The Best Dog Booster Seat
To keep your four-legged bestie safe and sound as you travel, you need a dog booster seat. It will keep them in place and prevent them from falling, obstructing your view, or hurting themselves. And because there are different styles and versions, there's sure to be one to fit your vehicle and pet. The trick is finding it. That's where we come in.
What to Look For
If you’re ready to hit the road with your furry friend, you’ll need to choose a dog booster seat. We recommend focusing on each seat’s size, safety features, and ease of use. For example, the folding Swihelp pet booster seat easily fits puppies and small dogs and has a latch that you can attach to your pup’s collar or harness to keep them in place. On the other hand, if you prefer a seat with a heftier frame that you can transport your dog anywhere in, the Pet Gear 360 Pet Carrier may be more your speed. For more details, continue reading.
Swihelp Pet Booster Seat
The Swihelp pet booster seat is compact and easy to set up using simple seat straps. Meanwhile, a PVC frame and mesh sides help it keep its shape and stay in place as you travel. Between uses, you can fold it up for compact storage. There’s also a safety belt that clips to your puppy’s collar or leash to ensure they stay inside. Overall, it’s perfect for keeping small dogs and puppies safe on the road.
Pros:
- You can usually have it installed and ready for your dog in less than five minutes, allowing you to get on the road in a flash.
- The mesh is very easy to clean, making it ideal for puppies or elderly dogs who have accidents.
Cons:
- It’s too small for most dogs over 10 pounds.
K&H Pet Products Bucket Booster Seat
Soft and warm
This heated bucket booster seat from K&H Pet Products gives your dog an excellent view while keeping them safe and comfortable. It elevates them using a thick cushion while the bolsters surround them for a sense of security. The curved back ensures it fits standard or bucket seats, and we appreciate that you can install it using a seatbelt, allowing you to set it up in the front or back of your vehicle.
Pros:
- There are a couple of sizes available, and you can easily fit two dogs in the large one. There are two tethers to keep them securely inside as well.
- It’s high enough for most dogs to look out the window and see you clearly, which can minimize anxiety and stress during long trips.
Cons:
- The tether is a little longer than many comparable seats. Some dogs can even escape the seat if they pull hard enough.
BurgeonNest Dog Car Seat
Feature-packed convenience
If you frequently travel with your furry friends, you can’t beat the BurgeonNest dog car seat. The thick canvas and reinforced double-stitching keep it in great shape, and you can easily unzip it to remove the padding for quick washes if your dog has accidents. It also has sturdy straps, a non-slip bottom, and a clip-on tether to keep your dog as secure as possible.
Pros:
- This booster has a reversible cushion and super soft sides that help your dog feel safe, leading to a more peaceful trip, near or far.
- It’s easy to put together and install and fits into almost any make or model vehicle.
Cons:
- The padding on the sides can lose its shape over time, especially if your dog tries to stand or lay on it.
Njnj Large Dog Car Seat
Spacious interior
Finding a way to keep your medium or large-breed dog safe during car trips can be challenging, but the Njnj large dog car seat has you covered. It has a sturdy frame and two options for securing it to ensure it always stays put. Mesh sides and durable Oxford fabrics are also helpful for keeping it intact, even if your dog has the occasional accident or plays around as you drive.
Pros:
- This seat keeps your dog safely in place. It also keeps their dirty paws and wet fur off your upholstery after a trip to the beach or a hike.
- Your pup can see out of the windows and keep an eye on its people, but it won’t be able to jump or move around the car or get in your way as you drive, keeping you all safer.
Cons:
- It can be tricky to figure out how to install this booster on different types of vehicle seats.
Pet Gear View 360 Pet Carrier
Versatile travel option
The Pet Gear View 360 pet carrier is the closest you can get to an infant carrier for your dog. It comes with a base frame that you install in your car. From there, you can put the booster in and take it out of your vehicle on a whim. An interior tether attaches right to a collar or leash, while the push-button hood opens and closes for added security. You can easily bring your dog in and out of stores or visit others while always having a safe place to keep them.
Pros:
- The mesh hood helps you safely keep your fluffy friend confined without blocking their view of you or the windows.
- It has a large handle that makes it comfortable to carry around.
Cons:
- Having a separate base makes it take longer to get the carrier installed. That’s not a problem if you leave it in place, but it can be a pain if you plan to take it out between uses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I get a booster seat for my dog?
A loose dog in a car is a danger to themselves and others. They can hurt themselves by tripping or falling as they try to walk around the moving vehicle, and by getting in your way, they can distract you or block your access to pedals or switches. Using a booster keeps them in place and prevents all of these issues.
How do I train my dog to use a booster seat?
To train your dog to use a booster seat, we recommend treats. Start with the booster inside your home. Give them treats as you tell them to get in. If they seem comfortable, move it to the car and give them treats every time they get in. If your dog doesn’t get car sick, you can also try to give them chew toys and treats in the seat as you drive.
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