The best dog car seats for safer travel

There's a lot of confusion about the safest way to transport dogs in a car, but letting them roam free isn't advisable. Dr. Jessica Bell, associate professor at Washington State University's College of Veterinary Medicine, says that unsecured pets can be injured during sudden stops or collisions and may distract drivers. The best dog car seats can help minimize these risks by securing your pet in the back seat. Some dogs may even find a car seat calming, says Allie Bender, a certified dog trainer, behavior consultant, and owner of Pet Harmony. Every dog is different, but many find comfort in the confinement, cushioning, and traction that a pet car seat provides.

As a dog guardian myself, I was personally invested in learning about safe car travel and where dog car seats fit in. So I tapped into my experience as a pets reporter and consulted veterinarians, pet safety experts, and a dog behaviorist. Based on my experts' feedback, I chose seven seats for hands-on testing. Ultimately, I landed on recommendations for small and large dogs.

While a car seat keeps pets secure, it's important to acknowledge their inherent safety limitations. Aside from the Sleepypod, none are crash-test certified by the Center for Pet Safety (CPS), a nonprofit organization that conducts independent crash testing of pet travel products. With no official safety standards in place, CPS is widely regarded as the gold standard when it comes to safe pet transportation. Lindsey Wolko, founder and CEO of CPS, says if you're going to use a travel seat, it should be paired with a CPS-certified harness that connects directly to the vehicle seatbelt system. The dog should not be tethered directly to the car seat. For this review, I used the CPS-certified Sleepypod Clickit Sport Plus Harness, which kept my pup Olive restrained yet able to lie down in the larger car seat if she wanted.

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Our top picks for the best dog car seats

Best for small dogs: Sleepypod Mobile Pet Bed - $225 at Chewy

Best for medium and large dogs: PawsPik Ultra Large Premium 2-in-1 Convertible Travel Dog Bed and Car Seat - $150 at Chewy

Best budget: Kong Ultimate Safety Tether and Car Seat - $90 at Chewy

Best for small dogs

For the smallest of dogs, the Sleepypod Mobile Pet Bed is a versatile car seat that also functions as a pet carrier and portable bed. It’s CPS crash-test certified and secures pets with the brand’s Pet Passenger Restraint System (PPRS). This refers to the carrier’s three-point seatbelt connection, which helps distribute forces more evenly and prevents pets from being ejected during a collision. Note that the dome cover must be closed during travel to maintain crash-proof integrity.

Sleepypod is continually working to enhance the safety of its travel carriers. The brand’s Research and Development team has made a number of improvements to its crash-test dog dummies, and materials undergo tensile-strength testing to ensure durability. In 2015, Sleepypod added a PPRS Handilock to this carrier. This is a small plastic slide that goes over the carrier’s velcro closure to help keep it in place.

Dr. Patricia de Carvalho I. Obeid, a veterinarian and assistant professor at the Midwestern University College of Veterinary Medicine, says the Sleepypod’s enclosed, stable design reduces visual motion, which helps minimize nausea during travel. The circular design is ideal for pups who like to curl up, and the interior cushion is plush and lined in a cozy faux fur.

This seat also wins points for practical ease of use. Since there are no latches to fuss with, I found it easy to install. If you run into a snag, the brand provides plenty of installation videos to guide you through the process. The water-repellant liner is easy to remove and toss in the wash.

If your dog is used to looking out the window or roaming freely in the car, you should plan for an adjustment period. Since Olive was too big for the Sleepypod, I tested it with her friend, Frances, an 11-pound miniature dachshund. Frances expressed her displeasure with being restrained, loudly and clearly, whining during the 10-minute drive. To minimize stress, I advise spending some time acclimating your dog to this method of travel. (See my instructions at the end of this article.)

Available in 11 colors, the Sleepypod is backed by a one-year warranty and a 30-day return policy. Unfortunately, this system will only work for dogs up to 15 pounds. But if you have a smaller dog, it’s hard to beat in terms of safety.

Best for medium and large dogs

Most dog car seats are designed for small pets. The PawsPik, however, spans the entire backseat and can accommodate your larger pooch. This seat connects to the vehicle with two headrest straps. While I'd rather see it utilize the LATCH system, I was happy to see that the PawsPik includes seatbelt slots, so you can use it in conjunction with a crash-tested harness. This seat also features a nonslip bottom and two anchors that wedge under the back of the seat to keep it in place.

Since it takes up the entire back seat, I liked that the front panel can be lowered, allowing a human passenger to sit next to their pet. My dog and I found this seat very comfortable. It's plenty roomy and has a soft polyfill interior. Plush bolsters create a boundary and give your dog a place to rest their head. My pup tends to be nervous in the car, but she seemed content and relaxed in the PawsPik.

The water-resistant cover helps manage spills and messes. It's also removable and machine-washable for easier cleanup after muddy outdoor adventures. On the downside, this seat only comes in one size and one color (black). But it outshone other car seats in many areas. PawsPik also offers a one-year warranty and a 30-day return policy.

Best budget

The best dog car seats don't come cheap, but this Kong seat offers a more affordable ride for dogs up to 20 pounds. It connects to the vehicle's LATCH system and can be used with a crash-tested harness. It also has a tether that connects to the back of the seat for added stability. During our driving test, the Kong seat stayed put without any shifting, even during sharper turns.

This seat is super plush and gives smaller dogs a good boost to see out the window. Even though test pup Olive technically exceeded the weight limit by 4 pounds, she's a compact dog. At 16 inches long, she seemed to fit comfortably in this seat. That said, we don't recommend exceeding a manufacturer's weight limits. Outside of testing, I would choose a different option for Olive's safety. The fabric has a soft, suede-like texture. The cover is also machine-washable, but you'll need to remove five separate pillows to do so.

Installation was fairly easy. You do need to feed the LATCH hooks through a fabric loop on the back of the car seat, which I found a little tricky. I also wish this came in a bigger size. But the brand says it's working on releasing a larger size, so guardians of big dogs may have an option in the future.

What to look for in a dog car seat

If you're looking for the best dog car seat, safety should be your No. 1 priority. Below, I've laid out a few important features that make a car seat safer than others. You'll also want to consider your dog's comfort. To guide your search, here's what experts recommend prioritizing in pet travel seats.

Crash-test certification: The best dog car seat will be crash-test certified by the Center for Pet Safety. Currently, only the Sleepypod Mobile Pet Bed carries this certification. The good news is that Wolko says a few brands are working toward certification. You'll also find brands that have their seats crash-tested by other independent facilities, and some that conduct their own testing, but CPS certification is the ideal.

Compatibility with a CPS-certified harness: Wolko advises against connecting dogs directly to a car seat. She says most connections are not strength-rated and failed at low forces during CPS testing. Instead, Wolko recommends securing dogs to the vehicle seatbelt system with a CPS Certified Crash Protection harness and using the travel seat as a riser only. Currently, there are only three CPS-certified harnesses: the Sleepypod Clickit Sport Plus, the Sleepypod Clickit Range, and the Saker Bomber Harness. Check that a car seat's design leaves the seatbelt accessible and usable.

Safe connection points: Wolko says a car seat should not share connection points with your dog's harness. "The ideal travel seat will connect directly to the LATCH/ISOFIX anchors," she says. LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) is a method for installing child car seats using built-in metal anchor bars, standard in cars made after 2002. Europe has a similar system, called ISOFIX. Usually, you can find LATCH anchors in the crease of the backseat, where the seat's bottom cushion meets the seat back.

Safe materials: Since plastic can fracture on impact, Wolko says seats made with plastic should be covered with a sturdy fabric layer to minimize the risk of injury. Look for soft materials that won't shatter and that provide plush cushioning.

Size limits: Bell says a car seat should be appropriately sized for the dog's comfort and able to fit in your vehicle's seat. Many seats are designed for smaller dogs, so check the weight limitations and dimensions if you have a bigger dog.

Warranty and return policy: The best dog car seats are pretty pricey, so a solid warranty and return policy offer financial protection and peace of mind. Two out of the three seats featured here come with a warranty of at least one year. All have a minimum 30-day return policy.

How we tested dog car seats

Based on the expert-backed criteria above, I chose seven seats for testing with my own vehicle and dog. I developed a methodical rating system and awarded points based on each product's performance in several key areas. Here's a rundown of my testing process.

Crash-testing protocols: First, I learned about each brand's approach to crash testing. The only car seat crash-test certified by CPS received the highest score, followed by seats tested by other third-party facilities. Brands that conducted their own testing received lower scores, and seats that had not undergone any crash testing received zero points in this category.

Safety test: I also looked at how brands incorporated additional safety features. Most importantly, I wanted to see seats that attach to the vehicle's LATCH system and can be used with a CPS-certified harness (I used Sleepypod's Clickit Sport in testing). I also checked for any exposed plastic or sharp edges and yanked forcibly on each strap multiple times to verify secure connection points.

Durability test: To learn how these seats held up under heavy use, I subjected them to a series of durability tests. I simulated dog nail scratching by scraping the fabric in one area 50 times with a fork. I also tugged strongly on each connection point and ran zippers back and forth to check for smooth operation.

Washability test: Since dog car seats are subject to muddy paws, fur, and the occasional accident or upset stomach, I wanted to see how easy or difficult they were to clean. First, I used a lint roller to see how effectively I could remove loose hair from the seats. Then I smeared dirt onto the fabric along with a mix of water and kibble to simulate vomit and left them overnight. Afterward, I washed the covers according to the manufacturer's instructions, noting any stains, compromised material, and the overall ease or difficulty of the cleaning process.

Comfort test: To minimize stress during travel, a dog car seat should be comfortable. I checked for softness and cushioning by pressing down onto each seat. I also took a 10-minute test drive with my dog, Olive, in each seat. Since the Sleepypod only accommodates pets up to 15 pounds, I test drove it with an 11-pound Miniature Dachshund. While these short test drives cannot evaluate comfort during long-distance travel, I observed the dogs' reactions and whether the seats shifted during turns.

Installation test: If you've ever installed an infant car seat, you know it can be a tricky undertaking. For this test, I set a timer to see how long it took to set up each seat. During the process, I took note of any challenges, like stubborn hardware or unclear instructions. Seats with clear directions and fast, easy installation received the most points.

Meet the expert behind this guide

Liz Coleman, pets reporter: My work is informed by extensive research, consultations with experts in the field, and hands-on testing. To find the best dog car seats for this review, I interviewed several veterinarians, a certified dog behaviorist, and two pet safety experts, including Lindsey Wolko, founder and CEO of the Center for Pet Safety. I also read the 2015 CPS Pet Travel Seat Pilot Study and reviewed many crash test videos. In addition, I communicated directly with brands to learn about their testing and development protocols. To make my final recommendations, I tested seven highly rated car seats with my own dog, Olive, evaluating key factors like ease of installation, pet comfort, and practicality of use.

Dog car seat FAQs

Are dog car seats safe?

They can be. Wolko says the Center for Pet Safety technically classifies dog car seats as "distraction prevention tools." For the safest setup, CPS recommends securing your dog to the vehicle seatbelt system with a CPS Certified Crash Protection harness and using the car seat as a booster only. "Pet owners should never secure their pet directly to the travel seat due to the inferior connection strength," Wolko says. Additionally, the ideal travel seat will connect directly to the vehicle's LATCH anchors.

Where should a pet car seat be placed in a car?

It is recommended to place a pet car seat in the back seat of the vehicle. Wolko says CPS does not recommend car seats that secure pets in the front seat or center console area.

Can a dog ride in the front seat?

No, it is not considered safe for dogs to ride in the front seat. Denise Fleck, a pet safety expert and pet first aid instructor, advises against putting pets in the passenger seat due to the risk of injury posed by airbag deployment. Instead, she suggests using properly fitted gear (i.e., a CPS-certified harness, carrier, or crate) in the back seat or cargo area.

How can I get my dog used to a car seat?

Bender recommends starting training in the house. She suggests setting the dog up with a long-term calming project (for example, a lick mat, stuffed Kong, or chew) in the seat until they get used to it in that context. Then, move the seat and calming project to the car and see how the dog behaves in that setting. "If they can work on their project proficiently, awesome! Our work is done," Bender says. If they struggle or seem nervous, lower the criteria. This might mean working with a shorter duration or keeping the car off or stationary.

If your dog has never used a car harness before, they may need to get used to that, too. Bender says the process will look similar. Set up a calming project while your dog is wearing the harness indoors, then move on to using it in the car. Dogs sensitive to handling may need to take a step back and work on being OK with simply putting on a harness, generally.

Finally, some dogs are comfortable with the seat but are not OK with being picked up and placed in it. For these dogs, Bender says it can help to teach them to use a ramp or stairs to get into their car seat.

What are the best options for car-sick or anxious dogs?

For small dogs weighing 30 pounds or less, de Carvalho I. Obeid says CPS-certified carriers like the Sleepypod Mobile Pet Bed are ideal. These enclosed, stable carriers reduce visual motion, helping minimize nausea. For medium and large dogs, she says a CPS-certified travel crate, like our pick from Gunner, is recommended as it provides the most stable environment and prevents sensory overload.

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