Our picks of dog car seats and boosters
5 picks, updated 16 September 2026
A dog car seat does two things at once. A small dog ends up at the window line, which settles a lot of dogs who like to see out. It also gives them a defined space of their own to lie in.
The tether inside each one keeps a dog on the seat and out of the footwell, and it belongs on a harness. Where a maker states a crash test, we name the maker, so you can see whose figures you are reading.
Our picks
- 1
Why we picked it
High sides give a small dog walls to settle against, and the lift brings it up to the window line. This one attaches four ways, through two belt slots and by straps to the headrest or backrest, so it stays where you put it on a corner. The base is waterproof and the cover comes off for the machine after a wet walk.
- Type
- Booster seat
- Best for
- Dogs under 12 kg
- Price band
- ££
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- 2
Kurgo
Rover Booster Seat
Why we picked it
Small dogs settle better when they can see the horizon, and this booster lifts them to the window line while keeping them in one place. It straps to the seat and has an internal tether point for a harness. The exterior is waterproof with a removable washable liner, and it folds down when the journey is over.
- Type
- Booster seat
- Best for
- Small dogs who like a view
- Price band
- ££
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- 3
GoBuyer
Booster Carrier Basket
Why we picked it
This booster is built round a cube frame, so it holds its shape when a dog leans on one side. It folds down to about 5 cm thick to live in the boot between journeys. The fabric is 600D Oxford with PVC and mesh sides, so your dog can see out, and the seat belt tether comes attached.
- Type
- Booster carrier
- Best for
- Small dogs and occasional journeys
- Price band
- £
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- 4
HEGGCOOE
Memory Foam Dog Car Seat
Why we picked it
This sits between a small dog booster and a full car bed. It lifts a dog about six inches above the seat, which is enough for most to see out. It takes one dog up to about 16 kg, or two small ones together. The base is egg crate foam on a non-slip bottom, headrest straps hold it steady and two safety belts clip to a harness.
- Type
- Booster seat
- Best for
- Small and medium dogs up to 16 kg
- Price band
- £££
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- 5
Lealchum
Large Dog Car Seat Bed
Why we picked it
This is the one for a dog that travels often and sleeps the whole way. The memory foam cushion is about 3.8 inches deep and the internal space runs to roughly 26 by 15 inches, so a medium dog can lie flat. A channel underneath takes the seat belt, a strap goes round the headrest and two tethers come with it. It comes apart for washing and doubles as a bed at home.
- Type
- Car seat bed
- Best for
- Long journeys and two small dogs
- Price band
- £££
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Side by side
| # | Pick | Type | Best for | Band |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | LE SURE Waterproof Small Dog Booster Seat | Booster seat | Dogs under 12 kg | ££ |
| 2 | Kurgo Rover Booster Seat | Booster seat | Small dogs who like a view | ££ |
| 3 | GoBuyer Booster Carrier Basket | Booster carrier | Small dogs and occasional journeys | £ |
| 4 | HEGGCOOE Memory Foam Dog Car Seat | Booster seat | Small and medium dogs up to 16 kg | £££ |
| 5 | Lealchum Large Dog Car Seat Bed | Car seat bed | Long journeys and two small dogs | £££ |
Questions people ask
Is a dog booster seat a legal restraint?
Suitable restraint is what the Highway Code asks for, so a dog cannot distract the driver or be thrown about if you stop quickly. A booster with its tether clipped to a harness is a reasonable way to do that for a small dog.
Front seat or back seat for a dog car seat?
The back seat is the usual place for a dog car seat, and it keeps your dog away from the airbag. Several of these boosters fit either row, which helps in a two seat car.
Will a dog booster seat help with travel sickness?
It can help, because a dog who can see the horizon often travels more happily. Put a small dog up at the window line and stop for air on a long run. Speak to your vet if sickness carries on past puppyhood.
What size dog car seat do I need?
Go by the weight the maker states. Your dog should be able to turn round and lie down in the seat, and a bigger dog who fills the bench travels well on a harness and seat belt.