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The best dog car accessories designed for safety and comfort

• Keep your dog safe
• Make sure they are comfortable
• Accessories for a smooth doggy journey

Written by Alex Boyd Updated: 12 April 2024

We are happy to bring you a selection of the best dog car accessories, as it’s only natural that when you embark (sorry) on any road trip with your dog, you want it to be as safe and comfortable as you are. Whether it’s a short drive to the local park or a longer journey (we have tips on keeping the children entertained on longer journeys, too), you have to make sure that your dog will be safe and happy during the trip.

When it comes to dog car accessories, safety should always come first. Just as you take precautions for your own safety in the car, it’s crucial to ensure your best canine buddy is equally safe and comfortable. Whether it’s a sturdy harness that attaches to a seatbelt or a dog crate, these safety measures not only help prevent injuries to your dog but also minimize distractions while you are driving. If you have an estate or an SUV, a suitable barrier can make sure your dog remains safe in its designated area.

While the importance of safety can’t be underestimated, you still want a bit of comfort for your dog. A spill-proof water bowl can keep your dog hydrated throughout the journey, especially on hot days. Adding protective seat covers and floor mats not only safeguards your car’s interior from muddy paws and dog hair but also provides a comfortable and clean space for your loyal sidekick to relax during the trip. By adding just a few dog car accessories, you can venture on your journey with some additional peace of mind, knowing that your dog’s safety, comfort, and well-being are prioritized no matter how short or long the journey may be.

The best dog car accessories at a glance:

Editor’s choice: CarSafe Crash Tested Dog Safety Harness – Buy now from Amazon UK
Best dog screen: Sakura Headrest Dog Guard – Buy now from Amazon UK
Best dog steps: PiuPet® Dog Steps – Buy now from Amazon UK

The best dog car accessories

Editor's choice
Price: $38.30
Making sure your dog is safe while travelling is really the most important thing. This crash-tested dog safety harness comes in four different sizes and is suitable for dogs weighing up to 2 kg or 70 lbs. It's easy to fit as it attaches directly to the car seat belt, and as well as being strong, it's comfortable and can be used as a conventional harness for walks.

Pros

  • Crash tested
  • Comfortable

Cons

  • A bit stiff when new
This seat belt from Just Pet Zone comes in several colours, and the length can be adjusted to suit and keep your dog safe. The tough bungee-type material softens the jerks from sharp breaking, and the buckle clip rotates 360° to prevent tangling and improve comfort. It is quick and easy to attach to most harnesses, and the belt connects directly into the car seat belt socket.

Pros

  • Easy to connect
  • Adjustable length

Cons

  • Too long for some applications
Best for quick fitting
Price: $14.99
This ZUBALITY Dog Seat Belt is made from strong, adjustable nylon fabric and has a tough connector clip to keep your dog safe. It is easily adjusted to suit your dog's comfort, it includes an elasticated bungee section to soften jerky movements and is quickly fitted by slipping it over the seat headrest. It can be used as a lead when you leave the car.

Pros

  • Quick fit
  • Comfortable

Cons

  • Not so good for small cars
Best dog screen
Price: $43.72
No tools are needed to fit this Sakura dog guard, which is adjustable, flexible and suitable for the majority of estate cars, SUVs and hatchbacks. All necessary parts are included to make installation quick and easy and offer a safe space for your dog as you travel. If you change vehicle it's easy to remove and refit.

Pros

  • No drilling required
  • Provides a sturdy barrier

Cons

  • Can be a bit fiddly to install
Best for rear seat protection
The Paw Jamboree back seat car cover for dogs has a water-resistant coating and TPU film materials as waterproof layers, which help prevent leaks and messes, especially if your dog jumps right into the car from the mud and rain. Velcro openings at seat belt points allow harnesses to be fitted to keep your dog safe, and it's easy to fit and remove for cleaning.

Pros

  • Multiple waterproof layers
  • Easy to clean

Cons

  • Material can be slippery when wet
Best for protecting the boot
Ideal for protecting the rear stowage area of estate cars, hatchbacks and SUVs while your dog travels with you. The Pet Boot Liner Protector is comfortable while providing waterproofing and acting as a barrier for mud or dirt, and it is sized to fit most standard vehicles. Fitting and removal is straightforward and as this procedure is so easy, it can even be used as an outdoor picnic mat.

Pros

  • Universal fitting
  • Non-slip backing

Cons

  • The quality of the Velcro strips could be better
Best for rear seat safety

Rrp: $54.99

Price: $42.97
This Wuglo doggy car seat is perfect for installation on the rear seat of most vehicles. It comes in a number of colours and sizes and is configured so that it can occupy either one side or the centre of the seat, depending on your preferences. It'll keep your dog safe as there are openings to allow for the fitting of a doggy seat belt or harness.

Pros

  • Sturdy construction
  • Openings for safety belts

Cons

  • Zip fastener can be a bit awkward
Best for small dogs

Rrp: $41.99

Price: $34.19
If you have a smaller dog that enjoys travelling in the front of the car, then this Feporen Dog Booster Seat is ideal. It lifts your dog by a few inches allowing a better view out of the window, reducing anxiety and motion sickness. The built-in safety hooks allow you to attach a seat belt or harness for increased safety.

Pros

  • Height boost for smaller dogs
  • Perfect for the front seat

Cons

  • Not for large dogs
Best for hydration
Price: $14.99
Alternative Retailers
Blain Farm & Fleet
$10.49
Walmart
$13.95
Target
$13.99
PetSmart
$13.99
It doesn't matter if it's a hot day or not - it's important that your dog is kept hydrated with sufficient water for the journey. This silicone bowl from Kurgo has a larger top lip to prevent slashing, and the wedge design means it is angled to help keep it flat if it is sitting on the rear seat. It's collapsable for easy storage, you can pick red or blue for the colour, and the silicone construction material is of food-grade quality.

Pros

  • Less splashing
  • Wedge design

Cons

  • Won't stop splashing completely
Best soft dog transporter
Price: $79.99
This soft dog crate provides a more comforting and pleasing way to transport your dog than traditional metal cages. Its strength is provided by a strong steel tube, and the crate cover is made of high-quality, durable hex mesh fabric. Together, these features create a well-ventilated, stylish, lightweight, and durable crate. In addition, the crate includes a removable and washable fleece bed for added comfort and a carrying bag for easy transport.

Pros

  • Provides plenty of light and air
  • Light and easy to transport

Cons

  • Difficult to carry when occupied
The dog steps make life a whole lot easier for small dogs or dogs that are unwell, elderly, or suffering mobility problems. The PVC material is easy to clean, and water repellent, and the double reinforcement makes it suitable for older dogs and pets up to 80 kg. The PiuPet dog ramp folds when not in use, takes up very little space, and is easy to store, weighing 5 kg, including the storage bag.

Pros

  • Foldable
  • Sturdy design

Cons

  • Only suitable for boot door

Frequently asked questions:

What are the best car travel accessories for dogs?

It really depends on what you require. If safety is your number one priority, a safety harness or seat belt is a good option. For comfort, a feeding bowl or blanket might be a good idea and don’t forget a favourite toy.

What should dogs wear in the car?

There are no real recommendations, just as long as your dog is comfortable. If your car is draughty or you prefer to drive in a cold vehicle, maybe a doggy coat or car blanket might be appropriate – otherwise, a safety harness is the most appropriate thing to wear.

What is the best car setup for a dog?

A separate space is the best setup. Either sectioning off the rear seat or putting up a dog barrier in a hatchback, SUV, or estate gives your dog space, providing safety and comfort.

What is the best option for a dog in a car?

For larger dogs it’s better to travel on the rear seat or in the luggage space of an SUV, hatchback or estate. Smaller dogs can travel in the front if appropriately restrained.

Alex Boyd is a Commercial Content Writer at Bauer Media writing for Parker’s and CAR and loves travel, gardening, DIY and music.

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