When you decided to raise a puppy, probably the last thing on your mind was getting a dog car seat. After all, puppies are small and cute. And in your car, they are certainly not bothersome at all.
However, things can start to become a little rowdy when they get older and bigger. This is when you need booster car seats for dogs. It is not just for the comfort, safety, and protection of your fur baby, but it also prevents them from causing trouble while you are driving. Plus, it will help protect your car leather.
According to research, some dog owners take their hands off the steering wheel just to stop their dog from climbing in the front seat or on their lap? This can be very dangerous for you and your passengers.
So, when you drive with your furry friend, be responsible enough to use car seats for dogs for everyone’s safety and protection.
How to Choose the Right Car Seat for Your Dog?
Now, you’re probably convinced about the importance of these seats. However, not all booster car seats for dogs are created equal. For example, some are designed specifically for large dogs, while others are ideal for small breeds. So, make sure that the one you’re buying fits the needs of your dog.
Here are some of the qualities you need to check when buying a dog booster seat:
Safety features
One of the first things you need to check when buying this seat is its safety features. After all, the reason you’re buying one is to keep your fur baby safe. You need to check how it accommodates your dog and how it is strapped to your car’s seat.
Most bucket dog car seats allow seat belts to pass through them for easy attachment. You may also look for booster seats that have an extra belt or harness, which can be attached to the headrest.
Another vital safety feature every booster seat must have is an adjustable leash that secures your dog. This ensures your best buddy stays put safely throughout your journey.
Easy setup and storage
Most dog owners already have a booster seat, but not all of them use it. If they do, they only use it for long trips because it’s not that easy to set up and store. So, when buying a dog car seat, make sure that it is easy to assemble and pack away.
Typically, good dog car seats are foldable. Unfortunately, the cheaper ones usually don’t come with such a feature. And when they do, they are not very sturdy.
Size and comfort
Would you be able to sit still if your seat is uncomfortable? The same goes for dogs. They will only keep still and calm in a booster seat if it is comfortable enough for them.
So, make sure your dog has enough room to lie down or sit on it. This way, they won’t get stressed by the lack of space.
Some booster seats are designed to be taller so dogs can take a peep through the car window while traveling. This is a nice feature to have, although it’s not a necessity.
Top 7 Booster Car Seats for Dogs in 2020
With all the many available choices on the market today, finding the right dog car seat can be challenging. To make things easier for you, we’ve listed seven of the best booster car seats for dogs this 2020.
1. K&H Manufacturing Bucket Booster Pet Seat
Most booster seats are designed to be compact, making it difficult to find one that perfectly fits larger-than-average dogs. However, the K&H booster pet seat is not your average dog car seat—it can accommodate large breed dogs. So, if you’re looking for large dog car seats, this is the best option for you and your pooch.
It comes in two sizes—small and large—and can accommodate dogs that are between 30 and 40 pounds. The seat is sturdy and well-made. In fact, it is durable enough to withstand even the most excitable dog. It also comes with a washable 3-inch foam cushion that makes it extra comfortable. On top of that, it is very easy to install.
It’s not the cheapest dog car seat—that’s for sure. However, with its high-quality and sturdy construction, it will surely last for a very long time, making it a worthy investment.
2. Kurgo Skybox Dog Booster Seat
If you have a small dog, such as a Chihuahua, then you know how frustrating it can be to find a car seat of the right size. That’s because most booster seats are just too big for them. While it’s good to have enough space, too much of it would also be just a waste of your money.
Fortunately, small dog car seats, such as the Kurgo Skybox, are reasonably sized. With dimensions of 8 inches high, 16 inches wide, and 12 inches deep, they provide the perfect seat for small dogs.
Despite its small size, the Kurgo Skybox seat is quite sturdy. The metal frame that supports it can accommodate dogs of up to 30 lbs. It is fully collapsible and also comes with a washable liner.
This booster seat is also very easy to install and remove.
3.Henkelion Pet Deluxe Dog Booster Seat
This Henkelion dog booster seat, with a measurement of 17 in x 13.7 in x 9.85 in, is perfect for small and medium-size dogs. It is made from a high-quality waterproof fabric that will keep your dog dry and comfortable. The fabric is breathable, has an anti-skid surface, and is easy to clean. Its reinforced metal frame makes it extremely strong and durable.
The seat also has two adjustable safety belts that ensure it stays in place and fits most types of vehicles. Like the K&H and Kurgo seats mentioned above, it is also effortless to assemble, remove, and store. If you’re not using it, just fold it like a board.
4.Petbobi Reinforced Car Booster Seat for Dogs
The combination of safety and comfort is one of the things Petbobi dog car seats are known for. As for this particular booster seat, it has two safety belts that prevent it from sliding. There are also straps that you can adjust to make sure your dog stays in the seat. With a measurement of 15.75 in x 13.38 in x 9.8 in, this seat is ideal for small dogs, such as Chihuahuas and Yorkies, which can easily slip out of their car seats and end up on your lap.
The edges of this booster seat are reinforced with sturdy bars for extra protection, and its sides are enclosed with strong and waterproof Oxford cloth, with mesh material used for the outer lining. This helps keep the interior dry. So, your precious fur baby can stay comfortable in the seat even during long rides.
This booster seat also has a collapsible structure, making the task of assembling it stress-free.
5.Snoozer Lookout Car Seat
Snoozer is a popular brand for selling high-quality and comfortable pet accessories. Their products don’t just look good—they also feel good. And those include their dog booster seat.
The Snoozer Lookout dog car seat, which is designed for trucks and SUVs, has a security strap that is strong enough to restrain even the most excitable dog from moving too much. It also has a high back that helps prevent your dog from jumping out.
The seat also comes with a microsuede cover that gives it a luxury feel. It is also padded with durable foam for extra comfort.
When it comes to durability, this seat is so sturdy that it might even last forever. However, it is not collapsible, so storage may be a problem.
6.PetSafe Happy Ride Pet Booster Seat
If you’re looking for something more affordable, then this car seat is a good option. However, you need to understand that this is a basic booster seat that can only accommodate puppies and small dog breeds of up to 20 lbs because of its somewhat mediocre structural support. It is not ideal for any excitable dog that is bigger or heavier.
However, it still comes with handy features. Its fleece liner is removable and machine washable. With its compact size, you can also install it on almost any seat in your car.
7. FidoRido 3-in-1 Car Seat
If you want to get a bang for your buck, then you should get this FidoRido dog booster seat. What’s great about it is that it uses a 3-in-1 technology. When not being used as a booster seat, you can use it as a bathtub or a basket bed for your pooch. This makes it ideal for campers and travelers, since you can easily turn it into a comfortable dog bed. It’s also nice to know that every part of the seat is washable.
Made from high-quality plastic materials and with a measurement of 18.5 in x 23 in x 10 in, it can easily fit a dog of up to 30 lbs., or two smaller dogs. The seat is spacious enough that your pooch can easily sit, stand, or lie down on it. As an added feature, you can raise the seat at window level so that your dog can take a look outside.
This seat also offers enough safety features to put your mind at ease. For starters, it has a seat belt hole that firmly keeps the basket in place, as well as adjustable straps that ensure your dog is securely and comfortably restrained during the ride. You can also buy several accessories separately. These include a padded raiser, a strap, a harness, a storage pouch, and Sherpa fleece.
How to Make Your Dogs Love Their New Car Seats
If your dog is not used to using a booster seat, you might be in for a bit of struggle—at first. Adjusting a dog to a new booster car seat is not easy, especially if you have a “difficult” adult dog.
One of the best ways to coax your dog to like their booster seat is rewarding them with what they like, such as treats, when they use it. You may also encourage them more by giving them lots of praise. You may need to repeat the process multiple times before you see them get in the seat on their own.
If you have a very excitable or extremely nervous dog, it will be harder for you to train them. Try removing the seat from the vehicle. Put it on the ground and leave some treats on it. Wait for your dog to get in the booster seat for the food. Eventually, they will realize that it is not scary at all. Just continue doing this. Do not reward negative behavior, such as whining or running away. But, don’t punish them for it either.
And even if you do get them to sit in the booster seat, don’t expect that they will keep still for an extended period of time right away. Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day. Take it one step at a time.
The whole process will take time, but never lose your patience. Don’t force them to get on the booster seat or punish them if they don’t. If you do, your dog will see it negatively, and all your efforts will be for nothing.
Finding the right booster car seats for dogs can be challenging. This is especially true with so many options available on the market today. That’s why you need to know exactly what you need before shopping for one. Consider the seat’s safety features, its quality, as well as the size of your dog. With the best booster seat at hand, you can travel with your dog safely and comfortably.
For more useful information on taking care of your dog or any companion animal you have at home, check out our blog page!