Best Dog Car Seats for Small Dogs: Top 5 Review

Does your little furry friend turn your car rides into a chaotic adventure? Many small dog owners know the struggle: a squirming pup on your lap, constantly trying to peek out the window, or worse, becoming a dangerous projectile in a sudden stop. It’s stressful for you and unsafe for them!

Finding the perfect dog car seat for a small dog feels like a mission impossible. You worry about safety, comfort, and whether the seat will actually fit your tiny companion. Cheap seats might tip over, and big seats swallow up your back seat space. You want peace of mind on the road, but the sheer number of choices makes your head spin.

Don’t worry! This guide cuts through the noise. We will show you exactly what features matter most for small breeds. You will learn how to choose a secure, comfortable, and perfectly sized booster seat or carrier. Get ready to transform those stressful trips into smooth, happy journeys for both you and your 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.

Bestseller No. 2

PETSFIT Dog Car Seats for Small Dogs – Patented Safety Buckles – Safety Tether – Foldable Travel Dog Booster Car Seat Reduces Anxiety & Road Trips – Stable Frame, Soft Cushion, Fits Front/Back Seat

𝐏𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲 𝐁𝐮𝐜𝐤𝐥𝐞 - 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞, 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐃𝐨𝐠 𝐂𝐚𝐫 𝐒𝐞𝐚𝐭 Equipped with PETSFIT patented safety buckles (No. US 12274237B2) and a stable internal support frame, this small dog car seat keeps your pet safely in place on sharp turns and sudden stops. The adjustable tether attaches to your dog's harness to prevent jumping, providing safer car travel every day
𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐕𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐧𝐱𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐒𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐃𝐨𝐠𝐬 - 𝟐 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥 𝐇𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧 Our 2-level dog booster car seat elevates your small dog by up to 3.15", helping anxious dogs feel calmer during car rides. The raised view lets them see out windows and the road, reduces whining, and improves comfort. Ideal for small dogs, puppies, cats, and travel anxiety situations across front and back seats
𝐅𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 & 𝐋𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 - 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐭-𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐔𝐬𝐞 The foldable, lightweight design makes storage simple—use the puppy car seat at home as a dog bed, take it to the vet, office, or pack it for road trips. Easy to carry and move between cars, this small dog travel seat gives your pet a consistent, familiar space that reduces stress in new environments
𝐅𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐌𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐬 - 𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐭 & 𝐁𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐒𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 Designed to fit sedans, SUVs, trucks, and crossovers, this pet car seat installs in minutes using your vehicle's seatbelt. The non-collapse frame and patented buckle system keep the car seat for dogs stable on rough roads. Perfect for everyday commuting, long road trips, and multi-dog families needing reliable car safety
𝐄𝐚𝐬𝐲-𝐂𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐒𝐮𝐫𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐞 & 𝐒𝐨𝐟𝐭 𝐂𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐨𝐧 - 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐏𝐞𝐭𝐬 Sized at 16"L x 13"W x 11"H, this cat car seat features wipe-clean Oxford fabric that keeps the dog carseat fresh with minimal effort. The plush lining and a cozy front pillow add extra comfort for your pup during every ride. Soft enough for naps and stylish sufficient for gifting – an ideal dog gift for pet parents

Bestseller No. 3

Pet Car Center Console Elevated Armrest Car Seat for Small Dogs & Cats (Up to 10 lbs) – Dark Gray Washable Plush Carrier with Safety Leash, Fits Front Vehicle Console Space

Pet Car Center Console Carrier: Secure, Distraction-Free FitTailored for the space between front car seats (center console), this carrier nestles perfectly in your car’s middle armrest area. Its anti-slip bottom grips the console tightly, and the included security leash (connects to your pet’s harness) keeps them safely contained—no more roaming to the front seat or distracting you while driving.
Waterproof Liner + Machine-Washable Cover: Keep Your Console CleanThe plush interior features a waterproof barrier to block pet drool, spills, or accidents from seeping into your car’s center console. When it gets dirty? Just unzip the cover and toss it in the washing machine—effortless cleanup of hair, mud, or crumbs.
3-in-1 Convertible: Console Carrier → Travel Bag → Indoor BedFrom your car’s center console, it instantly converts into a handheld travel carrier (with a built-in shoulder strap) for vet runs or park trips. At home, it doubles as a cozy standalone pet bed—one product for all your pet’s on-the-go and indoor comfort needs.
Sherpa-Lined Bolstered Nest: Soothe Travel Anxiety (Right By Your Side)The soft sherpa lining and raised edges create a snug, enclosed space that feels like a "safe spot" for your pet. Since it’s in the center console (right next to you), your presence + the cozy design minimizes carsickness and whining during rides.
Universal Center Console Fit + Durable Oxford FabricDesigned to fit most standard front car center consoles (check product dimensions to match your vehicle’s console size + pet weight). The chew-resistant Oxford fabric exterior and sturdy base are built to handle daily commutes, road trips, and frequent use.

SaleBestseller No. 4

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.

SaleBestseller No. 5

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. 6

JOEJOY Dog Car Seats for Small Medium Dogs Under 30lbs, Dog Booster Seat with Detachable Washable Cover and Cushion, Memory Foam Pet Car Seat with Safety Belt and Storage Pockets (Black)

【Elevated Design, Perfect View】: Boost your pet up by 5 inches, so they can enjoy the scenery outside the window. Whether it's a quick errand or a long road trip, this dog booster seat keeps your pup entertained and reduces their anxiety, making every trip a breeze. 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. Your dog will love the added comfort and feel more at ease in the car.
【Secure and Stable Design】: This pet car seat features a built-in adjustable safety belts to secure your dog’s harness, preventing them from jumping out the window. This design prevents the seat from shifting, ensuring a safe and comfortable journey for your furry friend.
【Ideal Size for Small and Medium dogs】: This dog car seat measures 19 in (L) X 18 in (W) X 18.5 in (H), providing ample space for up to two small puppies or one medium-sized dog weighing under 35 lbs. It fits in the front or back seats of cars, SUVs and trucks. WARM TIP: Please measure your pet before purchasing. Refer to the provided picture for specific size details.
【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.
【Multi-scene Use 】: The JOEJOY dog car bed is not only perfect for car rides but also doubles as a cozy bed for your dog. Its portable design allows you to easily bring it anywhere-whether it's in the car, at home, or outdoors. It features large capacity storage side pockets on both sides, providing a convenient spot to store doggy snacks, puppy kibble, and other essentials.

Bestseller No. 7

PetsHome Dog Car Seat for Medium Large Dogs, Detachable Washable Pet Booster Seat with Memory Foam Cushion, Side Pockets, 2 Clip-On Safety Leashes Pet Car Seat for Dog Up to 60 lbs/2 Small Dogs-Black

Safer: PetsHome large dog car seat adopts 2 adjustable straps to attach headrest and secure the bottom with the car seat belt, with non-slip bottom, keeping the dog car seat stay securely in place during drives. Two adjustable clip-on safety leashes preventing pets from jumping out and keeping your pets safe while driving
Elevated and Comfortable: The 4-inch thick cushion not only provides comfort for pets, but also elevates your pets and allows pets to enjoy a better view out the window, helping reduce anxiety and make pets happier during car rides
Detachable and Washable: Our pet car seat is fully detachable and easy to clean. You can unzip it and take out all the sponges and wash the cover by machine or hand
Size: 28.7 x 20.5 x 12 inches(73 x 52 x 30 cm). Suitable for large dog up to 60 lbs or 2 small dogs up to 20 lbs. This pet car seat making it convenient to take your pet with you on trips. Suitable for most car types, back seat, car trunk, home and outdoor use
Quality and Installation: This dog booster car seat is made of premium short plush fabric that is comfortable to touch, and high-density sponges that provides perfect pressure relief and joint support for pets. Two large side pockets can store pet's daily essentials. It is easy to install in a few simple steps by following the instruction manual or video

SaleBestseller No. 8

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.

The Ultimate Buying Guide for Dog Car Seats for Small Dogs

Traveling with your small dog should be safe and fun. A good dog car seat keeps your little friend secure. It also makes car rides more comfortable for them. This guide helps you pick the best seat for your pup.

Key Features to Look For

When shopping, look closely at what the seat offers. These features make a big difference in safety and comfort.

Safety First: Securing the Seat

Harness/Seatbelt Attachments: This is vital. The seat must connect firmly to your car’s seatbelt system. Look for strong loops or straps that attach directly to your dog’s harness. This stops the seat from sliding around.
Non-Slip Bottom: A rubberized or textured bottom prevents the booster seat from moving, even when your dog shifts position.
Crash Tested Ratings: While not always available for all seats, seats with safety certifications offer extra peace of mind.

Comfort and Visibility

Elevation/Booster Style: Small dogs often feel anxious because they can’t see out. A booster seat raises them up so they can watch the world go by. This reduces motion sickness too.
Padded Interior: Thick, soft cushioning ensures your dog is cozy during long trips.
Adjustable Height: Some seats allow you to adjust how high your dog sits, perfect for fitting different car types.

Important Materials Matter

The materials used affect how long the seat lasts and how easy it is to clean.

Durability and Cleaning

Strong Fabric: Canvas or durable polyester holds up well against scratching and wear. These materials often last longer.
Waterproof Liners: Accidents happen, especially with nervous travelers. Removable, machine-washable liners are a lifesaver for quick cleanups.
Sturdy Frame: The internal structure should use durable plastic or metal supports. A flimsy frame lowers the quality instantly.

Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

Not all car seats are made equal. A few details separate the great seats from the poor ones.

Quality Boosters

Easy Installation: Seats that install quickly using simple buckles or straps are high quality in user experience. If setup is a headache, you might not use it often.
Good Ventilation: Mesh windows or vents keep the air flowing. This prevents overheating on sunny days.

Quality Reducers

Excessive Plastic Parts: Too many small, brittle plastic pieces can break easily, lowering the seat’s overall lifespan.
Slippery Interior Fabric: If the inside material is too slick, your dog will slide around inside the seat, defeating the purpose of safety restraints.

User Experience and Use Cases

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

Everyday Use vs. Occasional Travel

If you drive daily, you need a seat that is simple to install and remove. A lightweight, foldable design is best for people who frequently move the seat between cars or store it away.

For long road trips, prioritize maximum padding and excellent visibility features. Comfort becomes the top priority when spending hours in the seat.

Many small dog owners use these seats as a safe “home base” in the car. They help nervous dogs stay calm because they are in a familiar, secure spot. This makes the entire family’s travel experience much better.

Top 10 FAQs About Small Dog Car Seats

Q: How do I know if the seat is the right size for my dog?

A: Measure your dog while they are sitting comfortably. The seat should allow them to sit up, turn around, and lie down without hitting the edges. They must not be cramped.

Q: Can I use this seat without a harness?

A: No, you should never let your dog roam loose in the seat. Always use the included tether or attachment strap to connect your dog’s harness to the seat for safety.

Q: Are these seats safe in an accident?

A: They significantly increase safety by restraining your dog, preventing them from becoming a projectile. Look for seats that show evidence of rigorous testing for the best protection.

Q: How do I clean the car seat?

A: Most good seats have removable, machine-washable covers. Always check the manufacturer’s tag first, but spot cleaning is usually necessary between full washes.

Q: Will this seat fit in any car?

A: Most booster seats are designed to fit on the passenger or back seat using the standard seatbelt. Check the dimensions against your specific car’s seat size.

Q: Do these seats help with dog car sickness?

A: Yes, often they do. Raising the dog allows them to see outside, which greatly reduces the confusion that causes motion sickness in many small breeds.

Q: Are headrests necessary for small seats?

A: Headrests are usually part of the seat structure itself, designed to keep the dog contained within the boundaries of the booster. They add stability.

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

A: A carrier is fully enclosed, like a crate. A car seat is usually an open booster that secures your dog so they can look out while being restrained.

Q: Should I place the seat in the front or back?

A: The back seat is generally the safest location for pets, away from potential airbag deployment.

Q: How long does installation usually take?

A: For quality, well-designed seats, installation should take less than five minutes once you understand the instructions.