How to Find the Safest Dog Car Seat for Your Pup

Car safety is important not only for humans but for pets, as well. Having a dog car seat, harness, or crate will give you and your pup peace of mind, whether you’re heading out on a road trip or just driving to the local dog park.

Not all dog car seats are created equal, which is why we researched the very best options when it comes to safety, durability, and style.

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Dog Car Seats: Why They’re a Must for Pet Safely

While it may be adorable to see a dog hanging their head out the car window, there’s good reason to keep them strapped in and secure during travel. Unrestrained, pets can roam around the car and distract the driver. This can be especially dangerous during sharp turns or abrupt braking.

If your dog hangs out the car window, there’s a risk of debris flying into their ears or eyes, which could cause them distress, panic, or injuries. Many pets have anxiety during car rides as it is, so having them in a car seat can help minimize their stress (and yours).

And in the event of an accident, a car seat could be life-saving. Millions of crashes take place every year in the U.S., so protecting all passengers is crucial. Crash-tested seats, harnesses, and crates provide assurance that, in the worst-case scenario, your dog will be okay.

How to Choose the Right Dog Car Seat

There is no one-size-fits-all car seat for dogs, but you can narrow down your search by considering a few key factors.

Safety Certifications

The best dog car seats are certified by the Center for Pet Safety (CPS), an organization that independently tests pet products for safety. All of our recommendations have been Independently Crash Test Certified by CPS.

The Size and Weight of Your Dog

Where is your pup on the size scale—smaller or on the large side? Many companies that sell dog car seats will specify their dimensions and which dog size and breed would best fit the seat.

The Space in Your Vehicle

Along with the size of your dog, consider how much space you have to work with inside your car. Measure your space to confirm there’s room in your truck bed or back seat before purchasing a car seat or crate.

Ease of Installation

Make sure to review the installation instructions before making a purchase. Some dog car seats come with clips, straps, and other necessary restraints, and it’s important to know exactly how to use them. Many of our recommendations in this article have video demonstrations on the company’s website.

Our Top 5 Car Seats, Harnesses, and Crates for Dogs

Best Overall: Gunner G1 Kennel

A popular and trusted brand for dog safety, Gunner offers double-walled kennels for superior impact protection. The interior of the G1 Kennel is designed to keep dogs cool and comfortable so they expend less energy during car rides. The kennel door is escape-proof, featuring backup safety latches so even the sneakiest canines can’t get out.

Gunner’s website has thousands of five-star ratings for the G1 Kennel, with customers reporting safe, successful travels and happy dogs.

Highlights:

• Double-walled kennel
• Keeps dogs cool and comfortable
• Lifetime guarantee
• Comes in a variety of colors and special editions

Things to Consider:

• Assembly required
• Tie-down straps sold separately
• Pricey
• May have less air flow than other kennels for dogs who get hot easily

Runner Up: Rock Creek Stationary Dog Crate

Another great crate option is the Rock Creek Stationary Dog Crate, featuring an internal welded frame made of lightweight aluminum. The crate door has aluminum bars that provide ventilation and air flow while its butterfly latches and lockable paddle latch keep your pup in place during the whole car ride.

For the Stationary Dog Crate, Rock Creek offers Standard and Side Door options and comes in four sizes—not to mention the financing options, a 10-year warranty, and the ability to order a custom color.

Highlights:

• Strong, internal welded frame
• Four size options
• Ships fully assembled
• Greater air flow than most heavy-duty crate options

Things to Consider:

• Expensive
• Tie-down straps sold separately

Best Harness: Sleepypod Clickit Terrain Harness

Looking for a car restraint for dogs that isn’t a crate? Sleepypod Clickit Terrain harness is a broad, comfortable vest that comes in four sizes and features a patented Infinity Loop design to protect dogs from accidents. Clickit Terrain also has reflective strips on the shoulder straps, which enhance visibility at night but can be removed. This harness is recommended for active and high-performing dogs.

Sleepypod also carries Clickit Sport, a lighter harness with the same protective design (also CPS-certified).

Highlights:

• Crash tested and certified as a pet seat belt
• Vest absorbs energy, keeping dogs comfortable
• Easy to clean

Things to Consider:

• Dogs smaller than 17-18 pounds should be kept in a carrier rather than on a car harness

Best for Large Dogs: Lucky Kennel

For dogs up to 110 pounds, Lucky Duck’s large Lucky Kennel offers durable security yet is still light enough to transport (sans dog, the kennel weighs 45 pounds). This kennel features an injection molded reversible door and a locking paddle latch, as well as powder-coated tie downs that can be used with the Lucky Ratchet Strap Kit to secure the kennel.

Lucky Kennel also comes with a lifetime warranty that applies to any manufacturing defects.

Highlights:

• Designed for strength and sturdiness
• Force and drop tested, in addition to CPS certification
• Easy lift handles for transportation

Things to Consider:

• Lucky Ratchet Strap Kit sold separately
• Potential air flow issues due to limited windows

Best for Small Dogs: Away Pet Carrier

Small and stylish, Away Pet Carrier is designed for both car and air travel. The carrier includes a safety collar clip to prevent escapes, cozy sherpa bedding, and water-resistant lining in case of accidents. Top and side openings allow you to easily access your dog, and a retractable screen gives them some privacy when they’re trying to get some rest.

Highlights:

• Meets Federal Aviation Administration requirements in addition to CPS certification
• Mesh panels provide ventilation
• Comfortable sherpa bedding

Things to Consider:

• This carrier is only for dogs up to 18 pounds

How We Choose the Dog Safety Seats to Include (100-150 words)

Our team believes thorough research is crucial when it comes to pet safety products. It can be difficult to know which dog car seat company claims are legitimate and which are exaggerated. For this reason, we only picked CPS-certified seats, crates, and harnesses. Next, we read through product and company reviews, searching for high customer satisfaction.

Petful product choices always come from trusted brands with strong reputations who want what we want: to keep our dogs happy, healthy, and well-protected. Safe travels!