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Dog Car Seats

Prioritising your dog’s safety in the car for those long car drives should be at the top of your agenda. Dogs require their own type of safety restraint, such as a dog car seat or other mechanisms, a lot like when people use seat belts to protect themselves when driving. Read on to discover more about dog car seats and how to choose the correct one for your pet.

By
Leann

Written by

Leann
Dog Parent

Leann loves pets

Updated
Fact checked Fully qualified and expert nutritionists have reviewed and checked this content to ensure it is as accurate as possible at the time of writing. Read more about our editorial guidelines.

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    For longer journeys or trips to the beach, the sturdy Doog quilted oxford cloth dog booster car seat offers comfort and protection as well as a bed when your dog has ran out of energy for the drive home.
    International

    4.0

    from/$89.98
    Ezy Dog's Drive Hammock safeguards your car seats with a water-resistant polyester cover, separating your pet and ensuring comfort with air mesh vents. Easy to clean and perfect for hot Australian summers.
    Australia Wide

    4.0

    from/$149.95
    Indie Boho's Dog Car Booster Seats enhance your pet's car journey, providing extra height for a better view and reducing anxiety. Stylish designs and versatile compatibility make them a standout choice.
    Australia Wide

    4.5

    from/$218
    This chic dog booster seat made of heather keeps your pet off your lap on long journeys Your dog can enjoy the voyage with a window view provided by this Kurgo pet car seat.
    International

    4.0

    from/$107.49
    Pawmanity's Window Hammock ensures your dog's comfort in transit with a secure sling design. Its universal fit and convenient storage pockets make it a versatile and practical choice.
    Australia Wide

    4.0

    from/$195

What Is a Dog Car Seat?

A dog car seat is a type of specialised restraint system made specifically to keep dogs safe and secure in cars. These seats provide dogs with a safe haven during road trips; they usually have the appearance of a small raised bed or a tight harness. They increase overall safety, lessen driver distraction, and stop the dog from running amok in the car.

A car seat is a dog safety solution suitable for all dog sizes from seats for smaller dogs to hammocks and seatbelts for larger dogs. It promotes responsible pet ownership and safe driving habits while guaranteeing a comfortable and secure trip experience.

dog-sat-in-the-back-of-a-car

Types of Dog Car Seats

There are several types of dog car seats available to cater to different needs and preferences. The main types include:

Dog bucket booster seats

Dog bucket booster seats raise and secure tiny dogs as they ride. They provide dogs with a cosy spot to relax and take in the scenery, akin to a bucket seat. They fasten to car seats and stop pets from moving about; they usually have safety belts. The dog will be safer in the car thanks to these seats’ padded upholstery and simple seat belt installation. These booster seats are generally suitable for small to medium-sized dogs.  

bucket-dog-car-seat

Dog console seats

Dog console seats offer pets a comfortable and raised location to sit during car travels. They are designed to fit over the centre console of the vehicle. To ensure stability, they usually have safety straps that attach to the dog’s harness. They usually are easy to install, come with extra storage pockets, and frequently have padded interiors for comfort. Dogs may stay close to their owners while avoiding distractions thanks to console seats.

dog-console-car-seat

Dog hammock-style car seats

Dog hammock-style car seats shield pets from falling into the footwell by forming a barrier in the back seat and keep your car seats clean from fur and dirt from your dog. They usually fasten to the front and rear headrests and completely enclose the back seat. For dogs, these hammocks create a cosy, raised area that lowers their chance of getting hurt during abrupt stops. They are simple to install and frequently have zippered apertures for seat belt access. They also usually have adjustable straps and clips.

dog-car-hammock

Dog harness and belt systems

They protect dogs from moving around or being hurt in the event that the vehicle abruptly stops. Usually, they are made of a harness that fastens to the seatbelt of a car. They are available in multiple sizes to suit different breeds and have movable straps that provide a snug fit. To enhance convenience, certain harnesses can also serve as walking harnesses.

dog-car-harness

Dog travel crates

Dog travel crates are lightweight enclosures made to keep animals safe while travelling by car. These crates are constructed from metal or plastic, which encloses the dog, preventing movement and guaranteeing safety. Certain boxes, which usually include ventilation openings, can be fastened to the vehicle with seat belts. Travel crates, which come in different sizes to suit different breeds, offer dogs a safe and cosy habitat. They are simple to move and could provide pets with a comfortable and familiar environment, which lessens travel anxiety.

dog-car-crate

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Dog Car Seat

For your pet’s safety and comfort as well as the comfort of the other passengers in the car, selecting the appropriate dog car seat is crucial. Here are four crucial elements to think about before choosing:

Size and Weight Capacity

Take your dog’s height, length, and weight into account. Pick a vehicle seat that gives your dog ample room to sit or lie down without feeling uncomfortable. To ensure that your pet can be safely buckled up in the car seat, check its weight capacity. The safety elements of the seat may be compromised if the weight limit is exceeded.

Safety Features

To keep your dog safely buckled up throughout the drive, look for a car seat with harness attachments or seat belts. This keeps your dog from wandering around and lowers the possibility of accidents or abrupt stops injuring them. To stop the car seat from moving while driving, make sure it is firmly fastened to the vehicle.

Comfort and Materials

Think about the materials that go into making the car seat. Dogs may slobber, shed, or have accidents while riding, so choose materials that are long-lasting and simple to clean. Many car seats are also made from waterproof or water resistant material to make the cleaning process easier.

Installation and Compatibility

A dog car seat that fits your car and is simple to install should be chosen. Make sure the seat you purchase is appropriate for the model of your vehicle because certain car seats may need particular kinds of seat belts or attachment points. The dog car seat should also be easy to remove if you need more available passenger seats.

Dog Car Laws in Australia

In Australia if a dog is injured because it was unrestrained in the event of a car accident, the owner can face heavy fines and possible face a jail sentence. There are three main laws regarding transporting your dog in the car across all of Australia. They are as follows:

  1. In every region of Australia, it is illegal to drive while your dog is on your lap. In Australia, the driver must maintain enough control of the vehicle in all states and territories. The road and the traffic in front of, behind, and to each side of the driver must be clearly visible to the driver. 
  2. If your dog is leaping about the car, hanging out the window, providing a distraction, or impairing the driver’s ability to operate the vehicle, the police may issue an infringement notice to the driver.
  3. It is against the law to allow your dog to distract other drivers or restrict your eyesight.

You may also be issued with a fine if your dog is hurt in a car accident and it is proven that your dog has not been secured correctly in the vehicle. More of this information can be found on the RSPCA website

State-by-state road rules

There may be minor variations in laws, demerit points, and fines between states. Contact your state’s or territory’s transportation department or click the links below to learn what regulations are in effect there:

dog-with-it's-head-out-of-the-window

Pros and Cons of Dog Car Seats

dog-in-a-convertible

Pros of Dog Car Seats

Cons of Dog Car Seats

Dog Car Seats FAQs

In order to protect your dog while they travel, a dog car seat is used. To secure your dog in position to the car seat it may require you to use safety buckles, harness attachments, or movable straps to secure them in place. While some models can be attached to the seat belt of the vehicle, others can be connected to the headrest or other components. Your dog can’t wander about the car unrestrained since the seat gives them a safe and cosy place to be.

Think about your pet’s size when selecting a dog car seat, and choose one that offers plenty of room and support for their weight. Decide which kind of seat best fits the arrangement of your car and the preferences of your dog. To ensure that your dog is safe when travelling, give special attention to safety elements such harness attachments and movable straps. Make sure the seat belt system in your car is compatible and straightforward to install.

A booster seat or a covered hammock-style car seat – one that offers a safe and contained space – may be helpful for dogs that struggle with anxiety. These styles provide protection and warmth, which lessens anxiety when driving. To improve the comfort of the dog, look for a car seat with soft materials and plush padding.

Dogs are safer in the back seat even though there are usually no regulations that forbid them from riding in the front. In the case of an accident, dogs may be at risk from the front airbags. Furthermore, larger dogs may distract drivers, while smaller dogs may be more prone to accidents when in the front seat. To guarantee safety, use the appropriate restraints, such as a secured crate or dog seat.

Dog car hammocks can increase safety by keeping dogs from moving around the car freely. They operate as a partition between the front and rear seats, keeping the driver from becoming distracted by the dog’s movements. They also aid in shielding the dog from abrupt stops and turns. For maximum safety, it is imperative that the hammock be securely fastened and used in conjunction with a dog harness or seat belt.

For their safety, dogs should, in fact, be securely confined when riding in a car. Dogs do not need car seats; but, a seat belt, dog harness, or a secure container is essential. The dog cannot roam around freely while wearing these restraints, which lowers the possibility of injuries during abrupt stops or collisions. Dogs can be safely buckled up in the back seat by using a dog seat belt fastened to a harness.