Our Top Picks Summary

Whether you’re planning an extended road trip this summer or just going on long drives with Fido, investing in a car seat for Fido is a great idea. In fact, did you know that some dog beds for cars can also help your pooch tackle issues like anxiety and motion sickness? 

Some canines are nervous about car travel, to the point that they don’t even like getting in one. But, sometimes getting your pup to journey in a car is unavoidable, especially when it’s time to visit the vet. 

Thankfully, dog car seats can go a long way in making your pet comfortable during a drive. That’s why our team has put together a wide-ranging dog beds for cars lineup for dog owners looking for ways to make their pets enjoy car travel instead of dreading it. 

Our Top Pick

Top Pick
PetSafe Happy Ride Booster Seat
10/10Our Score
  • Boost your dog to the perfect height to look out the car window
  • Available in 3 sizes
  • Connect your car seat belt and use the safety tether to keep a restless pet secure

Before jumping into our dog car seat buyer’s guide, we’d like to introduce you to our top pick for the best car dog beds out there. The PetSafe Happy Ride Booster Seat is readily available on amazon and is perfect for small dogs. The product is perfectly compatible with cars, trucks, and SUVs – so you don’t have to stress about fitting concerns. 

You can boost the Happy Ride Seat to ensure your pet gets an unhindered view of the outside world. All you need to do is connect the booster to the seat belt and use the pet safety belt to keep your doggo safe at all times. 

Types of Car Dog Beds

As self-proclaimed dog enthusiasts, our editors are big on reviewing and researching pet products – because there’s such an astonishing variety. Pet owners may get a little overwhelmed when faced with multiple styles of dog car seats available. Though, like always, we’ve taken care of that problem for you. Here are some of the types of car dog beds you’re liable to run into:

Crate Beds

Some canine parents prefer to travel with crates to make sure their pet’s safety isn’t compromised in any way. Additionally, some dogs like traveling in crates for car rides because it gives them a sense of security.

If your pooch is the same, and you already own a travel crate – you can opt for a crate bed to enhance the comfort of your furry friend. A crate bed may also be necessary if your pet suffers from joint pain, arthritis, or other orthopedic problems. 

Car Seats

If your pet likes sticking its head out or looking out the window to see the world go by, it’s a good idea to invest in a car seat for your hound. Car seats are available in multiple designs. Some include a raised-rim design to keep your pet feeling secure; others, such as a booster seat, can be raised so that your pet can look out the window. 

Back seats are available in bench or bucket formats – with the former being more suitable for large dogs who like stretching out during a car ride. 

Back of Car Beds

If you’re on the lookout for a travel pet bed for your extra-large canine who needs plenty of room to travel in comfort – you can opt to buy a back-of-car bed. As the name suggests, these types of beds are set up in the back of SUVs to give your pet plenty of space to move around or snooze. 

Back seat beds are also an excellent option for older dogs who don’t deal too well with the bumps and jolts expected during a car ride. The best back-of-car beds include orthopedic or memory foam to look after your pet’s pressure points, joints, and muscles. 

Why Buy a Dog Bed for Your Car?

Still unsure about the usefulness of a dog car bed? Read on to discover the benefits of getting your pet a travel bed. 

Eases Dogs with Anxiety

Certain dog breeds are prone to anxiety. For instance, if you’re the proud parent of a Chihuahua, you may find your pet can get nervous about car rides because of issues like discomfort, claustrophobia, etc. 

While dog training can reduce your pet’s anxiety, getting your pet a bed for the car that offers comfort and security can help keep your pet calm by promoting solace and stability. 

Makes the Ride more Comfortable

At times your pet’s reluctance to get in a car has little to do with nerves and more to do with uncomfortableness. Car seats are designed to keep a human’s comfort in mind and may not work brilliantly for canines. 

Apart from the fact that car seats are slippery, they can also be painful for your pet if the buckle keeps digging into different parts of its anatomy. A car seat can make sure your pet travels in comfort – safe from the belt buckles and from sliding and bumping into the car doors every time the car takes a turn. 

Gives Dogs Security

Accidents are a reality when it comes to car travel; that’s why seat belts were invented. Similarly, ensuring your pet’s safety is just as important. The best car dog beds come equipped with a security leash or a belt to ensure your pet stays in place during the drive and comes to no harm in the event of a mishap. 

How to Pick the Dog Beds for Cars 

dog beds for car

Size

When it comes to picking out the right size of car bed for your dog, you need to keep in mind your pet’s size and weight, along with the dimensions of your car’s interior. 

For instance, if your pet is an extra-large furbaby, it’s best to look at back-of-car beds to make sure your pet’s comfort and ease aren’t overlooked. Booster and back seat (both bucket and bench) are more suitable for small to medium (and in some cases large) canines. 

Material

Just as some pets hate traveling by car, others may get super-excited. And excited doggy behavior can result in chewing, digging, and other types of destructible behavior. That’s one of the reasons why dog bed brands ensure the materials they use in making beds can withstand doggy play. 

If your pet loves scratching or chewing, try opting for a bed with a heavy-duty fabric that can endure your doggo’s antics. 

Comfort

Dogs require their creature comforts just as we do, and their needs can change over time. For instance, if your pet is approaching its senior years, investing in an orthopedic bed for travel is wise as it’ll help tackle any pain your pooch is facing due to orthopedic problems. 

Similarly, your pup may appreciate a bed that promotes warmth and support in strange surroundings. Just as picking out dog food requires you to keep your pet’s age, health, and likes and dislikes in mind – selecting the right pet bed necessitates the same. 

Stability

As mentioned earlier, car seats don’t exactly provide the most stable settings for canines to relax in a car. Most car seats feature leather or some other type of slippery fabric that offers no traction for your pet to stay in one place as the car moves and turns. 

Bumping into the car door every few minutes can hardly be easy for your pup. That’s where car beds can help. A dog car seat can feature a non-skid bottom or a seat belt to tether the bed and your pet in one place for safety. 

Installation

Installing a car seat for canines can be somewhat similar to installing a child seat. There are belts and latches involved to keep the seat secure. Look for a bed that’s easy to install without forgoing canine safety. However, keep in mind that a car bed’s installation may vary based on its placement. 

Cleanability 

Anxious pets sometimes experience excessive drooling and gastrointestinal upsets while traveling. Not to mention, motion sickness may make your pup vomit. That’s why it’s wise to invest in a travel bed that’s easy to clean and is also machine washable – so you don’t have to worry about maintaining hygiene. 

Design

Pet product manufacturers are well aware that customer satisfaction links with various factors like pet comfort, high-quality materials, and even design. That’s why there is seldom a shortage of design options in dog beds. The design of a dog car seat depends on its type. 

For instance, boosters and back seat beds typically feature raised walls to ensure your doggo’s comfort and safety. On the other hand, pet beds that are meant for the back of SUVs or trucks are more like pet mats with a thick mattress or padding. 

Best Dog Beds for Cars 

PetSafe Happy Ride Booster Seat

Pet Safe’s Happy Ride Booster is designed to make your small dog’s car ride comfortable and fun-filled. The product includes a safety tether (to hold your pet in place) and connects to the seat belt to keep the booster secure at the necessary height. The rectangular bucket’s exterior features a sturdy polyester oxford fabric, and the interior is lined with plush fleece. The inner liner is also removable and machine washable for your convenience. 

Backseat Barker SUV Edition

The Big Barker Backseat bed can only be described as the best canine orthopedic bed for car travel. The mattress includes a top layer of therapeutic comfort foam along with a bottom layer meant for shock absorption and support. Ideal for older dogs and large-sized canines, the car bed also requires no installation (thanks to its pillow wings) and includes a zippered suede cover that’s washing machine and dryer safe. Oh, and there’s also an extra-grip, non-slip insert for unbeatable stability. 

A4Pet Lookout Booster Car Seat

According to veterinarian Jamie Richardson (with Small Door Veterinary), car restraint is an essential component of canine safety, be it small car trips or cross-country travel. Luckily, that’s precisely what you can look forward to with A4Pet’s Lookout Booster Car Seat.

The product features a safety leash, along with two seat belt loops and a sling to keep your pet safe and sound. The seat is compact in design, foldable, washable, and can hold weights up to 300 lbs. 

K&H Pet Products Travel SUV Pet Bed

The Travel/SUV Pet Bed by K-H Pet Products is highly suitable for doggos that like their own space – even when they travel. Designed to function as a back-of-car bed, the item features a bolstered design and adequate padding for comfort, support, and safety from jolts and bumps. The bed’s material features a durable 600D nylon and water-resistant backing to keep your car safe from doggy accidents. 

Sleepypod Mini Mobile Pet Bed

Few canine items promise style, comfort, and unrivaled security – but Sleepypod’s Mini Mobile Pet Bed is not among them. Not only is this product crash-tested (which means you don’t have to worry about your furry pal’s safety), but it’s also ideal for small dogs with anxiety issues that need a comfortable travel crate to unwind. The product’s zippered dome-top can be open and closed as Fido desires, and the mesh screen ensures there’s plenty of ventilation.

The Green Pet Shop Dog Cooling Mat

If you’ve been holding out for a cooling dog bed that can double as a pad for travel crates – then say hello to the Cooling Mat by The Green Pet Shop. The bed’s ideal for canines with heavy coats and is readily available at most online retailers like Amazon.

The mat’s pressure activated and needs no electricity or batteries to help your canine chill. The mat is available in various sizes, is water-proof, and super-easy to store and move around. What more could you ask for?

URPOWER Upgraded Dog Seat Covers

 

If you have more than one canine, then a dog seat may not cut it when you travel by car. That’s why we present the URPOWER Dog Seat Cover for your consideration. The quilted cover is made of TPU material and is 100%water-proof and can be wiped clean.

Additionally, unlike other car cover products, this item can function as a hammock thanks to its side flaps – meaning your small dogs will remain comfortable; while your car remains safe from fur, scratches, etc. Also, you don’t have to worry about your pets missing out on the scenic views as the product features a mesh visual window that offers visibility and ventilation at the same time.

Kurgo Rear Skybox Booster Seat

The Kurgo brand is well-known in the pet products industry, and the company’s Skybox Booster Seat should highlight why. Designed to be placed on a rear seat, this travel canine car seat offers safety via a safety seat belt tether you can enhance along with a crash-tested harness. The seat is also water-proof and stain-proof and doubles as a travel bed for your small canine companion. 

PetSafe Happy Ride Car Dog Bed

This one’s specifically meant for dog owners looking for a bed for bench seats. Apart from a cushy bolster design and a downy synthetic sheepskin sleep surface, this bed’s straightforward to install due to its head straps and seat anchors. You don’t have to worry about cleanability either because the seat and bolster cushions are removable, and the cover is wholly machine washable. 

Barkbox Dog Bed

We’re rounding off our best dog beds of cars lineup with the sensational Dog Mat/Bed by Barkbox. This product’s perfect for dogs suffering from orthopedic problems thanks to its 3” memory foam mattress – meaning it’s lean enough to fit into travel crates without taking up most of the space. Aside from being machine washable, portable, and easy to maintain – this memory foam dog bed also comes with an adorable squeaky toy to keep Fido from getting bored. 

 

Our Final Thoughts

There you have it, folks. We’ve delivered our rights-reserved, editors-approved best dog beds for cars list, along with a helpful buyer’s guide for your consideration.

All you need to do is pick the option that suits Fido best, get on Amazon, pick the right departments settings and investigate the customer reviews for good measure. Once everything checks out, your one order and delivery address form away from getting your pet’s dream bed. 

car beds for dog

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best dog bed for cars?

Getting your canine a La Z Boy Lounger for indoor use is well and good, but car beds need to come equipped with safety belts, anchors, and restraints to ensure your pet’s safety. For that reason, Pet Safe’s Happy Ride Booster, A4Pet’s Lookout Booster Car Seat, etc., are both excellent choices as dog beds for cars.

Do I need a dog bed for my car?

Buying a dog bed for your car will not only ensure your pet’s comfort, but it’ll also ensure its safety and your own on the road. Dog beds come equipped with tethers and restaurants to keep you doggo safe and in one place so that you can concentrate on your driving 100%. 

What is the best way to transport a dog in a car?

The best way to transport a dog in a car can depend on how long your intended trip is. For quick rides, you have the option of investing in a crash-tested harness that’ll allow your pup to sit on the car seat with safety. It’s best to buy a pet bed for cars for longer rides so that your pet remains comfortable throughout the journey.