Dog car seats

A car seat gives a small dog a defined, padded spot for the trip. Paired with step-by-step practice, it may help some dogs settle on the road.

Two small dogs sitting in a padded booster seat on the back seat of a car

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How a car seat may help

The American Kennel Club says dogs should always be safely restrained in a moving vehicle, in a crate or with a car harness attached to a seat belt. It suggests the middle of the back seat, where a dog is more likely to face forward, and introducing the setup during training, before any real trips.

A booster seat adds a soft, raised spot with sides. Add a blanket or toy that smells of home and keep one special toy for car trips only.

Safety first

  • Clip the seat’s tether to a well-fitted harness, not a collar.
  • Check the weight limit for your dog.
  • None of the seats below mentions crash testing in its Amazon listing title. If crash protection matters most to you, look for a crate or harness that has been crash tested.

How to introduce the seat

  • Let your dog explore the seat at home first, with treats.
  • Then follow the AKC’s steps: sit in the parked car together, turn the engine on, drive to the end of the street, then build up to short trips that end somewhere your dog enjoys.
  • Move on only when your dog is relaxed. Some dogs get there in one session. Others need days or weeks.

If your dog feels sick

Car sickness is most common in puppies, according to the AKC, and many dogs grow out of it. See your vet if your dog vomits on most trips or panics. They can advise on motion sickness and anti-anxiety medication.

Our picks

We picked these from popular, well-reviewed listings on Amazon.com in October 2026. We haven’t tested them ourselves. Each card says why the product is included and which dogs it may suit. Prices change often, so the button takes you to Amazon to check.

BurgeonNest Dog Car Seat

BurgeonNest Dog Car Seat

Why it's included A car seat for small dogs and cats under 25 pounds.

May suit Small dogs who feel safer in a snug, enclosed spot on car trips. Clip the tether to a harness, not a collar.

JOEJOY Elevated Dog Car Seat

JOEJOY Elevated Dog Car Seat

Why it's included An elevated memory foam booster seat with safety belts, for dogs up to 35 pounds.

May suit Small and medium dogs who settle better with a raised, padded seat of their own.

JOEJOY Memory Foam Dog Car Seat

JOEJOY Memory Foam Dog Car Seat

Why it's included A memory foam booster seat with a washable cover and a safety belt, for dogs under 35 pounds.

May suit Regular car trips, since the cover comes off for washing.

Memory Foam Dog Booster Seat

Memory Foam Dog Booster Seat

Why it's included A memory foam booster seat with a removable, washable cover, for dogs up to 35 pounds.

May suit Small and medium dogs on longer drives.

JOEJOY Metal Frame Booster Seat

JOEJOY Metal Frame Booster Seat

Why it's included A booster seat with a metal frame and a safety leash, for pets up to 20 pounds.

May suit Small dogs who need a firm, structured seat.

When to talk to your vet. This page shares general information. If your dog panics, could hurt itself or changes suddenly, please speak with your vet. Read our disclaimer.