Best Dog Car Seats and Harnesses for Safe Travel

For a complete checklist of dog travel gear essentials, check out our comprehensive guide here.

Top Picks (At a Glance)

How We Chose

• Crash testing matters: We prioritized seats and harnesses certified by the Center for Pet Safety (CPS) or independently tested to the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS 213). Products such as the Sleepypod Mobile Pet Bed and Diggs Passenger Carrier have independent CPS certifications.
• Secure installation: Seats needed strong tether points and straightforward installation. We favored designs that use the car's seat belt and, where available, ISOFIX/LATCH anchors for added security.
• Comfort & fit: Comfort reduces anxiety and motion sickness. High‑density foam, plush liners and elevated boosters help small dogs see out the window. We also considered ease of sizing, multiple adjustment points and harness compatibility.
• Durability & materials: Car seats must endure daily use. We examined materials like ballistic nylon, closed‑cell foam and steel hardware for longevity.
• Ease of cleaning: Removable, machine‑washable liners or covers simplify maintenance.
• Value: Finally, we weighed features and safety against cost, offering options from budget boosters to premium crash‑tested carriers.

Always secure your dog using a harness attached to the seat tether; never connect a car seat's strap to a collar to avoid neck injuries.

Best Dog Car Seats and Harnesses — Reviews

Sleepypod Mobile Pet Bed — Best Overall

The Sleepypod Mobile Pet Bed functions as a cozy bed at home, a carrier on the go and a crash‑tested car seat. Certified by the Center for Pet Safety for pets up to 15 lb, it combines plush comfort with rigorous safety testing.

Why we like it

• Certified by CPS; uses PPRS technology and meets child seat safety standards.
• Converts from carrier to bed with a removable mesh dome and includes ultra‑plush, machine‑washable bedding.
• Luggage‑grade ballistic nylon exterior and rip‑stop mesh offer durability.

Specs that matter

• Weight limit: 15 lb.
• Dimensions: 17 in diameter × 13.5 in tall; interior 15 in × 11.5 in.
• Installation: seat‑belt straps secure the bed; no tether required.

Pros

• Multi‑function design reduces travel stress by letting pets ride in their own bed.
• CPS certification provides independent crash‑safety assurance.
• Removable interior makes cleaning easy.

Cons

• High price compared with simple boosters.
• Only suitable for pets up to 15 lb.

Where to buy: Amazon

PupSaver Original — Best Rear‑Facing Seat (Small Dogs)

PupSaver's original rear‑facing seat wraps around your pup like an infant car seat. The design attaches to seatbelt pretensioners and LATCH anchors, cradling dogs up to 30 lb during a crash.

Why we like it

• Rear‑facing orientation helps protect small dogs by enveloping them and distributing forces.
• Crash‑tested using Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS 213) with a 25‑lb dummy; the seat successfully contained the test dog.
• Flexible ballistic‑nylon construction doubles as a pet bed outside the car.

Specs that matter

• Weight limit: up to 30 lb.
• Installation: five seatbelt‑grade clips and heavy‑duty LATCH hooks.
• Seat weight: 7 lb; interior width 24 in; exterior width 28 in.

Pros

• Unique rear‑facing design cushions dogs during collisions.
• Works in front or back seat; can double as a travel bed.
• Uses metal tether attachments for durability.

Cons

• Bulky compared with simple booster seats.
• Requires a harness; not ideal for dogs over 30 lb.

Where to buy: Amazon

PupSaver 45 — Best for Bigger Small Dogs

For dogs that are slightly too big for the original, the PupSaver 45 offers the same rear‑facing protection for pets up to 45 lb. It uses heavy‑duty metal hooks for lower LATCH anchors and a top tether strap.

Why we like it

• Crash‑tested rear‑facing design rated to secure dogs up to 45 lb.
• All‑metal tether attachments and robust nylon cover provide durability.
• Can be folded and used as a dog bed between trips.

Specs that matter

• Weight limit: up to 45 lb.
• Seat dimensions: 31 in W × 18 in D × 23 in H.
• Installation: lower LATCH hooks plus top tether.

Pros

• Provides rear‑facing crash protection for larger small dogs.
• Uses strong anchors and all‑metal tether.
• Comfortable nylon and foam seat pad.

Cons

• Bulky and heavy (10 lb); may not fit compact cars easily.
• Higher price than many boosters.

Where to buy: PupSaver

Diggs Passenger Travel Carrier — Best Airline‑Friendly

The Diggs Passenger combines a crash‑tested carrier with airline‑friendly dimensions. A five‑star CPS rating ensures safety, while thoughtful extras like a built‑in bed, waste‑management system and multiple carry options make it versatile.

Why we like it

• Independently crash‑tested with a five‑star rating from the Center for Pet Safety.
• Custom seat‑belt clips, buckle strap and collar tether secure the carrier in the car.
• Built‑in plush bed and innovative pee‑pad system make cleanup simple mid‑journey.
• Compact enough to fit under airline seats and includes cross‑body strap and trolley sleeve for travel.

Specs that matter

• Weight limit: up to 18 lb.
• Dimensions: 20 × 11.5 × 10.8 in external, 18 × 10.75 × 10 in internal.
• Price: about $195.

Pros

• Highest safety rating of any pet carrier.
• Airline‑compliant size and multiple carrying options.
• Easy‑to‑clean waste‑management system.

Cons

• Premium price for a soft carrier.
• Only supports small dogs or cats up to 18 lb.

Where to buy: Amazon

K&H Bucket Booster Pet Seat — Best Budget Booster Seat

The K&H Bucket Booster is a foam booster that lifts your pet about 5.5 inches so they can see out the window. It has no weight limit and comes with two adjustable tethers that connect to your dog's harness.

Why we like it

• Closed‑cell foam lifts your dog for a better view and helps reduce motion sickness.
• Two adjustable safety leashes (10–18 in) provide secure tether points.
• Machine‑washable cover and easy installation using the car's seat belt.
• Affordable price point compared with crash‑tested options.

Specs that matter

• Height boost: about 5.5 in.
• Weight limit: manufacturer states there is no specific limit; choose small or large based on your dog's size.
• Two sizes: small (inside cushion ~13.5 × 15 in) and large (18.5 × 25 in).

Pros

• Inexpensive and lightweight compared with crash‑tested models.
• Soft foam keeps dogs comfortable and elevated.
• Two safety tethers allow two small dogs to ride together.

Cons

• Not independently crash‑tested; tether relies on your harness.
• Foam may compress over time with heavy dogs.

Where to buy: Amazon

EzyDog Drive Dog Car Harness — Best Harness for Large Dogs

This rugged EzyDog Drive harness uses reinforced webbing and a molded EVA chest plate to protect larger dogs. It meets FMVSS 213 child‑restraint standards and can double as a walking harness.

Why we like it

• Crash‑tested and certified to FMVSS 213 standards with sizes for dogs up to 65 lb and beyond.
• Durable materials and reinforced stitching; molded chest plate conforms to your dog's body.
• Step‑in design with quick initial adjustment; seat belt simply threads through the handles for fast installs.

Specs that matter

• Size range: Small (11–25 in chest, 15–35 lb), Medium (15–34 in chest, 35–65 lb) and Large (19–42 in chest, 65 lb+).
• Crash‑test standard: FMVSS 213 child restraint.
• Materials: reinforced webbing with molded chest plate and EVA padding.

Pros

• Provides harness‑based restraint without a bulky seat.
• Can be used as an everyday walking harness.
• Keeps large dogs secure while allowing natural movement.

Cons

• Higher cost than basic seatbelt adapters.
• Not suitable for toy breeds; harness may be stiff initially.

Where to buy: Amazon

Buying Guide

Choosing a dog car seat or harness starts with knowing your dog's size and travel habits. Small dogs often benefit from booster seats because elevation lets them see out the window, which can reduce anxiety and carsickness. Rear‑facing seats like the PupSaver cradle a dog's body during sudden stops and may offer better crash protection for tiny breeds. Larger dogs typically need a harness because a basket seat cannot safely contain them. Look for harnesses tested to child‑seat standards (FMVSS 213) or certified by CPS; these use steel hardware and thick chest plates to distribute crash forces.

Installation is another key factor. Seats with LATCH anchors or top tethers provide additional stability beyond the seat belt. If your vehicle lacks LATCH anchors, choose a seat designed to work with the shoulder belt. Harnesses like the EzyDog Drive require threading the seat belt through the harness handles; practice before your trip to make adjustments easy.

Pay attention to materials and maintenance. Closed‑cell foam and high‑density batting keep their shape, while ballistic nylon resists claws and chewing. Removable covers or liners make cleaning messes easier. Finally, consider whether your dog needs a multi‑function solution. Convertible carriers like the Sleepypod or Diggs Passenger can replace both a home bed and travel crate, saving space and simplifying travel.

Care & Safety Tips

• Use a harness, not a collar. Attach the seat or tether to a well‑fitted harness to avoid neck injuries if you brake suddenly.
• Check fit before every trip. Dogs grow and harnesses may loosen; ensure straps are snug but not restrictive.
• Secure the seat properly. Thread the seat belt through the appropriate loops or LATCH anchors; follow manufacturer instructions for your product.
• Never allow dogs to ride in the front seat. Airbags can seriously injure pets; always place car seats in the back seat.
• Limit motion. Use the provided tether to restrict how far your dog can move while still allowing them to lie down comfortably.
• Regularly inspect hardware. Check buckles, tethers and straps for wear and replace seats that show damage or after any accident.

FAQs

Do dogs really need car seats?
Yes. Unrestrained dogs can become projectiles during a crash, injuring themselves and passengers. A dedicated car seat or crash‑tested harness keeps them contained and reduces the risk of serious injury.

What type of dog car seat is safest?
Seats that have been crash‑tested by independent organizations such as the Center for Pet Safety offer the best assurance. Rear‑facing designs and harnesses meeting FMVSS 213 standards distribute crash forces more effectively than soft baskets.

How do I install a dog car seat correctly?
Always follow the manufacturer's instructions. Most seats thread through the vehicle's shoulder belt; some use LATCH anchors or include top tethers. Adjust straps so the seat is snug and does not tip when you pull on it.

Is it safe for a dog to ride in the front seat?
No. Front airbags deploy with great force and can severely injure or kill a dog. Place the car seat or harness in the back seat to avoid airbag injuries.

Can I put two dogs in one car seat?
Some boosters, like the K&H Bucket Booster, include two tether straps and can fit two small dogs, but both dogs must fit comfortably within the seat's dimensions and weight capacity.

Do harnesses double as walking gear?
Many crash‑tested harnesses, including the EzyDog Drive, have front and back leash attachments so you can use them as everyday harnesses. However, their heavy construction may feel stiff for extended walks.

How often should I replace a dog car seat or harness?
Inspect the seat or harness before each trip. Replace it after any car accident, even if no damage is visible, because materials can weaken under stress. Regular replacement every few years also ensures updated safety technology.