Dog car seats are a necessary piece of equipment all dog owners that wish to go on a trip with their dogs on-board must have.
There are several brands and options of car seats available, but selecting the best dog car seat for the right price could pose a problem. That is why this article has been designed to help you focus on the top 10 brands in the industry for your large dog.
Quick Recommendations
- K &H Pet Products Bucket Booster Pet Seat, Tan, Large
- Pet Gear Large Car Booster, Black
- PetSafe Happy Ride Pet Booster Seat, X-Large
- Kurgo Heather Dog Booster Seat, Charcoal
- Solvit Standard Pet Safety Seat
- Mighty Paw Dog Vehicle Safety Belt
- FurHaven Quilted Single Car Seat Cover
- K & H Pet Products Quilted Cargo Cover, Gray
- Snoozer Pet Products Lookout II Dog Car Seat
- Plush Paws Products Quilted Hammock Car Seat Cover
Why you should buy a Dog Car Seat
If you plan on taking a road trip with your dog, a dog car seat is necessary to help secure your dog, to give you maximum concentration when driving. In case an accident happens, the dog seat would help ensure that your dog remains safe and is not injured.
Apart from safety measures, a dog car seat would ensure your dog is comfortable throughout the journey. Some dogs get motion sick when you are driving, some dog car seats have been manufactured to help dogs like that. Also, dogs love sightseeing, and that would not be possible for smaller dogs, but a dog car seat would help them do that while taking safety precautions.
Dog Car Seat Buying Guide
Picking a car seat for your dog could be a little bit tricky because there are several factors which you ought to put into consideration before making your decision. With the help of this article about the best dog car seat, you would be making an informed decision when selecting your choice.
Factors Which You Ought to Consider Include
Selecting the right size for your dog: Just like most dog essentials, selecting the right size of car seat for your dog is very important. They need to be the perfect size. If they are too small, your dog might not fit and it would make the dog uncomfortable if the seat is too big, this is not safe for your dog and there is a high risk of sustaining injuries. The right seat would have enough space for your dog to lay down and sit. If there is a harness, it should also fit perfectly.
How to secure the seat: Securing your dog car seat to the seat often depends on the type of product you buy. Some products are built with two seat belts that can be placed around the headrest and the back of the seat respectively, this would hold the dog seat steady. Other types of dog car seats have holes in them where the car seat belt can go through to help secure the dog seat. While harness has their seat belts which you can use with the buckle in the car, and some have clips that you can attach to the car’s seat belt.
Materials, color, and design: You need to be careful here, obtaining the wrong details could turn out bad after you purchase the dog car seat. You should measure your car seat to know the size of the dog car seat that would fit perfectly in your car, then ensure that the measurement is large enough for your dog. You should also ensure that the color and design match your preference and the color of your car’s interior, then make sure that the materials used in making the dog car seat would not bring harm to your dog.
Budget: Regardless of what you are buying, you should always have a budget so you would be able to carefully buy products without passing your allocated budget. There are several types of dog car seats available for different price ranges. The higher the price, the higher the benefits your dog would derive from the product. This best dog car seat article would help you ensure that you know how these dog car seats vary and what makes them unique
Convenience: After buying the dog car seat, how convenient is it for you to make use of it. There are brands of dog car seats that are pretty convenient to use, you just strap them in and you are good to go. However, some are not that easy. They require some complex steps before they can be put to use.
Cleaning: Cleaning of a dog car seat should not take forever, though your dog might have some fur on it, dusting immediately after use should do the magic. When you need to clean it, you should be able to make use of a damp cloth, the material also defines the method of cleaning which you can use. To be on a safer side, follow to detail the cleaning instructions provided by the manufacturer.
Differences between a Car Booster Seat and a Conventional Dog Seat
A car booster seat is a type of dog car seat, apart from preventing your dog from harm, it also helps your dog have a view of the happenings outside the window.
Booster seats are usually about ten inches high, so your dog can see what is going on outside and also remain safe. There is a belt that is fastened around your dog to prevent sticking its head outside. While conventional dog seats just help secure your dog.
Dog Harness or Dog Car Seat
There is not much difference in what these two do. They both help ensure the safety of your dog while driving, but dog car seats make your dog feel homely. While a harness would only help protect your dog in case of any mishap, harnesses do not add any more weight to the car, but dog car seats though. If the safety of your dog is your utmost and only priority, then you should purchase a car harness for your dog.
10 Best Dog Car Seat for Large Dogs
This review would include; characteristics of the best dog car seats for large dogs available in the market, their pros and cons, and customer reviews.
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
|---|---|---|
 | Our Top Pick K &H Pet Products Bucket Booster Pet Seat, Tan, Large
| VIEW ON AMAZON →READ REVIEWS → |
 | Pet Gear Large Car Booster, Black
| VIEW ON AMAZON →READ REVIEWS → |
 | PetSafe Happy Ride Pet Booster Seat, X-Large
| VIEW ON AMAZON →READ REVIEWS → |
 | Kurgo Heather Dog Booster Seat, Charcoal
| VIEW ON AMAZON →READ REVIEWS → |
 | Solvit Standard Pet Safety Seat
| VIEW ON AMAZON →READ REVIEWS → |
 | Mighty Paw Dog Vehicle Safety Belt
| VIEW ON AMAZON →READ REVIEWS → |
 | FurHaven Quilted Single Car Seat Cover
| VIEW ON AMAZON →READ REVIEWS → |
 | K & H Pet Products Quilted Cargo Cover, Gray
| VIEW ON AMAZON →READ REVIEWS → |
 | Snoozer Pet Products Lookout II Dog Car Seat
| VIEW ON AMAZON →READ REVIEWS → |
 | Plush Paws Products Quilted Hammock Car Seat Cover
| VIEW ON AMAZON →READ REVIEWS → |
K &H Pet Products Bucket Booster Pet Seat, Tan, Large
This is style and comfort in one dog car seat. This booster seat would elevate your dog when placed in either the front or back seat. Though the seat is designed to fit better in the back seat of the car. This dog car seat has an adjustable security tether which would help keep your dog safe and secure. Made using polyester, this dog car seat would fit your large dog perfectly, and it can work for any breed of dog.
Features
- Made from polyester.
- Includes a security tether.
- Works for any breed of dog.
Why You Should Buy
If the 4.9 stars this product has from customer reviews is not enough for you to buy this product, then the price should be persuasive enough, because this product is very cheap and it works for large dogs.
Pros
- Usable in the front or back seat.
- Back of the dog seat is contoured for a perfect fit in your car.
- Adjustable tether for your dog’s safety.
Customer’s Review
This product has a 4.9 out of 5 stars on Chewy.
Pet Gear Large Car Booster, Black
Keeping your dog safe and ensuring you are focused on the road is of the utmost importance when you are going on a road trip with your dog. That is why the Pet Gear Large Car Booster is available. It helps ensure your dog is safe and you concentrate while driving.
This dog seat is very comfy, and your dog would most likely snooze off when you are on the road. Your car seat belts would hold the seat in place when you are traveling, and it also has an adjustable tether to restrain your dog comfortably. The tether stops the dog from wandering in the car while in motion.
Features
- Comfy interior.
- Suede material.
- Has a removable pillow and cover which is machine washable.
Why You Should Buy
If the safety and security of your dog are paramount to you, then you should ensure you get this dog seat, because all it offers are; comfort, style, safety, and security. This is an all-rounder dog seat, and it also has an elevated bottom which would allow your dog to see what is happening outside the car.
Pros
- Removable pillow and car which are machine washable.
- Helps keep your dog secure and comfortable.
Customer’s Review
This product has a 4.2 out of 5 stars reviews on Chewy.
PetSafe Happy Ride Pet Booster Seat, X-Large
With this booster seat, your dog would get a better view when you are traveling. The top quality material used in making this product is derived from polyester oxford with a soft liner for your dog’s top-notch comfort.
It has a tether that you can attach to your dog’s harness which will ensure its safety. This seat has adjustable straps for your dog’s stability and also side pockets for storage. The shell polyester and liner are removable and machine washable.
Features
- Machine washable liner and polyester.
- Elevated bottom for a better view.
Why You Should Buy
The benefits and add-ons that this dog seat provides should be enough for you to consider purchasing this beauty for your dog. Safety and style are rivaled by no one in the industry.
Pros
- Stain-resistant polyester and removable liner
- Easy installation and adjustable straps for stability
- Available in different sizes
Customer’s Review
This product has a 4.5 out of 5 stars review on Chewy
Kurgo Heather Dog Booster Seat, Charcoal
This design has won awards, and it is made in a way that would ensure your dog is safe and secure. Your dog’s safety and security would mean that you can focus on the road while driving. For structural balance, there are metal supports in place.
There is an adjustable tether which you would attach to the dog’s harness to prevent roaming in the car or jumping out through an open window. This dog seat allows your dog to ride shotgun, or sit comfortably in the back seat.
Features
- Adjustable tether.
- Water-resistant.
- Machine-washable.
- Side pockets for storage.
Why You Should Buy
The features mentioned above should propel you into buying this product. However, if you are still in doubt about the durability or quality of this product, you can take a look at the customer’s review. This product has been awarded 4.7 stars out of 5 by customers on chewy.
Pros
- Metal support for structural integrity.
- Quick installation with adjustable tether for your dog’s security.
- Waterproof and machine-washable.
Customer’s Review
This product has a 4.7 out of 5-star reviews on Chewy.
Solvit Standard Pet Safety Seat
This comfy dog seat helps cradle your dog comfortable while you are on the road. It is perfect for dogs that get motion sick whenever they are in a car. This seat uses a high-grade technology that synchronizes the dog seat with your car’s seat belt for extra security.
This easy to install product would fit perfectly in either the front or back of your vehicle. The safety tether of the seat has been tested to 2000 lbs. This means that regardless of your dog’s size, this dog seat would do a perfect job securing it.
Features
- Comfy seat for your dog.
- High-grade technology for improved security.
- Easy to assemble.
Why You Should Buy
This seat would keep your mind at ease while driving, and you would not have to worry about trying to secure your dog in place. You can also easily remove the liner and wash it to keep it clean and nice for your dog.
Pros
- Easy to wash.
- Does not require any tool or expertise to assemble.
- Has an interior tether for your dog’s security.
Customer’s Review
This product has a 4.2 out of 5 stars review on Chewy.
Mighty Paw Dog Vehicle Safety Belt
Ensure your dog’s safety with the mighty paw dog vehicle safety belt. This brand has been in the dog equipment business for ages. This product would be attached to the latch in the back seat, so there are no chances of your dog stepping on the seat belt release and roaming free in the middle of a road trip.
You do not need to panic or regularly check on the dog because you can be assured of its safety. If your dog needs to take a leak, you just have to click and you are good to go. This dog seat is convenient and very durable. It also works great for large dogs.
Features
- Made using waterproof thick nylon.
- Your dog can roam free without getting tangled because of the swivel-free attachment.
- Available for all breeds of dogs.
Why You Should Buy
If you have a large dog, you would fall in love with this dog car seat and so would your dog. You would be able to restrict the movement of your dog in the car without causing any inconvenience for the dog. Talk about ease and safety, then this dog car seat should come to mind.
Pros
- Can be attached to the safety latch not the seat belt for safety.
- No chances of your dog unlocking the seat belt release
Customer’s Review
This product has a 4.8 out of 5 stars review on Chewy.
FurHaven Quilted Single Car Seat Cover
Always have your dog ride shotgun beside you when you are going out using the FurHaven Quilted Single Car Seat Cover. The materials are strong and water-resistant. For easy installation, the cover has straps that can be found above the headrest.
The quilted design is for comfort and durability, it is also adjustable for stability. After using the cover, you can easily remove and fold up like a mat. It is machine washable. Great isn’t it.
Features
- Suitable for large dogs.
- Made from polyester materials.
- The cover is machine washable and can be folded up for easy storage.
Why You Should Buy
This dog seat cover would bring your dog closer to you. Like the popular saying “dog is man’s best friend”. This dog seat cover would make your dog appreciate you more, and you would also be comfortable and more focused while driving because of the assurance this product gives.
Pros
- Easy to use.
- Easy storage.
- Adjustable buckled strap.
- Machine washable cover.
Customer’s Review
This product has a 4.5 out of a 5-star review on chewy.
K & H Pet Products Quilted Cargo Cover, Gray
This dog seat cover is designed for any SUV, and it would help protect your car seats from long dog nails or dirty paws. There is a universal fit that has adjustable fasteners for easy installation and extra coverage along the sides.
The material used in making this product is water-resistant, durable nylon with vinyl. For your dog’s comfort and enjoyment, the top is extra comfy with built-in pockets for leash, toys, and dog treats.
Features
- Includes storage pockets to keep leashes, toys, and treats
- Protects your vehicle seat from long nails and dirty paws
- Very comfy, your dog might take a snooze while on the road
Why You Should Buy
There are several reasons why you should buy this K & H pet product, and some of them have been mentioned above. However, the cheap price of this product and jaw-dropping 4.2 out 5 stars customers review has not even been taken into account.
Pros
- Made from durable materials
- Universal fit for SUV and extra coverage along the sides.
- Protects your car seats from moisture and scratches.
Customer’s Review
This product has a 4.2 out of 5 stars review on Chewy.
Snoozer Pet Products Lookout II Dog Car Seat
Comfort, style, and safety anytime you and your dog step out, that is what this snoozer pet product has to offer you and your large breed of dog. With a quilted exterior, the interior is made using soft and tender lamb wool, which makes the dog seat very comfy and great for dogs that get motion sick.
There is a strap which connects your dog’s harness to the seatbelt, and this makes sure your dog is not harmed when you brake hard. There are also pockets to keep your dog’s treats and leash, which would calm any anxious dog down. However, do not feed your dog treats when on the move.
Features
- Available for all breeds of dogs
- Removable pad
- Built-in storage
Why You Should Buy
With a 4.6 star review from customers, that should persuade you to buy this wonderful product for your dog’s comfort and your peace of mind.
Pros
- Very comfortable
- Connection strap to hook the dog’s harness to the seat belt
- Includes a raised seat so your dog can see outside the windows
Customer’s Review
This product has a 4.6 out of 5 stars review on Chewy.
Plush Paws Products Quilted Hammock Car Seat Cover
Protecting your car upholstery just got easier with the Plush Paws Products Quilted Hammock Car Seat Cover. This dog car seat ensures that dirty paws, moisture, claws, and fur would never touch the leather of your car. This polyester padded dog car seat is waterproof and very easy to clean.
For better cleaning, you can put it in the washing machine. There are features that this product possesses that would help in ensuring that your dog is secure and safe. It is designed in such a way that you can put the dog car seat over the edges of your back seat or you can attach it to the front seat headrest.
Features
- Can keep your dog from touching the floor
- Machine washable
- Made from waterproof polyester
Why You Should Buy
This product has been at the pinnacle of the best dog car seat for a while now, and this has been possible through the unique features and benefits it offers. Even customers attest to this with a 4.8-star review on chewy. The only thing that might stop you from getting this product for your dog is your budget.
Pros
- Has unique features unlike any other dog car seat mentioned above.
- Available for large dogs
- Protects your vehicle upholstery from moisture and scratches
Customer’s Review
This product has a 4.8 out of 5 stars review on Chewy.
Final thoughts on Best Dog Car Seats in 2023
After carefully perusing this article, you should be able to select one of the best dog car seats for your large dog breed. You should always remember to consider your budget while doing your selection. If the product beats your budget, you could choose more pocket-friendly options.
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Forrest is a lover of dogs, the wild outdoors, deep mysterious conversations… and coffee. He is the owner of several websites, including Canine Weekly. He resides in Austin, Texas.