Take your dog on the road with you wherever you go with one of these dog beds for car seats. He will love feeling safe and secure while still being able to see out the windows at whatever is going on around him. And if he wants to take a nap, these beds are cozy enough for that too.
We evaluated more than 30 car beds and found that the “Kurgo Car Pet Booster Seat for Dogs” is the best overall, with the best safety features and the right amount of comfort and coziness for any pup.
But I understand that you might have different needs, whether you’re looking for a car bed that is easy to clean, a bed for heavy chewers, or a transparent car bed so your dog can see through. That is why I prepared a shortlist of the top dog beds for cars that address different needs & styles.
In this list of 11 dog beds for car seats, we discovered many different features: having a raised seat for little dogs, waterproof material for accidents, and being machine washable because dogs are not always the cleanest. Some other fantastic features include one that is airline-approved for air travel and one that is elevated above the seat, so your pup does not feel all that moving around.
But first, we go over all the types of car restraints for dogs and the rules of thumb for buying a new dog car bed for your pooch.
Different Commercial Options For Dogs Car Restraints
If you love to take your pooch on road trips, he probably gets excited every time he hears the keys jangling. But taking your loyal pawssenger in the car can be dangerous if you do not have the proper safety measures.
Regular car seatbelts are not made for dogs, so it is impawtant to get a restraint of some kind that will keep your fur baby safe while you are on the road. There is something for every pup, no matter his size, energy, or attitude, from harnesses to tethers and everything in between. This review will concentrate on dog beds for car safety because we have already gone over dog seat belt options here.
The typical dog bed is not made for car safety, so you need to make sure you get something specifically for vehicles when choosing this particular bed for your furry friend. There are three main types of car beds: booster-style, crate beds, and seatbelt style.
Car booster-style beds
For those short pups who like to stick their mugs out the window, a booster-style car seat is pawfect. They come in different designs. Some have a raised edge to keep your pup safely secured and calm, while others are raised up high for him to see what is going on.
Car Crate Beds
If you would feel safer with your dog in a crate while in the car, there are many options to keep him from sliding around in there as you drive. This type of car safety restraining is better for dogs with arthritis too. And nervous dogs feel much safer within the confines of their crate.
Seatbelts
Another option is the car seatbelt. These are safety harnesses that hold your pup’s whole body in place to keep him from flying around if you have to make a quick stop. These are also good in the event of an accident because it keeps him in place just like it would do for a child.
The harness distributes the force equally on the leash, so there is less pull on his neck. Also, these doggy seatbelts are made in bucket as well as bench styles. The bucket style is best for little pups, while the bench style is pawfect for those large breeds.
11 Rules Of Thumb When Buying a Dog Bed For Car
- Safety – Check that the dog bed for cars is made with safety in mind. For example, it has to be able to keep your pup in place without putting undue pressure on his neck or back.
- Set-Up – You want the dog bed to be easy to set up. If it takes you an hour to put it in and get it ready, your dog may get a bit anxious and decide to act up while waiting. Not to mention the frustration it gives you.
- Durability- No matter how big or small your dog is or how well-behaved he may be, it is impawtant to get a bed that is durable and will last for years. You do not want it falling apart and failing to keep your pup safe.
- Size – The size of your dog is important to note when choosing a dog bed for your car. Measure your pooch from nose to tail and add six to 12 inches for the length. Then measure from shoulder to shoulder and add six to 12 inches for the width.
- Stability – The bed has to be stable to keep your fur baby safe. You do not want one that is going to slide all over the back seat or fall onto the floor if you make a quick stop.
- Ease Of Cleaning- Machine washable beds are always better because they can get a more thorough cleaning in a machine than if you wash it by hand. It is also a lot easier.
- Waterproof Fabric- A waterproof fabric is essential for those anxious pups who tend to have accidents when they get nervous or puppies. This will help make it easier to clean up afterward.
- Is your dog a heavy chewer? – Try to get a bed made for chewers if your dog likes to chew on everything. Materials like ripstop fabric, Cordura, PVC, denim, ballistic nylon, and firehose material are all great choices.
- Consider Your Dog’s Specific Issues – All dogs have their own fursonality so you need to take that into account when choosing his new dog bed for your car. In other words, you will want a waterproof bed for dogs with incontinence, a heavy-duty bed for diggers and chewers, and a comfort bed for nervous pups.
- Warranty – The more extended the warranty, the more confidence the manufacturer has in its product. And if they are confident, then you should be too.
- Made In The USA – Although other countries are perfectly capable of producing quality dog beds, the USA has stricter rules and regulations regarding dogs’ car safety, so you know their products are safe.
Our 2024 Review For 11 Dog Beds For Car
After reviewing more than 30 dog beds for car using the process mentioned above, we chose 12 that would be the perfect solution to keep your dog safe during a car ride. We even classified them to help you choose the best car bed for your doggie’s special needs.
Kurgo Car Pet Booster Seat for Dogs
- Bed Size: 16L x 13W x 9H inches
- Set-Up: Easy
- Safety Features: Yes
- Orthopedic Features: No
- Machine Washable: Yes
- Waterproof fabric: Yes
- Chew-Proof Fabric: No
- Durability: Very durable
- Warranty: Yes, a lifetime warranty
- Made In The USA: Yes
- Best for: Best overall pick
Reduce distracted driving by making sure your fur buddy is safely in his seat and happy. With this Kurgo dog bed, he is elevated to see out the window without moving around so he is too busy sightseeing to worry about trying to get out. And with the extra strong straps and seatbelt tether, he is not going anywhere until you let him out.
Another thing to note about this bed is the lifetime warranty. That alone makes this seat worth every penny and then some. Also, the cover is removable and machine washable with pockets all around it to hold toys, treats, bags, and his leash. The bed is available in five colors, but only one size only supports dogs up to 30 pounds or less.
What We Like:
- The extra strong tether hooks to the collar for security
- Seatbelt straps keep him snugly secured in the bed
- The lifetime warranty makes it worth the price
What Dogs Love about it?
- He is at window level so he is too busy to try and get out
What We Don’t like:
- Only comes in one size
Henkelion Small Dog Car Seat
- Bed Size: 16.5L x 12.5W x 9H inches
- Set-Up: Easy
- Safety Features: Yes
- Orthopedic Features: yes
- Machine Washable: Yes
- Waterproof fabric: Yes
- Chew-Proof Fabric: No
- Durability: Extremely durable
- Warranty: Yes, for 30 days
- Made In The USA: No
- Best for: budget-friendly dog car bed
The Henkelion Dog Booster Seat is made with waterproof, high-grade 600D oxford fabric with mesh ventilation on the sides to keep your pup cool. The PVC frame keeps it in shape, and the leash and carabiner keep your fur baby in one spot. In addition, it has a layer of thick memory foam to support joints and prevent achy muscles.
It is simple to install two boards to prevent crushing, two long straps to attach to the car headrest, and back straps to keep Fido in place. It even has a front zipper pocket for small toys and treats. Also, it comes in five colors, and when you are not using it, you can fold it flat for easy storage.
What We Like:
- Waterproof fabric
- Mesh ventilation
- PVC boards for safety
What Dogs Love about it?
- It is soft with memory foam.
What We Don’t like:
- It only comes in one size
Sleepypod Mobile Pet Bed
- Bed Size: 13L x 13W x 11H inches to 17L x 17W x 13H inches
- Set-Up: Easy
- Safety Features: Yes
- Orthopedic Features: Yes
- Machine Washable: Yes
- Waterproof fabric: Yes
- Chew-Proof Fabric: No
- Durability: Very durable
- Warranty: Yes, for 30 days
- Made In The USA: No
- Best for: Small Dogs
If you have a small dog and do not mind spending a bit more money on your fur baby, this mobile dog bed is pawfect. This is especially great for those who do a lot of airplane travel because it is safe for cars and approved by airlines for under-seat travel.
Although there are two sizes, they are both for small dogs. The small is 13L x 13W x 11H inches for dogs up to seven pounds, and the medium is 17L x 17W x 13H inches for dogs up to 15 pounds. The mesh top and handle with a shoulder strap make this bed easy to move and take along with you wherever you go.
What We Like:
- Airline approved
- Waterproof
- Carrying handle and shoulder strap
What Dogs Love about it?
- Cozy and comfy
What We Don’t like:
- The price is high
- Not machine washable
A 4 Pet Pet Car Booster Seat with Safety Leash
- Bed Size: 29L x 16W x 14H inches
- Set-Up: Easy
- Safety Features: Yes
- Orthopedic Features: No
- Machine Washable: No
- Waterproof fabric: No
- Chew-Proof Fabric: No
- Durability: Durable
- Warranty: Yes, for 30 days
- Made In The USA: No
- Best for: Medium dogs
The A4 Pet car booster seat is not just great at keeping your fur puppy safe, but it is also pawfect for letting him see out the window. It boosts your pooch 6.5 inches off the seat so even short dogs can see what is happening around them. It is easy to set up and has storage pockets too.
The safety features include two seat belt loops, a sling to make it sturdy, and a safety leash to attach to your dog’s collar. Also, it folds flat for storage and comes with a free carrying bag. The folded size is 19L x16W x 15H inches, so it can be stored easily.
What We Like:
- Has a booster
- It is foldable and portable
- It has its carrying bag
What Dogs Love about it?
- He gets to see out the window.
What We Don’t like:
- It is not machine washable
- It only comes in one size
- Not waterproof
Petsfit Dog Car Seat
- Bed Size: 15L x 16W x 14H inches to 29.5L x 15.7W x 13.8H inches
- Set-Up: Takes a few minutes
- Safety Features: Yes
- Orthopedic Features: No
- Machine Washable: No
- Waterproof fabric: Yes
- Chew-Proof Fabric: No
- Durability: Very durable
- Warranty: Yes, for 30 days
- Made In The USA: No
- Best for: Large dogs
Although this dog car bed takes a few minutes to install, it sure is worth it when you see how safe, secure, and comfortable your pup is. The bottom has a strong PVC frame shaped like a fan, so all you do is spread it out and attach the inner liner by zipping it up. After that, put the PVC board at the bottom for a strong base pad.
Once you do all that, you are ready to install, which takes a few more minutes with all of the safety straps to keep your pooch safe and secure. The material is waterproof, but it has to be hand-washed as needed. It comes in gray and dark brown and has two sizes, the small is 15L x 16W x 14H inches and holds dogs up to 15 pounds, and the large is 29.5L x 15.7W x 13.8H inches accommodates pups up to 45 pounds.
What We Like:
- It has more features than the other ones
- Waterproof
- It comes in two sizes
What Dogs Love about it?
- It has a very cozy and comfy liner
What We Don’t like:
- It has to be hand washed
URPOWER Upgraded Dog Seat Covers
- Bed Size: 58L x 54W inches to 64L x 60W inches
- Set-Up: Easy
- Safety Features: Yes
- Orthopedic Features: No
- Machine Washable: Yes
- Waterproof fabric: Yes
- Chew-Proof Fabric: No
- Durability: Very durable
- Warranty: Yes for 30 days
- Made In The USA: No
- Best for: Extra Large Dogs
If you have an extra-large dog breed, it can be challenging to find a dog bed for cars that will support his size. This one is extra-large, so it can handle any sized dog or dogs. The waterproof cover is excellent for keeping spills and accidents from soaking the upholstery. And the PVC non-slip backing keeps it from sliding.
The sides come with cute windows for your pup to look out the window when he wants to, and it comes in five colors and two sizes. The standard is 58L x 54W inches, and the x-large is 64L x 60W inches.
What We Like:
- Great for huge pups
- Waterproof
- Strong fabric
What Dogs Love about it?
- They can see out the windows.
What We Don’t like:
- There is no safety tether for the leash
BOCHAO Dog Car Seat
- Bed Size: 22.4L x 21.3W x 13H inches
- Set-Up: Easy
- Safety Features: Yes
- Orthopedic Features: Yes
- Machine Washable: Yes
- Waterproof fabric: No
- Chew-Proof Fabric: No
- Durability: Very durable
- Warranty: Yes, for 30 days
- Made In The USA: No
- Best for: East to Clean
The Bochao dog car seat is filled with comfy polyfil and has cushioned sides for comfort and security. It is made of oxford cloth, so it is durable as well as comfortable. The safety belt is adjustable and easy to install in minutes. And with the cushion height, your pup can see out the window too.
It is available in four colors but only one size. However, the whole thing comes apart so you can give it a deep cleaning in the washing machine. It even has its travel bag to store it in.
What We Like:
- It is machine washable
- Secure safety belts
- Easy to install
What Dogs Love about it?
- The thick padding is comfortable and helps him see out.
What We Don’t like:
- It only comes in one size
- Not waterproof
Petbobi Store Pet Car Booster Seat for Dog
- Bed Size: 15.8L x 13.4W x 9.8H inches
- Set-Up: Easy
- Safety Features: Yes
- Orthopedic Features: No
- Machine Washable: Yes
- Waterproof fabric: Yes
- Chew-Proof Fabric: No
- Durability: Extremely durable
- Warranty: Yes, for 30 days
- Made In The USA: No
- Best for: Dog car bed + Carrier
With the ability to be used as a carrier or a car bed, this pawesome booster seat has some great features. First, the strong PVC tubes on the sides keep it from collapsing. Also, it is secured with a headrest strap and a seatbelt strap. The security tape is adjustable, and the whole thing is sturdy enough to use as a dog carrier.
Take your pup on the go in the car and out, and when it is not in use, you can remove the tubes, and it will collapse flat for easy storage. It is available in four colors but only has one size that only holds up to 20 pounds.
What We Like:
- Carrier and car bed
- Has PVC tubes for support
- Waterproof
What Dogs Love about it?
- It is cool and comfy with mesh sides.
What We Don’t like:
- It only comes in one size
K&H PET PRODUCTS Bucket Booster Pet Seat
- Bed Size: 20L x 14.5W x 15.5H inches to 24L x 14.5W x 16H inches
- Set-Up: Easy
- Safety Features: Yes
- Orthopedic Features: Yes
- Machine Washable: Yes
- Waterproof fabric: No
- Chew-Proof Fabric: Yes
- Durability: Durable
- Warranty: Yes, for 60 days
- Made In The USA: Yes
- Best for: Chew-Proof dog car bed
K&H Pet Products has been a trusted company for over two decades, so they know what they are doing for any kind of dog product. This bucket booster is so thick and cushioned. Your fur baby will be comfy no matter how long he is in there. The cover is made of denier and has a plush interior.
The cover is also removable, so you can toss it in the washing machine when you need to, and the material is 600D denier and chew resistant. It comes in three colors and two sizes. The small is 20L x 14.5W x 15.5H inches, and the large is 24L x 14.5W x 16H inches. It even has two leash clips for two small pups.
What We Like:
- Machine washable
- Easy to install
- Has two tethers
What Dogs Love about it?
- Super padded and tall
What We Don’t like:
- Not waterproof
- Not for large breeds
GENORTH Dog Car Seat Pet Seats for Cars
- Bed Size: 15.4L x 15W x 10.2H inches to 19L x 15W x 10.7H inches
- Set-Up: Takes a while
- Safety Features: Yes
- Orthopedic Features: No
- Machine Washable: No
- Waterproof fabric: Yes
- Chew-Proof Fabric: No
- Durability: Durable
- Warranty: Yes, for 30 days
- Made In The USA: No
- Best for: Transparent Dog Car Bed
Although this dog car bed takes longer to set up, that is because of all the safety features. It has 12 sturdy PVC pipes with connectors to make a strong frame system for your pooch to be safe and comfy in. The sides are entirely transparent mesh, so your pup gets plenty of airflow for ventilation. The adorable bed also comes with a cute dog blanket for your fur baby to cuddle up in.
You can also keep toys, treats, and baggies in the front zipper pocket. Although it is hand wash only, the material is tough and waterproof. It comes in five colors and two sizes as well. The small is 15.4L x 15W x 10.2H inches for dogs up to 11 pounds, and the medium is 19L x 15W x 10.7H inches for pups up to 20 pounds.
What We Like:
- Waterproof
- Very sturdy
- Secure
What Dogs Love about it?
- It has excellent airflow and a comfy blanket
What We Don’t like:
- Only for small dogs
- It cannot be machine washed
BLOBLO Dog Car Seat
- Bed Size: 21.8L x 20W x 12H inches
- Set-Up: Easy
- Safety Features: Yes
- Orthopedic Features: Yes
- Machine Washable: Yes
- Waterproof fabric: Yes
- Chew-Proof Fabric: Yes
- Durability: Extremely durable
- Warranty: Yes, for 30 days
- Made In The USA: No
- Best for: Dog Car Bed with Removable Pillow
This thick and comfortable booster car bed for dogs will keep your pup safe while allowing him to see what is going on around him. And the durable oxford cloth is chew-resistant as well as waterproof, and machine washable. It only takes a few minutes to install too.
Another nice thing about this bed is that you can take it out and bring it inside for a nice cozy dog bed for your fur baby to sleep in. The removable pillow is super fluffy, and it has pockets on the sides for holding bags, toys, and treats. It is available in three colors but only one size.
What We Like:
- Chew resistant
- Waterproof
- Machine washable
What Dogs Love about it?
- Very comfy and thick
What We Don’t like:
- Only for small dogs
Utotol Dog Car Bed
- Bed Size: 21.7L x 19.7W x 11.8H inches to 35.4L x 18.5W x 15.7H inches
- Set-Up: Easy
- Safety Features: Yes
- Orthopedic Features: Yes
- Machine Washable: Yes
- Waterproof fabric: Yes
- Chew-Proof Fabric: No
- Durability: Very durable
- Warranty: Yes, for 30 days
- Made In The USA: No
- Best for: dog bed booster
Utotol cares enough about your pup to ensure that their dog car bed is safe and secure as well as soft and comfortable. The oxford material is laminated to be waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about accidents. And the whole thing can be taken apart for deep cleaning in a washing machine.
The bed has four straps to secure the bed and your pooch, and there is a pocket on each side to hold important things like toys and treats. It comes in eight pawesome colors and three sizes. The small is 21.7L x 19.7W x 11.8H inches, the medium is 21.7L x 21.7W x 11.8H inches, and the large is 35.4L x 18.5W x 15.7H inches.
What We Like:
- It comes in eight colors and three sizes
- The whole thing is washable
- It has a non-slip bottom
What Dogs Love about it?
- It is thick and comfy.
What We Don’t like:
- Not for extra large dogs
The Final Woof
The Kurgo Car Pet Booster Seat for Dogs may not be perfect for every pooch, but after evaluating over 30 dog beds for car on the market and comparing them using our criteria, we feel that this one is the best dog bed for car overall. The strong tether is double stitched to hold your pup in place so you do not get distracted trying to keep him entertained and the belts keep him in place until you let him out.
In addition, there features you get with this one are the pockets to stash treats, poo bags, and other impawtant items and it is machine washable so you don’t have to worry about those minor accidents that can happen when your fur buddy gets anxious. Besides all of that, the Kurgo Car Pet Booster Seat has a lifetime warranty so you can get your money back if you are not happy with it for ANY reason.
