Best Dog Car Seats for Small Dogs: Top 5 List

Does your little furry friend turn your car rides into a wobbly adventure? You love taking your small dog everywhere, but letting them roam free in the car can feel risky. Many owners worry about their tiny companions sliding around during sudden stops or getting distracted by the window. Finding the perfect car seat for a small dog isn’t always easy; the market is flooded with choices, and what works for a big dog just won’t do for your little one.

You need a solution that keeps your small dog safe, comfortable, and secure, without taking up half your backseat. This guide cuts through the confusion. We will explore the best features, must-have safety standards, and top-rated options designed specifically for pint-sized passengers. Keep reading to discover how to turn every car trip into a calm, safe journey for both you and your cherished small dog.

Top Dog Car Seats For Small Dogs Recommendations

Bestseller No. 1

BurgeonNest Dog Car Seat for Small Dogs, Soft Pet Car Travel Home Bed Under 25 lbs, Fully Detachable and Washable Cat Booster Carseats with Storage Pockets and Clip-On Leash Portable Carrier,Black

Sturdy Oxford Fabric : BurgeonNest dog booster car seat is made of odorless, sturdy oxford fabric with thicker coating, and reinforced with double stitches, there is no more stitching tore, ripped in the washer. And dog bed for car is very comfy and fluffy , good for your pet when lying on it, good for your pet's joints.
Soft Comfort and Adjustable Belts: Plush fabric and sponge filling help your pup stay calm and comfy on the road. And we choose sturdy belt and nylon strap with buckles for this pet car seat, which you can adjust the length to keep puppy in one place without jumping out. So your dog is secured enough in travel and you don't need worry your pet would distract you while driving.
Fully Detachable and Washable: Different from other dog car bed, ours is built in sliding zippers, and the stuffing is packed in separate bags, which is easy to take out and cleaned.Just pop the filling back in after washing for effortless reuse and lasting durability.
Adaptable for multiple uses -- 2 Storage Pockets and 2 Sided Cushions: There are large capacity storage bags on both sides of small dog car seat. It's very convenient for you to put pet daily necessities to save space. The cushion is two-sided. One side is fluff, the other side is Oxford fabric.Very suitable for dog carriers & travel products or indoor pet bed for all season use.
Easy to Install: Adjustable buckle design, the car seat for dogs can be installed easily. Just fix the buckle to the top and back of the seat and adjust the length of straps. You can install it in both the front and back seat of your car as you like. And it fits most kinds of car seats and car types.

SaleBestseller No. 2

JOEJOY Elevated Dog Car Seat for Small/Medium Dogs up to 35 lbs, Memory Foam Booster Seat with Detachable Washable Cover, Travel-Safe Car Bed with Safety Belts & Storage Pockets, Grey

【Elevated Comfort for Your Furry Friend】: With its elevated design, this pet car seat raises your pet 5 inches above the car seat, allowing them to enjoy a better view of the outside world while reducing car anxiety. Whether it’s a short trip to the vet or a longer road trip, your dog will love the added comfort and feel more at ease in the car.
【Comfort with Dual-Sided Design】: The two-sided design of this dog car seat features soft, short plush fabric on one side and breathable, comfort-enhancing faux leather on the other. This dual-material design ensures your furry friend stays cool in the summer and warm in the winter, providing year-round comfort. The high-density memory foam filling delivers superior support, minimizing the impact of road bumps and vibrations for a smoother, more enjoyable ride for your pet.
【Safe and Secure】: This pet car seat features a built-in adjustable safety belts to secure your dog’s harness, preventing them from jumping out the window. The non-slip bottom and headrest strap keep the seat stable and secure, ensuring your pet stays safe and comfortable throughout the journey.
【Ideal Size for Small and Medium dogs】: Measuring 19.0 in (L)X 18.0 in (W) X 18.5 in (H), the puppy car seat can accommodate all types of small and medium dogs up to 30 pounds, or two small dogs up to 15 pounds. It fits in the front or back seats of cars, SUVs and trucks. WARM TIP: Please measure your pet before purchasing
【Easy Installation and Maintenance】: Setting up your JOEJOY dog booster seat is a breeze. Simply thread the car seat belt through the designated holes on the bottom and secure the top strap to the car headrest. Adjust the straps to the right length, and the car seat is ready to go! The removable cover is easy to unzip, making it simple to wash and keep your dog’s car seat clean.

Bestseller No. 3

Daitore Dog Car Seat for Small Dogs, Pet Booster Seat with Clip-On Safety Leash and Storage Pockets, Washable Travel Dog Car Bed for Puppy （Black）

Calming Travel Bed: Designed to feel like a comforting bed, the durable canvas exterior and plush, overstuffed PP cotton interior create a soft and secure space. The generous 21.6 x 19.7 x 11.8 inch (55x50x30cm) size allows your puppy to curl up and relax, helping to reduce car ride anxiety and making travel a pleasant experience.
Worry-Free Travel: Keep your small dog safely contained with a built-in, adjustable safety leash that clips directly to their harness. The booster seat itself is firmly anchored to your car's seat with two sturdy straps, preventing it from sliding during turns or stops, so you can focus on the road with peace of mind.
Easy Access: Integrated side storage pockets provide a convenient place to keep your pet's essentials organized and within reach. They are perfect for storing treats, toys, a leash, and waste bags, ensuring you have everything you need for your trip without cluttering your car.
HFree Cleaning: Life with pets can be messy, so we made cleanup simple. The seat cover is designed to be fully removable. When accidents or muddy paw prints happen, just unzip the cover, take out the inner cushions, and wash the fabric to keep the seat fresh, clean, and hygienic for your next adventure.
Quick Setup in Any Vehicle: This pet booster seat installs in just a minute. Simply place it on the front or back seat, loop the adjustable straps around the headrest and seatback, and tighten for a snug fit. It's designed to be compatible with most cars, trucks, and SUVs, making it the perfect travel companion.

SaleBestseller No. 4

JOEJOY Deluxe Dog Booster Seat with Sturdy Metal Frame and Safety Leash for Small Pets up to 20 lbs - Portable Puppy Dog Car Seat with Thick Cushion and Storage Pockets for Small Dogs

🐶[Elevate Your Dog for a Better View]: Our unique dog car booster seat is designed to give your furry friend the perfect height to look out the car window, your furry friend will enjoy the journey with you, reducing car sickness.
🐶[Keep Your Pet Safe]: The internal collapsible metal frame provides sturdy support for your pet, while the two adjustable seat belts ensure the booster seat stays securely in place and prevents it from sliding around in the car. Additionally, the clip-on safety leash keeps your dog securely fastened in the car seats, providing extra safety and peace of mind.
🐶[Cozy and Durable Material]: The dog booster car seat is crafted from durable Oxford cloth that’s water-resistant, and durable. The plush rim is filled with soft material for your furry friend to rest their paws. With an air-circulating mesh design, the seat promotes smooth breathing, ensuring a comfortable ride. Additionally, The thick cushion provides a cozy ride, making it perfect for your pet's travel needs.
🐶[Easy to Install]: With its adjustable buckle design, the car seat for dogs can be easily installed. Simply attach the two straps around the headrest, fix the buckle to the back of the seat, and adjust the strap length as needed. It can be installed in both the front and back seats of your car, and it is compatible with most types of car seats and car models.
🐶[For Small Dog Car Seat]: Measuring 16 X 13 X 9 inches, this puppy car seat is designed for small dogs or cats weighing up to 20 lbs, such as Chihuahuas, Yorkshire Terriers, Havanese, and Shih Tzus. To ensure the perfect fit for your furry friend, please measure your dog before making your purchase.

SaleBestseller No. 5

Dog Car Seat - Memory Foam Dog Booster Seat for Small Dogs Up to 25lbs-Elevated Pet Car Seat with Storage Pockets and Dog Seat Belt-Soft Pet Travel Bed for Front & Back Seats-Removable Washable-Grey

🐕Safe Dog Booster Seat - EUHAMS dog booster seat raises your furry friend to the perfect height for a better view outside the window and to ease their anxiety during car rides. Adjustable leash (with Snap Hook) ensures your pup stays in place, providing a comfortable and safe space for them while you focus on driving.
💖Note - Memory foam booster dog car seat is a compressed package, after a long period of transport, after receiving package, leave it for 24-48h to restore the shape.
🐕Memory Foam Comfort - Our dog car bed fabric is made of high-quality velvet, breathable,soft to the touch provides a soft and comfortable sleeping area for dogs.Filled with high rebound egg crate foam sponge that provides ultimate comfort and support for your furry friend during car rides.The firm foam bolster around the edge keeps dogs in a safe and controlled spot.
🐕Perfect Size for Small Pets - Measuring 19.2 inches (L) X 17.7 inches (W) X 11.7 inches (H), suitable for small pets under 25 pounds, ideal for long car rides or trips.
🐕Versatile & Easy to Use - Our pet car booster seat can be easily installed on the front seat or back seat of most cars, vehicles, and SUVs. Lightweight, portable, easy to install and detachable,not only can be used in the car,but also at home,outdoors,tent when used as a dog bed.

SaleBestseller No. 6

NEEZUKAR Dog Car Seat for Small Dogs,Detachable Washable Dog Booster Seat Under 30lbs, Pet Car Seat Travel Bed with Storage Pockets and Dog Safety Belt (Black/Grey)

Keep Your Pet Safe: This dog car seat can be secured with the car seat belt and headrest belt to prevent movement ,plus use the included safety leash to fasten to your dog's harness,no more worrying about the safety of your puppy while driving.
Small Dog Car Seat: 19.7 in (L) X 19.4 in (W) X 12.5 in (H), The pet car seat is suitable for small dogs and cats up to 30 lbs,It is designed to fit almost all types of vehicles,cars,trucks,SUVS,you can easily install it in the front or back seat as your needs.
Comfortable Material: The surface of the dog booster seat with ultra-soft short plush fabric, the interior is filled with high-density sponge,which can effectively reduce the impact of road bumps and bring your dog a comfortable journey.
Multifunctional Use: With storage bags on both sides designed, you can place pet toys and dog supplies on the car seat for dogs to save space. in addition, you can remove the seat belt and put it in the pocket,then used it as a dog bed at home, outdoors or in the tent.
Removable and Washable: This dog car booster seat is completely removable and washable, just open the bottom zipper to take out the sponge and put the dog car bed fabric cover into the washing machine for cleaning.

Bestseller No. 7

Gugxiom Dog Car Seat Bed for Small & Medium Dogs Under 30lbs, Premium Dog Car Seat, Soft & Stylish & Waterproof, Easy to Clean for Front or Back Seat (Black)

WATERPROOF PU FABRIC: Crafted from premium waterproof PU leather, this pet car seat is easy to clean, effortlessly removing pet hair and stains. The pad features meticulous stitching for durability and aesthetics, offering scratch resistance and wear resistance for extended use.
LEATHER HANDLE AND ADJUSTABLE BELT: This dog car seat features an adjustable, durable belt and sturdy leather handles for easy portability. The adjustable belt can be hooked onto the seat to secure the dog bed.
SAFETY AND STABILITY: Our car dog bed features soft shock-absorbing padding, an adjustable safety belt, and a non-slip bottom design to ensure your pup stays comfortable, secure, and stable during bumpy road trips.
SIDE STORAGE POCKETS: Two large storage pockets on either side of the pet car seat hold daily essentials, toys, and treats, saving space and keeping your vehicle tidy.
CAR KENNEL DIMENSIONS: Measuring 40×50×50cm (16×20×20 inches), this travel kennel is suitable for small to medium dogs under 30 pounds. Its elegant, stylish color scheme seamlessly complements various car interiors and home environments. (Note: Due to the soft padding, dimensions are approximate, not exact measurements.)

SaleBestseller No. 8

HEGGCOOE Small Dog Car Seat, Memory Foam Dog Booster Car Seats with Thick Cushion for Medium Dogs Under 35lbs, Detachable Washable Dog Bed for Car, Pet Carseat with Storage Pockets,2 Safety Belts

Elevated Dog Car Seat: Our car seat for dogs raises your pet up to 6 inches above the car seat, giving them a beter view out the window and relieving anxiety during car rides. It comes with two safety belts that attach to your dog's harness to prevent them from jumping out the window, providing your dog with great safety and comfort
Ideal Size for Small and Medium dogs: Measuring 20.7 in (L)X 20.7 in (W) X 18.9 in (H), the pet car seat can accommodate all types of small and medium dogs up to 35 pounds, or two small dogs up to 15 pounds. It fits in the front or back seats of cars, SUVs and trucks. WARM TIP: Please measure your pet before purchasing
Comfort and Safety : The surface of dog booster car seat is made of short plush fabric, super soft and comfortable, and the bottom is filled with high-density egg-shaped foam to provide superior comfort and support, effectively reducing the impact of road bumps,together with the non-slip bottom and headrest straps, the dog car bed will be more stable to ensure your dog's safety
Multi-functional Use: The small dog car seat is not only suitable for vehicles, but can also be used as a dog bed at home, outdoors or in a tent, providing your dog with a comfortable resting space anwhere. It has a removable and washable cover, simply open the zipper and take out the sponge to clean the cover. Please note that the inner sponge is not washable
Easy to install : Simply thread the car seat belt through the two holes on the bottom of the dog booster seat, then secure the top strap to the car headrest, adjust to the proper length and the installation is complete. There are storage pockets on both sides of the puppy car seat , convenient for storing dog food, toys and other traveling necessities

The Ultimate Buying Guide for Dog Car Seats for Small Dogs

Taking your small dog on a car ride should be safe and fun. A good dog car seat keeps your furry friend secure. It also makes the trip more comfortable for them. This guide helps you pick the best seat for your little companion.

Key Features to Look For

When shopping, check these important features first. They make a big difference in safety and comfort.

Safety First: Secure Straps and Harnesses

Tether System: Look for seats with strong tethers or straps. These attach directly to your dog’s harness. This stops them from jumping around.
Seat Belt Compatibility: The seat itself must secure tightly to your car seat using the vehicle’s seat belt. A loose seat is not safe.

Comfort and View

Elevated Design: Small dogs love to see out the window. Many good seats lift your dog up. This gives them a great view of the world passing by.
Padded Interior: Soft, thick padding ensures a cozy ride, especially on long trips.

Easy Cleaning

Removable Covers: Dogs sometimes get car sick or muddy. Choose seats with covers you can easily take off and machine wash.

Important Materials Matter

The materials used affect how long the seat lasts and how safe it is.

Outer Shell and Structure

Durable Fabric: Strong nylon or Oxford fabric resists scratching and wear. These materials hold up well against daily use.
Sturdy Frame: The internal frame should use strong, yet lightweight material, often reinforced plastic or metal rods. This frame keeps the seat from collapsing in a sudden stop.

Interior Comfort

Soft Lining: Sherpa, fleece, or high-quality foam padding offers the best comfort. Ensure the padding breathes well so your dog does not overheat.

Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

Not all car seats are made equally. Some details signal a higher quality product.

Quality Boosters

Reinforced Stitching: Double or triple stitching around all straps and seams shows the manufacturer expects heavy use.
Non-Slip Bottom: A rubberized or textured bottom prevents the entire booster seat from sliding around on your leather or cloth car seat.

Quality Reducers (Watch Outs)

Thin, Cheap Foam: If the padding feels thin when you press it, it will quickly flatten out, making the ride uncomfortable.
Flimsy Zippers: Cheap zippers break easily, making it hard to remove the cover for cleaning.

User Experience and Use Cases

Think about how you plan to use the seat most often.

Everyday Commutes

For short trips to the park or vet, focus on quick setup and easy cleaning. A simple booster design works well here.

Long Road Trips

For long drives, prioritize maximum comfort. Look for extra features like built-in pockets for treats or water bottles. A seat with good ventilation prevents your dog from getting too stuffy.

Installation Ease

Can you install and remove the seat quickly? If you switch the seat between cars often, look for simple clip mechanisms instead of complex strap weaving.

10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Dog Car Seats

Q: What is the main purpose of a dog car seat?

A: The main purpose is to keep your small dog safe and secure during car travel. It also stops them from distracting the driver.

Q: Are dog car seats legal?

A: Laws vary by location, but generally, an unrestrained pet is illegal if they distract the driver. A secure seat helps you follow safe driving rules.

Q: How do I choose the right size?

A: Measure your dog while they are sitting comfortably. The seat must allow them to sit up, turn around, and lie down easily.

Q: Should I use a harness or a collar with the seat?

A: Always use a harness that connects to the seat’s tether system. Collars can hurt a dog’s neck in a sudden stop.

Q: Can I use this seat on the front passenger seat?

A: It is usually safer to place the seat in the back seat. If you must use the front, turn the airbag off if possible.

Q: How often should I clean the seat?

A: You should spot-clean spills immediately. Wash the removable covers once a month, or as needed if your dog sheds a lot.

Q: Will a booster seat fit in a small car?

A: Yes, many booster seats are designed specifically for compact cars. Check the seat’s base dimensions before buying.

Q: What if my dog gets anxious in the car?

A: Look for seats with higher sides or a “den-like” feel. This can make anxious dogs feel more protected and cozy.

Q: Do these seats protect against crashes?

A: Good quality seats offer protection by limiting movement. However, no seat guarantees zero injury. Safety ratings are often hard to find, so look for strong materials.

Q: What is the difference between a car seat and a carrier?

A: A car seat (or booster) keeps the dog upright and secured while awake. A carrier is an enclosed box, often used for transport outside the car or for very nervous dogs.