A small dog in the car needs more than a spot on the back seat. Without a proper setup, a small dog can climb into your lap, slide around the cabin or sit where it cannot see out. A small-dog car seat can help, but only if it fits your dog and your car. This guide covers the two main styles, booster and console, plus the safety points to check before you buy.
This is a buying guide for any brand. For the car, Ridemutt sells a tether and a stretchy belt, covered near the end.
Start with the weight limit
Every small-dog car seat has a weight limit. Check the limit listed on the product page before you buy, and make sure your dog is under it. A seat is only right for the dogs it was made for. If your dog is near the top of the range, or you are not sure, choose a different seat or ask your vet.
Use a harness, not a collar
Clip your dog into a harness, then attach the tether. A collar puts pressure on the neck, and it can slip out of place during a sudden stop. A harness spreads the load across the chest and body. Whatever you attach should clip to a harness, never to a collar.
Measure your car first
Before you order, check how much room you have. For a booster, look at the back seat and the headrest. For a console seat, check the space between the front seats and the armrest. A seat that does not fit will shift on the drive, and a shifting seat does not help your dog. Compare the product's listed dimensions with your car.
Booster car seat
A booster seat raises a small dog up to window height. Some dogs settle better when they can see out, and a booster lets them do that. Most straps go around the headrest and seat. Look for a cushion that comes out for washing and a tether that clips to a harness.
Console car seat
A console seat sits on the centre console between the front seats. It keeps your dog close to you without a climb into your lap. Most console seats strap around the armrest. They are made for toy and small breeds, so check the weight limit on the listing.
Airbag caution
Do not use a console seat where an airbag could deploy. A deploying airbag can hit a dog in the seat hard. Read your vehicle owner's manual on airbags and pets before you set up any seat in the front of the car. The same check applies to a booster.
Anxiety and the window view
Some dogs get anxious when they cannot see out of the car. A booster gives them a view out the window. A console seat keeps a nervous dog beside you, which some owners prefer. Neither seat is a fix for anxiety. If your dog is very anxious in the car, talk to your vet. Start with short, easy trips and build up from there.
What we sell for small dogs in the car
For a small dog up to 8 kg, the Dog Car Seat Carrier with Safety Leash – Small Dogs up to 8 kg is a padded carrier that sits on a car seat or the centre console. A built-in adjustable leash clips to a harness and helps keep your dog in place. The support plate comes out for cleaning, and two padded top handles let you carry it like a tote. It comes in size M for dogs up to 4 kg and size L for dogs up to 8 kg, in cream.
If your dog rides on the back seat, a tether helps keep it from roaming. The Dog Car Seat Belt Tether comes in seven colours and clips to a harness. The Stretchy Dog Car Seat Belt stretches from 70 cm to 125 cm and comes in black or dark grey. Always attach either one to a harness, not a collar.
For walks at the other end of the trip, the Small Dog Sling Carrier is a mesh shoulder bag for small dogs, cats and rabbits. Size S suits pets up to about 3 kg, and size L suits pets up to about 6 kg. It is for carrying on foot, not a car seat. Keep a hand on your pet at first, and never leave your pet in the sling unattended.
Quick checklist
- Check the weight limit on the product page and confirm your dog is under it.
- Use a harness and tether, never a collar.
- Read your vehicle manual on airbags before you set up a front seat.
- Pick a booster if your dog should see out. Pick a console seat if your dog should stay close to you.
- Wash the cushion after muddy trips.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a collar instead of a harness?
Use a harness. A collar can put pressure on your dog's neck during a sudden stop.
How do I know if my dog is small enough?
Go by the weight limit on the product page. A seat is not designed for dogs above that limit. If you are unsure, ask your vet.
Which seat is better for an anxious dog?
It depends on the dog. A booster gives a window view. A console seat keeps the dog close to you. Try short trips with each style and see which one your dog settles into.
More to explore
See the On the Road collection for car and travel gear. Delivery times depend on where you live, so check the delivery questions on our FAQ. Use code LAUNCH15 for 15% off at checkout.
Related guides: Car trip checklist for dog owners and Backseat extender vs. hammock seat cover.