Dog Car Seat
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Secure, comfortable car seats for dogs of every size. Elevated boosters for small dogs up to 10kg, wider non-elevated seats for large breeds over 25kg, plus hammock covers and double seats. Free UK delivery on every order, with easy returns if the fit isn't right.
Why Your Dog Needs a Car Seat
An unrestrained dog is a problem twice over. On an ordinary journey, a dog climbing between seats or onto your lap takes your attention off the road. In a sudden stop, an unrestrained dog is thrown forward with real force and can be badly hurt, or hurt someone else in the car.
There is also a legal side. Rule 57 of the Highway Code states that dogs must be suitably restrained in a vehicle so they cannot distract the driver or injure themselves if you stop quickly. Rule 57 is guidance rather than legislation, so there is no direct fine for breaking it on its own. But an unrestrained dog can lead to a careless driving charge, which carries a fine of up to £5,000 and up to nine penalty points, and it can invalidate your insurance if your dog is found to have contributed to an accident.
Why the back seat. Airbags are designed for adult human bodies, and a deploying airbag can seriously injure a dog. The RAC advises against dogs travelling in the front seat for this reason. The back seat also sits further from the crumple zone at the front of the car, the part of the vehicle designed to absorb impact in a collision.
Read our full guide to UK Dog Car Seat Laws for a breakdown of Rule 57 and what it means for drivers.
Choosing the Right Size for Your Dog
Dog car seats are built around weight, not breed. Weigh your dog before you order, breed averages are often well off for an individual dog.
Small Dogs Up to 10kg
Pugs, French Bulldogs and Chihuahuas suit an elevated small dog car seat. The raised position gives a clear view out of the window, which can help with car sickness and travel anxiety.
Medium Dogs 10kg to 25kg
Cocker Spaniels, Beagles and Cockapoos fit our medium dog car seats, which balance support with a good field of view. Most medium dogs are comfortable in either an elevated or a non-elevated seat.
Large Dogs Over 25kg
Labradors, German Shepherds and other large breeds need a wider non-elevated large dog car seat or a hammock cover across the back seat. A seat that is too small will not hold a large dog securely.
Dog Car Seats for Puppies
A puppy can use a small seat as soon as they are comfortable wearing a harness. Puppies grow fast, so re-check the weight limit every few months. See our puppy car seat range.
Quick Size Guide
| Size | Weight | Best Seat Type | Example Breeds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small | Up to 10kg | Elevated booster | Pug, Chihuahua, French Bulldog |
| Medium | 10 to 25kg | Elevated or non-elevated | Cocker Spaniel, Beagle, Cockapoo |
| Large | 25kg and above | Non-elevated or hammock | Labrador, German Shepherd |
| Puppy | Re-check monthly | Small elevated, with a harness | Any breed while growing |
Breed-specific guidance: Cockapoo | Labrador | French Bulldog
Types of Dog Car Seats
Elevated Dog Booster Seats
Raises your dog above the level of the car seat for a clear window view. Many dogs settle faster with a forward view, and it can ease car sickness. Best for small and medium dogs.
Browse booster seats →Non-Elevated Dog Car Seats
Sits flat on the seat or footwell. Suits larger dogs and dogs who prefer to lie down on long journeys. Several double as a dog car bed once you arrive.
Browse large dog seats →Hammock Style Dog Car Seats
Stretches across the back seat from headrest to headrest, protecting your upholstery and giving your dog room to move. Best paired with a harness tether.
Browse hammocks →Double Dog Car Seats
Holds two dogs at once with separate tether points for each. The practical choice for multi-dog households.
Browse double seats →On attachment systems. Most seats attach using headrest straps and lower seat straps, or the car's own seatbelt. Some seats use anchor points similar to the ISOFIX system found in child car seats, but ISOFIX-style anchoring on its own does not mean a seat has passed independent crash testing. Always follow the fitting instructions for your specific seat and vehicle.
Dog Car Seat, Harness, Crate or Boot Guard?
Different restraints solve different problems. Here is how they compare.
| Restraint | Best For | Protects Upholstery | Independent Crash Testing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elevated booster seat | Small/medium dogs, window view | Yes | Rare across the market |
| Non-elevated seat | Large dogs, dogs who lie down | Yes | Rare across the market |
| Hammock cover | Large dogs, back-seat freedom | Yes, full bench | No |
| Seatbelt harness | All sizes, especially large dogs | No | Yes, most certified category |
| Travel crate | Large dogs, long journeys | Yes | Yes, a small number of models |
In short: a car seat gives you comfort, upholstery protection and day-to-day convenience. A tested harness gives you the strongest crash performance. Many owners use a seat with a harness tether to get both. See our dog car seat harnesses.
What Does "Crash Tested" Actually Mean?
Pet car seats are not covered by the same government crash test regulations as child car seats, so the phrase "crash tested" is used inconsistently across the market.
There is a real difference between manufacturer testing, carried out in-house with the brand setting its own pass criteria, and independent testing by an accredited body. The most respected independent organisation in this space is the Center for Pet Safety (CPS), a US non-profit that tests pet restraints against its own standard, referencing the test conditions of FMVSS 213, the US federal child restraint standard.
If a seat is advertised as crash tested, check three things: who carried out the test, what standard it was tested against, and at what speed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are dog car seats a good idea?
Yes. A dog car seat keeps your dog restrained and in one position, which reduces driver distraction and helps you travel in line with Rule 57 of the Highway Code. It also helps protect your dog from being thrown forward in a sudden stop, and keeps muddy paws off your upholstery.
What is the safest way for a dog to travel in a car?
The safest way for a dog to travel is restrained in the back seat, using either a harness tethered to the seatbelt, a securely anchored travel crate, or a car seat with a multi-point attachment system. Always clip the tether to a harness rather than a collar, so force spreads across the chest instead of the neck.
Is it illegal to drive with an unrestrained dog in the UK?
Rule 57 of the Highway Code states that dogs must be suitably restrained. It is guidance rather than legislation, so there is no direct penalty for breaking it alone. However, it can lead to a careless driving charge carrying a fine of up to £5,000 and up to nine penalty points, and can invalidate your car insurance.
Should dogs sit in the front or back seat?
The back seat. It keeps your dog away from the front airbags, which can seriously injure a dog if they deploy, and further from the crumple zone at the front of the car. The RAC advises against dogs travelling in the front seat.
Can any dog use a car seat?
Most seats are built for a specific weight range, so check your dog's weight against the seat's limit first, a booster rated to 10kg will not safely hold a 20kg dog. Puppies can start once comfortable in a harness. Very large breeds need a wide non-elevated seat, a hammock, or an anchored crate.
Why do dogs like car seats?
Many dogs prefer an elevated seat because it gives a clear view out of the window, which can reduce anxiety and ease car sickness. The padded, raised position also feels more secure than sliding around on a flat bench, so dogs tend to settle faster.
How often should you stop on a long car journey with a dog?
Plan a break roughly every two hours so your dog can stretch, drink and go to the toilet. Never leave a dog alone in a parked car, even briefly, interior temperatures rise fast, even on a mild day.