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From road trips to running errands, your dog needs well-fitting protection to stay safe when you hit the road. While unsettling to think about, pets can be injured or ejected from a vehicle during a traffic accident. But even a turn that’s too sharp or a sudden stop can result in injury for an unsecured dog.
According to Dr. Jamie Richardson of Small Door Veterinary in New York City, keeping your dog “secure and as immobile as possible” is essential for safety in a car. While harnesses, carriers, and crates often make safety claims, there are no official standards or test requirements in place to verify protection for dogs in car collisions. For our real-world testing of car seats, we consulted with Lindsey Wolko, founder of the nonprofit Center for Pet Safety (CPS), which conducts independent crash tests on travel products designed for dogs.
Five of the nine dog car seats and restraints that we recommend were independently evaluated and certified by CPS, and three have been crash-tested in a lab setting, either by Automotive Safety Engineering, an Australian testing and engineering company recognized in the United States and Europe, or by their manufacturer to adhere to standards set for child restraints (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213 or United Nations ECE R129).
We tested a selection of dog car seats, harnesses, and carriers, sending each to a volunteer tester to try out with their dog over several weeks and in variable driving conditions. Following a testing methodology written in advance, our testers evaluated each safety product for its ease of use, ease of cleaning, security, size, and overall value.
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What We Like
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Crash-tested and certified by the Center for Pet Safety
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Seat belt clips and a buckle strap keep your pet secure
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Easy to wipe clean
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Space for dog to lay and sit
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Functions as pet carrier and car seat
Seat belt clips and a buckle strap strongly contributed to this pet carrier’s five-star rating from the Center for Pet Safety. “The bag is structured and sturdy, which makes it feel safe,” said our tester. Their 14-pound dog was comfortable, with space to sit and lie down while tethered to the bag via the interior clip and enclosed during a long car ride.
The Travel Pet Carrier from Diggs is equipped with three pockets, a detachable cross-body strap, and a highly convenient side panel that makes it easy to insert a 20.8 by 11.6-inch pee pad without disrupting your pet inside. Mesh side panels and a zippered mesh panel on top make it easy for you and your pet to quickly check in on each other as needed. The bag is also suitable for airline travel, but it may feel too bulky for daily use as a carrier.
Certification: Center for Pet Safety | Dimensions: 20 x 10.8 x 11.5 inches | Size Recommendation: Dogs up to 18 pounds | Colors: Blush, navy, charcoal, slate | Materials: Nylon, polyester
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What We Like
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Functions as pet carrier, bed, and car seat
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Crash-tested and certified by the Center for Pet Safety
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Great for dogs that like to curl up to sleep
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Removable, machine-washable liner included
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Hook-and-loop latches for proper seatbelt positioning
If your dog likes to curl up while sleeping, then the distinct round shape of the Sleepypod Mobile Pet Bed car seat should be very inviting.
After watching an instructional video on proper car seat use, our tester found it easy to use the hook-and-loop positioning points on the carrier to secure a seatbelt in place. The bed is recommended for dogs up to 15 pounds.
The top is made of mesh to facilitate airflow and can also be unzipped and removed for use as a bed outside of the car. The carrier is available in a variety of colors and comes with a removable pad that can be cleaned in a washing machine.
The one downside our testers noted is that the bulky design—which makes it nice and roomy for your dog—made the Sleepypod unwieldy as a carrier, even with the use of the included shoulder strap.
All Sleepypod pet carriers have been tested and certified by the Center for Pet Safety.
Certification: Center for Pet Safety | Dimensions: 17 x 13.5 inches | Size Recommendation: Dogs up to 15 pounds | Colors: Arctic white, glacier silver, robin egg blue, blossom pink, strawberry red, dark chocolate, jet black, first blush, olive | Materials: Nylon, mesh, foam
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What We Like
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Crash-tested and certified by Automotive Safety Engineering
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Functions as a walking harness with D-ring attachments
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Hand-wash, air-dry
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“Mag-Lok” magnetic clasp closure
A harness can provide a more minimal way of securing your dog while on car rides. The EzyDog Drive Dog Car Harness enables you to secure your dog with a standard car seatbelt. “Although my dog didn’t like having the harness on and being restrained, having her securely attached to a seatbelt gave me peace of mind,” our tester said.
The EzyDog Drive Dog Car Harness is available in three sizes (small, medium, and large) and has four adjustable points to fit most dogs. Size selection should be based on your dog’s girth measurement.
Our tester found the initial setup of the harness to be intricate, with a few rounds of trial and error required to find the proper fit for her 35-pound blue heeler. “My dog’s chest measurement was a lot bigger than her neck size, so I had to find the correct fit for her chest first, and then adjust the neck accordingly,” she said.
Once the harness is properly fitted, each webbing strap can be locked into place, so you only need to adjust the harness again if your dog’s weight changes. A magnetic clasp makes it easy to put on and take off, and a seatbelt is easily threaded through the handles on the harness.
The EzyDog harness was independently crash-tested and certified by Automotive Safety Engineering in Australia (which is recognized in the U.S. and Europe). It also surpasses the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) that the U.S. Department of Transportation established for child restraint systems.
Certification: Automotive Safety Engineering | Dimensions: 19.29 x 9.45 x 0.24 inches (large) | Size Recommendation: 11- to 25-inch girth (small), 15- to 34-inch girth (medium), 19- to 42-inch girth (large) | Colors: Black | Materials: Nylon, synthetic fabric
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What We Like
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Crash-tested in lab setting to meet guidelines for child restraints set by Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213
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Five adjustment points for a custom fit
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Compatible with any vehicle seatbelt system
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Available in fives sizes and five colors
The Kurgo Tru-Fit Enhanced Strength Dog Harness comes in five sizes to fit dogs up to 75 pounds with a maximum chest size of 44 inches. The harness has five adjustment points so you can get a customized fit for your dog’s unique shape. Plus, the Tru-fit Enhanced Strength Dog Harness has been crash-tested by Kurgo in a lab facility using benchmarks and guidelines from the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 213, which is used for child restraint systems.
This Kurgo harness is also equipped with a no-pull D ring on the front, a D ring on the back, and a padded chest plate to help keep your dog protected and comfortable while in the car and on a walk. The machine-washable harness is compatible with any vehicle seat belt system, and it includes a carabiner to attach the harness properly, along with detailed instructions for crash protection.
Certification: N/A | Dimensions: 0.25 x 5 x 6 inches (medium) | Size Recommendation: 12- to 18-inch chest (extra small), 16- to 22-inch chest (small), 18- to 28-inch chest (medium), 24- to 36-inch chest (large), 28- to 44-inch chest (extra large) | Colors: Black, charcoal, deep violet, ink blue, red | Materials: Nylon
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What We Like
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Crash-tested and certified by the Center for Pet Safety
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Large pockets on front and back for pet travel essentials
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Fits beneath a wide range of airline seats
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Folds flat for easy storage
This car seat and carrier for very small dogs is easy to secure in a car by placing a seatbelt through the built-in buckles located on each side. And like the Sleepypod Mobile Pet Bed, the Sleepypod Atom Carrier is tested and certified by the Center for Pet Safety.
Our tester enjoyed the ease of use and peace of mind this carrier provided and found themselves taking their petite dog with them everywhere. A padded, adjustable shoulder strap makes it easy to carry, and the zippered mesh panel at the top offers convenient access to your furry friend.
The bag is designed for dogs (and cats!) up to 12 pounds. It’s easy to wipe clean and can be used in the main cabin on most commercial flights.
Certification: Center for Pet Safety | Dimensions: 10.5 x 8.5 x 17 inches | Size Recommendation: Dogs up to 12 pounds | Colors: Robin egg blue, blossom pink, strawberry red, dark chocolate, jet black, first blush, olive, charcoal | Materials: Nylon, polyester
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What We Like
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Crash-tested and certified by the Center for Pet Safety
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No assembly required
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Soft, removable pad included
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Appropriate for daily crate use
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10-year guarantee from manufacturer
If you have a large doggo, this CPS-certified crate made from aircraft-grade aluminum can be used to transport your precious canine cargo. “I love all of the colors this comes in, and it’s clear they’re thinking about what dog owners want and made a very secure crate,” said our tester. “This fits my extremely tall dog, and he seems super comfortable in it.”
The Aluminum Dog Crate from Rock Creek Crates is made in the U.S. and comes in three sizes. The manufacturer recommends measuring your dog’s height and length to find the right size for your dog.
Our tester used the crate for daily use in their home as well as for safety in their SUV. The size of the crate is too large for some vehicles (e.g., smaller SUVs, hatchbacks), so double-check the measurements for your car before purchasing.
The crate arrives fully assembled with a removable pad inside and padded handles on the outside. It’s easy to wipe clean and has non-slip feet.
To ensure that your dog stays safely inside the crate at all times, the front door has a lock and key, making it escape-proof. Our tester’s dog tried and wore itself out. It’s expensive, but it does come with a 10-year guarantee from the manufacturer.
Certification: Center for Pet Safety | Dimensions: 30 x 20 x 22 inches (medium) | Size Recommendation: Under 22 inches in height (medium), under 27 inches in height (large), under 32 inches in height (extra-large) | Colors: Gray slate, midnight black, white snowfall, sand dune, blue skyline, plum field, navy river | Materials: Aluminum
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What We Like
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Lab-tested benchmarks align with United Nations ECE (R129) child restraint standard
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Canopy fabric is UPF 50+
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Made with naturally flame resistant fabric
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Easily secures in place and can be used as pet stroller with frame (sold separately)
The Maeve Pet Car Seat from Tavo Pets has two components, the pet carrier and the vehicle base, that work together to keep a dog secure in the back seat of a car. The carrier is offered in three sizes for dogs up to 30 pounds, provides protection from sunlight, and has been lab tested to meet the safety benchmarks for children’s restraints in accordance with United Nations ECE (R129).
The pet carrier has a sturdy frame and is covered in naturally flame-resistant fabric. The moveable canopy provides UPF 50+ protection on top, along with zippered mesh windows throughout for visibility and airflow.
Once inside, your dog will rest on one of two provided memory foam mattress pads. The Maeve also comes with two liners, two leash tethers, and a pouch to keep everything organized.
The vehicle base is 12.5 pounds, but once installed, you shouldn’t need to move it for proper use of the Maeve as a car seat. The pet carrier piece on its own is easy to install and remove from the vehicle base, and it can be used as a pet stroller when paired with the Roscoe Stroller Frame from Tavo Pets.
Tavo Pets is a small pet-focused brand from Nuna, the makers of strollers and carriers for human babies and toddlers. The Maeve Pet Car Seat can be purchased on its own, or you can get the 3-in-1 pet protection system, which pairs the pet carrier, the stroller frame, and the vehicle base all together.
Certification: N/A | Dimensions: 31.7 x 16 x 22 inches (medium) | Size Recommendation: Up to 20 pounds (small); up to 25 pounds (medium); up to 30 pounds (large) | Colors: Onyx, merle, fawn, brindle, sable | Materials: Aluminum, vegan leather, memory foam
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What We Like
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Comfortable plush fabric
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Six-inch thick breathable memory foam
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Storage pockets on both sides
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Machine washable cover in 11 colors
Riding in a car seat, particularly one with a booster, not only provides support and stability but can also help with motion sickness in small dogs, as it lets them see out the window. Not having a clear view of moving objects outside while the inner ear is sensing motion leads to brain confusion and nausea. The Lealchum Dog Booster Car Seat is designed with a six-inch thick memory foam cushion to remedy this situation by offering dogs up to 30 pounds a secure and comfortable way to enjoy the scenery.
Although we didn’t test this dog booster car seat, it’s a top-rated pick at Amazon. Many five-star reviews praise its safety features, which include two adjustable shoulder straps, an anti-slip bottom, four adjustable safety dog leashes, and a harness channel for the car’s seat belt. The removable soft seat cover, which has storage pockets on both sides, is machine-washable and comes in 11 colors.
At 19 x 19 x 19 inches, this booster car seat is roomy enough for two very small dogs or one small to medium dog. The brand also makes a wider model with a maximum weight limit of 55 pounds for medium dogs. We should point out that this car seat has not been crash-tested and certified by the Center for Pet Safety.
Certification: None | Dimensions: 19 x 19 x 19 inches | Size Recommendation: Up to 30 pounds | Colors: Beige, black, black/brown, black/grey, black/red, green, grey, pink, red, coffee, purple | Materials: Velvet, memory foam
How We Tested
We researched independently crash-tested and certified safe dog carriers, crates, and harnesses from the Center for Pet Safety in the United States and Automotive Engineering Safety in Australia, and then selected 13 products for real-world testing in a car with a dog.
Each testing duo received a car seat or restraint designed for their dog’s size. For three weeks, our canine test subjects were buckled up and taken for rides both long and short. All the while, each human counterpart observed and provided feedback within the following categories: ease of use, ease of cleaning, security, size, and overall value.
At the end of our trial period, we gathered and analyzed the data and information provided by our testing teams. We then ranked and categorized our top picks to simplify your search for the right car seat or restraint to keep your dog safe.
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What to Look For in Dog Car Seats
Independent Testing
Many harness and car seat makers claim that their products have been crash-tested, but there are no industry standards for car pet restraints. That’s why it’s a good idea to look for crash testing that’s been conducted by independent third-party groups.
For example, the Center for Pet Safety performed crash tests by using a dog crash test dummy, allowing it to create safety standards and requirements to evaluate pet travel items. So far, only a few products have received the center’s crash test certification, but others are working to be certified.
The safest products are typically more expensive than other car restraints, but they are well worth it, according to Center for Pet Safety founder Lindsey Wolko, who has seen the results of the crash tests and heard many accident stories.
“We recommend that [pet parents] look at this as an investment. These are going to be more expensive, because there’s more due diligence conducted on the products,” Wolko said. “Something is better than nothing to prevent distraction, which can prevent a crash in the first place. However, if you are in a crash, and your pets are in the wrong products, there can be serious consequences.”
Size
Always pay attention to the size and weight guidelines to make sure that a seat or harness will fit your pet correctly. If a restraint doesn’t fit right, your pet might be able to escape, which could cause a distraction or be dangerous if you were to have an accident.
Placement in Vehicle
You should place your dog in the appropriately sized carrier, crate, or harness—ideally one that has been crash-tested by an independent party—and they should ride in the backseat, similar to where you place a human child. For larger dogs in a crate, the cargo section is also suitable, but it is never recommended to have a dog in the front seat of an automobile.
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FAQ
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What is the best way to keep a dog car seat or other car carrier clean?
Wipe down your harness or car seat regularly. Most can be kept clean with a damp cloth, but some have linings that can be machine-washed—like dog car seat covers—or hosed down. Always check the manufacturer’s directions.
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Is it safe for dogs to ride in the front seat?
“Never, ever, never ever,” says Wolko. That’s because airbags can deploy and hurt them, and also because dogs can become a major distraction while you’re driving. Then you’re paying attention to your pet instead of the road.
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Are dog car seats or restraints required by law?
Most states don’t have laws that require dogs to be restrained, but some do, so it’s always a good idea to check. Rhode Island, for example, requires pets to be secured with a harness or crate, or in some other way.
In other states, drivers may be charged under existing distracted-driver laws if a loose pet is the reason they get into an accident. Securing your pup with a sturdy dog seat belt is just a good preventive measure.
“Those are consistent across the country,” says Wolko. “If you’ve got a dog that’s climbing over your shoulder while you’re driving, and you get pulled over, the police officer will ticket you for distracted driving, no matter where you are.”
Why Trust The Spruce Pets?
After real-world testing, this roundup was updated by Anna Mejorada, a writer for The Spruce Pets, who shares her home with a happy Pomeranian named Gidget. Before researching and writing about pet products for a living, Mejorada embarked on a self-mandated, ongoing quest to find the optimal items for her dog. She is now delightfully devoted to helping humans discover and select the most favorable products for their pets.
A previous version was written by Mary Jo DiLonardo, who has been writing about pets and animals for several decades. She has a rescue dog and has fostered more than three dozen dogs and puppies. Pet health and safety are very important to DiLonardo, and she’s always researching the latest products to keep the dogs in her care healthy and safe.
For this story, we consulted with respected safety expert Lindsey Wolko of the Center for Pet Safety. We also interviewed Dr. Jamie Richardson of Small Door Veterinary for background on the dog car seats Richardson likes, what to look for in a car seat for your dog, and why dog car seats are important to own.
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