Product Reviews

Why trust us?

eXtreme Dog Fence invests its time and energy researching, analyzing and testing products in order to recommend the best choices for most consumers. All products are bought with our own funds, never accepting freebies from manufacturers.  
Bottom Line
Pros
Cons

Snoozer

Lookout Car Seat
Sherpa lining stays warm in winter and cool in summer
Available in 2 sizes and 4 colors
None

Devoted Doggy

Deluxe Booster Car Seat
Has a collapsible metal frame and soft plush liner
Features an adjustable leash that attaches securely
Only for dogs up to 15 pounds

K&H Pet Products

Bucket Booster Pet Seat
Has a plush quilted fleece interior
Has a removable, washable cover
None

Solvit

Jumbo Deluxe Pet Safety Seat
Great solution for pets up to 30 pounds
Has a padded, spacious interior
None

Jespet

Dog Booster Seat
Stylish and functional
Has a front zippered pocket to store your pet’s treats
None

How we decided

Every product we review is purchased with our own funds. No freebies are ever accepted from product manufacturers.
  • 84 Models Considered
  • 10 Hours Researched
  • 1 Experts Interviewed
  • 94 Consumers Consulted
Pet
Pets

Shopping guide for a dog booster seat

Last Updated March 2019

If your dog is small or medium-sized and you need to venture out in your car, you need a dog car seat for the same reason that humans need their seatbelts. Having a dog car seat can provide security for your dog, giving you piece of mind to focus on the road. And if an accident occurs, the seat will keep your dog safe and sound.

Besides that, booster seats help your dog to feel more comfortable when they are in the car. As an added bonus, it may help to combat motion sickness. Smaller dogs have a difficult time seeing out of the window, which is something that they really enjoy. Having a booster seat allows them to do that safely.

Considerations When Choosing a Dog Booster Seat

Selecting the right size for your doggie. When selecting a dog car seat, you need to make sure that you get one that is the correct size for your dog. If the car seat is too small, your dog will be uncomfortable. If it is too large, the pet can be unsafe and at risk of becoming injured. The perfect car seat gives your dog room to sit and lay down. Should there be a harness or seat belt, it should fit snugly.

How does it secure to the seat? There are several different ways that dog car seats are secured to the seat. One design has 2 seatbelts built into it, one that wraps around the headrest and the other that wraps around the back of the seat. Another kind has a dog car seat that has a hole to insert the car’s seatbelt and secures it. A harness usually attaches using their own buckle, which is attached to the seatbelt holder in the car, or there is a clip that attaches onto the seatbelt.

Will it add height? Not every dog car seat is also a booster seat. There are dog car seats that don’t add any height, and are primarily used for securing your dog. On the other hand, dog booster seats will add up to 10 inches of height, so your doggie can see out of the window, as well as keeping safe.

A car seat or a harness? No matter which one you choose, both of them will help keep your dog safe. Having a car booster seat can give your dog the feeling of having his own personal space in the car. However, if you are only concerned about safety, a harness will do the trick.

Design, materials and color. Before purchasing a dog booster seat, make sure that it is what you are looking for, aesthetically. Be sure to check the measurements to see how it is going to fit into your car. Make sure it is large enough for your dog to comfortably fit inside. You wouldn’t want it to clash with the décor of your car. If it does, you may be less likely to use it. However, if you like the way it looks, you are more likely to keep it inside of the car.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a dog booster seat?

A dog booster seat is used for two reasons. The first is that it gives your dog a safe place to ride along with you in the car. Secured with a seat belt, dog booster seats are infinitely safer than leaving your dog unattended in the car. In addition to this, they are used to lift your small dog high enough so that they are able to see out of the window, which is an activity that dogs love to do.

What size of a seat is needed for my dog?

Dog booster seats usually come in 2 sizes, small and large. A small booster seat is large enough to fit a little doggie, giving them room to sit comfortably. If you have a medium-sized dog that is over 30 pounds, you would need the largest one that is available. Dogs that are over 30 pounds don’t usually need to use a booster seat, because they can see out of the window with no problem. A harness is a better alternative for a larger dog.

How safe are dog car seats?

Providing that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions, dog car seats are quite safe. As mentioned, for larger dogs, a harness is recommended, as opposed to a booster seat. Dogs that are small to medium will do quite well in a dog booster seat, as they are designed to prevent your dog from flying forward if there is an accident. If you wanted to, you could always combine a dog car seat with a harness for maximum protection.

How is a dog car seat installed?

Dog car seats are quite easy to install. Simply place it in the location where you would like for your dog to be, and secure the seat per the manufacturer’s instructions. Some types of car seats have straps that you wrap around the back of the seat, whereas others attach to the seat belt itself. When you are using straps, be sure to tighten them so that the dog car seat remains stable.