounced while the car is moving. Plus, the closer you adjust it, the better it fits.
Here is the advantage. You can use it either as a pet seat or as a seat mat, and let your dog lay on top of it. I personally found it more useful as a car seat mat, because the box was too roomy for my dog. But for dog owners with small to medium sized dogs, it’s a pretty good option.
One thing to keep in mind is that this isn’t the sturdiest of car seats. Although a good construction, it’s not meant for daily use. Also, there’s no way to secure your dog into the car seat. So, unless your dog is already trained to be in a car seat, it can be problematic to make him stay in an open basket.
- Easy to set up
- Can be used as both a dog seat or as a seat mat
- Not as sturdy as other options
- Nothing to secure your dog
#6 ZEEXIPDR Dog Booster Car Seat
The ZEEXIPDR dog booster car seat comes in a variety of different colours: beige, grey, blue camouflage, and solid black. It has a length of 22.44 inches, a width of 21.25 inches and 12.99 inches in height and easily accommodates any small or medium sized dogs under 18kg such as Jack Russell Terriers, Shih Tzus, etc.
Made of quality oxford cloth and polypropylene, with comfortable sponge and soft PP cotton inside – this car seat is just as good as any dog bed you may already have. This was evident by the way my dog got comfortable and even slept for a portion of the ride.
It is suitable for most types of cars, including trucks and SUVs, and the cushion is detachable so it’s very easy to keep clean.
The robust safety belt ensures security with an adjustable buckle and is quick to install – all that needs to be done is close all zippers, fasten the buckles to both sides of the seat at the back and at the headrest, and attach the other strap to your dog’s harness. It has anti-rust hooks for long-lasting durability, high quality buckles, a non-slip bottom, and a waterproof cover too.
- Comfortable
- Non-slip bottom
- Anti-rust hooks
- Multiple colour options
- n/a
- CON2
#7 Toozey Car Seat for Small to Medium Dogs
This car seat by Toozey has dimensions of 58 x 45 x 45 cm, making it ideal for small to medium dogs such as Pugs, Jack Russell, Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier, Spitz, Maltese, Beagle, Dachshund, French Bulldogs, etc.
It comes in the colour black with a white lining and is made of waterproof and scratch resistant Oxford fabric. Not only does it keep your dog secure and comfortable during car rides, but it also protects your car seats from scratches, mud, fur, and dirt.
There are three ergonomic boards at the sides which ensure that it doesn’t lose its shape, and they’re all Velcro so they can be removed with ease for more comfort, or if more space is needed.
You don’t need to worry about what type of vehicle you have and whether or not this is compatible because it is suitable for all vehicles, both in the front or back seats.
Thanks to the 4 strong hook and loop fastener straps and the 2 snap buckles, it’s super easy to install and remove. Plus, it has a non-slip bottom ensuring stability at all times.
There are several layers to it, including both 600D and 210D Oxford and cotton padding providing a decent amount of comfort and long-lasting quality.
Possibly my favourite feature of this booster seat is the anchor; make sure to slip it in the gap between the seat as it adds even more stability to the whole thing, keeping it anchored.
The only this is, compared to the other options here, this one is rather basic in the sense that there are no extra straps to secure to your dog’s collar or harness to act like a doggy seat belt.
- Durable and long-lasting
- Includes an anchor
- Waterproof and scratch resistant
- Comfortable
- No seat belt
#8 Wimypet Car Booster for Dogs
This car seat by Wimypet is a 3-in-1 design since it can be used as a front seat cover, rear seat cover, or as a booster seat in both the back or front. It’s suitable for all cars, including limousines, family cars, SUVs, and trucks.
This non-toxic and odourless car seat has dimensions of 68 x 57 x 33cm.
Thanks to its multiple ways of use, it’s considered to be very practical and ergonomic. Not to mention that it is easy to install as well with the headrest straps on both sides that are easy to loosen. It can be installed and removed within minutes and can be cleaned with the use of a damp cloth and/or a vacuum cleaner. So, not it can’t be washed in a washing machine so you had better hope your dog doesn’t drag mud in with him.
Although, the material it’s made out of does help with that since it is 600D Oxford which is waterproof and scratch resistant with PVC water repellent coating.
- Waterproof 600D Oxford material
- Can be used as just a seat cover or booster seat
- Straps on both sides for stability
- Can’t be washed
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