8 Best Dog Car Seats, According to Testing

For the true globetrotting pup, the Away pet carrier is an amazing option for most of your travel needs. (Plus you can get a luggage set to match.) Not only is it designed for air travel and therefore meets all of the Federal Aviation Administration requirements, but it's made of thick, durable materials.

While testing, we loved how high quality this carrier felt, the large front- and top-loading sections and the roll-away mesh panel that lets you decide whether or not your pooch can get a good view of the outside world. While we haven't personally tested this carrier on the road, it passed CPS Certification Testing in January of 2020 with a 5-star rating on an 18-pound test dog.

To safely hook your pet up in the car, simply zip them into the carrier, thread the car seat through the car seat latches and put the long strap over the headrest. The exterior of the bag is also water resistant and can be easily slipped over your luggage handlebar for maximum ease during travel. Don't plan on packing too many accessories inside of it, however, since there isn't a wealth of storage space for larger items.

When you're looking for something that leaves your pet a little more free in the car (and is great for larger pups), snag one of these dog harnesses that will keep them safe without confining them to a carrier or crate. The step-in harness design makes it easy for putting it on even the wiggliest of pups and buckles around their neck and chest.

For maximum safety, the brand recommends you buckle your fur baby in the rear passenger seat with a seatbelt that has both lap and shoulder straps. They also note that pets under 18 pounds may be better fit for a carrier due to their small size. The Sleepypod ClickItTerrain dog harness passed CPS Certification Testing in July of 2017 and again in October 2020 with a 5-star rating on a 25-pound test dog for size small, 45- to 90-pound test dogs for size medium, 75- to 90-pound test dogs for size large and 90- to 110-pound test dogs for size extra large.

For sporty pets, check out Sleepypod's ClickIt Sport Harness which also passed CPS's crash tests in July 2014 and April 2015.

This comfy carrier doubles as a safety net for your pooch while on a plane, train, bus or, of course, car. According to the brand, it features an attachable puppy pee pad that can be easily removed through the side panel once soiled without disturbing the slumbering pup on top of it, making it easy to clean while keeping your pet and bag smelling fresh.

You can purchase additional pee pads to keep your pet dry and comfortable and don't have to worry about dirtying the bag during exceptionally long trips. The Diggs carrier passed CPS Certification Testing in October 2021 with a 5-star rating on an 18-pound test dog. With mesh panels that zip away on both sides and the top your pup will feel connected to the outside world without being overwhelmed by it.

The brand also notes that it's designed for air travel as well, so it's great for toting on the plane, but don't forget to check your airline's specific requirements before you fly.

Looking for a carrier for a little pet that likes a bit more space? The Sleepypod Air carrier might be the perfect fit. According to the brand, this carrier scrunches down to fit under your airplane seat, but once you take off, it can expand to give your furry friend a few extra inches of space.

Great for traveling on air and land, to secure the bag to your rear car seat simply remove the carseat buckles from the zippered section on the carrier and thread the seatbelt through the front and back loops. The mesh top can easily be zippered back and folded away so your pooch can stick their head out and watch the world pass them by. It's also great for top- or side-loading your pet for easiest access. The adjustable shoulder strap and padded carry handle make it easy to tote the bag around wherever you may go.

Plus, you can grab a warmer kit for cooler temps that is sure to keep your four legged friend toasty. The Sleepypod Air carrier passed CPS Certification Testing in July of 2016 with a 4-star rating on an 18-pound test dog. Sleepypod's atom, mini and mobile pet carrier also all passed CPS certification crash testing with 5 stars.

A kennel may be a better fit for a large or squirmy pup than a traditional harness or carrier. While they're made to accommodate larger pets and therefore take up more space than other car safety options, they're heavy duty, safe and create a comfortable space just for your pet.

The G1 Kennel uses double-wall construction to give twice the impact protection for your furry friend, a strong aluminum frame, reversible doors and a drainage system to keep your pet dry. Plus, the strong carry handles make it easy to load and unload the kennel into the back of the car, a wide base to keep from tipping over, tie-down straps to really hold your pup in place and additional locks to absolutely ensure you dog will not be getting free.

The Gunner GI Kennel with strength rated anchor straps passed CPS Certification Testing in June of 2017 with a 5-star rating on a 30-pound test dog for size small, and is the first pet product to receive a dual 5-star crash test rating. It also passed in March 2018 with a 5-star rating on a 45-pound test dog for size medium, and in June 2015 with a 5-star rating on a 75-pound test dog for size intermediate. The large kennel has not yet been crash-tested by CPS.

If you've got a good boy who is also a big boy, this kennel accommodates pups up to 110 pounds so you don't have to worry about their safety while on the road.

With reversible doors, a one-handed locking system that lets you open and close the door without putting your bag down, a draining system to keep your dog dry and non-slip rubber feet, there's a reason this kennel comes with a hefty price tag. This kennel has a bit smaller exterior dimensions than some of the other kennel options while still having comparable interior dimensions and accommodating a large weight, making it great for slightly smaller trunks and narrower door frames without having to sacrifice weight recommendations.

The Lucky Kennel with Lucky strength-rated anchor straps passed CPS Certification Testing in April of 2020 with a 5-star rating on a 75-pound test dog for size intermediate and again in April 2021 with a 5-star rating on a 110-pound test dog for size large.

This aluminum dog crate is built like a ventilated safe so you can rest assured that your pup will come out of any car ride safe and secure. Created to protect puppies with even the worst case of the zoomies, not only is this kennel almost impossible to break out of, but it's durable and easy to clean.

Pick from seven crate colors and a variety of sizes to get the right fit for your and your pup. The crate arrives to you fully assembled so you don't have to mess about trying to put it together, and is created to withstand a variety of falls or nicks that are part of having a pet. The Aluminum Dog Crate with secondary door bolts and strength-rated anchor straps passed CPS Certification Testing in December of 2020 with a 5-star rating on a 50-pound test dog for size medium. The large and extra large crates have not yet been crash-tested by CPS.