5 Best Dog Car Beds: Review for Happy Travels

Does your dog turn your car into a messy, sliding disaster zone on every ride? We love taking our furry friends along for adventures, but the reality often involves fur everywhere, muddy paw prints, and a nervous pup who can’t get comfortable. Finding the perfect dog car bed seems like a huge task. You worry about safety, cleanliness, and if your dog will even use it!

The right car bed should offer security and comfort, turning stressful trips into peaceful journeys for both of you. Stop settling for makeshift blankets or beds that slide around dangerously. We understand the frustration of buying something only to have your dog ignore it or destroy it within a week.

This guide cuts through the confusion. We break down exactly what features matter most, from non-slip grips to easy-to-clean materials. Keep reading to discover the top tips for choosing a durable, comfortable, and safe car bed that your dog will actually love using. Let’s make car rides enjoyable again!

Top Dog Car Beds Recommendations

Bestseller No. 1

BurgeonNest Dog Car Seat for Small Dogs, Soft Pet Car Travel Home Bed Under 25 lbs, Fully Detachable and Washable Cat Booster Carseats with Storage Pockets and Clip-On Leash Portable Carrier,Black

Sturdy Oxford Fabric : BurgeonNest dog booster car seat is made of odorless, sturdy oxford fabric with thicker coating, and reinforced with double stitches, there is no more stitching tore, ripped in the washer. And dog bed for car is very comfy and fluffy , good for your pet when lying on it, good for your pet's joints.
Soft Comfort and Adjustable Belts: Plush fabric and sponge filling help your pup stay calm and comfy on the road. And we choose sturdy belt and nylon strap with buckles for this pet car seat, which you can adjust the length to keep puppy in one place without jumping out. So your dog is secured enough in travel and you don't need worry your pet would distract you while driving.
Fully Detachable and Washable: Different from other dog car bed, ours is built in sliding zippers, and the stuffing is packed in separate bags, which is easy to take out and cleaned.Just pop the filling back in after washing for effortless reuse and lasting durability.
Adaptable for multiple uses -- 2 Storage Pockets and 2 Sided Cushions: There are large capacity storage bags on both sides of small dog car seat. It's very convenient for you to put pet daily necessities to save space. The cushion is two-sided. One side is fluff, the other side is Oxford fabric.Very suitable for dog carriers & travel products or indoor pet bed for all season use.
Easy to Install: Adjustable buckle design, the car seat for dogs can be installed easily. Just fix the buckle to the top and back of the seat and adjust the length of straps. You can install it in both the front and back seat of your car as you like. And it fits most kinds of car seats and car types.

SaleBestseller No. 2

Dog Car Seat for Large/Medium Dogs - Memory Foam Dog Booster Seat for Under 55Lbs or 2 Small Dogs-Detachable and Washable Travel Bed with Thick Cushion and Storage Pockets-Grey

🐕Safe Dog Booster Seat - EUHAMS dog car seat raises your furry friend to the perfect height for a better view outside the window and to ease their anxiety during car rides. Adjustable leash (with Snap Hook) ensures your pup stays in place, providing a comfortable and safe space for them while you focus on driving.
💖Note - Memory foam booster dog car seat is a compressed package, after a long period of transport, after receiving package, leave it for 24-48h to restore the shape.
🐕Memory Foam Comfort - Our dog car bed fabric is made of high-quality velvet, breathable,soft to the touch provides a soft and comfortable sleeping area for dogs.Filled with high rebound egg crate foam sponge that provides ultimate comfort and support for your furry friend during car rides.The firm foam bolster around the edge keeps dogs in a safe and controlled spot.
🐕Perfect Size for Large/Medium Pets - Measuring 31.1 inches (L) X 20.4 inches (W) X 12 inches (H), suitable for large/medium pets under 55poundsor 2 small dogs, ideal for long car rides or trips.
🐕Versatile & Easy to Use - Our pet car booster seat can be easily installed on the back seat of most cars, vehicles, and SUVs. Lightweight, portable, easy to install and detachable,not only can be used in the car,but also at home,outdoors,tent when used as a dog bed.

Bestseller No. 3

Daitore Dog Car Seat for Small Dogs, Pet Booster Seat with Clip-On Safety Leash and Storage Pockets, Washable Travel Dog Car Bed for Puppy （Black）

Calming Travel Bed: Designed to feel like a comforting bed, the durable canvas exterior and plush, overstuffed PP cotton interior create a soft and secure space. The generous 21.6 x 19.7 x 11.8 inch (55x50x30cm) size allows your puppy to curl up and relax, helping to reduce car ride anxiety and making travel a pleasant experience.
Worry-Free Travel: Keep your small dog safely contained with a built-in, adjustable safety leash that clips directly to their harness. The booster seat itself is firmly anchored to your car's seat with two sturdy straps, preventing it from sliding during turns or stops, so you can focus on the road with peace of mind.
Easy Access: Integrated side storage pockets provide a convenient place to keep your pet's essentials organized and within reach. They are perfect for storing treats, toys, a leash, and waste bags, ensuring you have everything you need for your trip without cluttering your car.
HFree Cleaning: Life with pets can be messy, so we made cleanup simple. The seat cover is designed to be fully removable. When accidents or muddy paw prints happen, just unzip the cover, take out the inner cushions, and wash the fabric to keep the seat fresh, clean, and hygienic for your next adventure.
Quick Setup in Any Vehicle: This pet booster seat installs in just a minute. Simply place it on the front or back seat, loop the adjustable straps around the headrest and seatback, and tighten for a snug fit. It's designed to be compatible with most cars, trucks, and SUVs, making it the perfect travel companion.

SaleBestseller No. 4

HEGGCOOE Small Dog Car Seat, Memory Foam Dog Booster Car Seats with Thick Cushion for Medium Dogs Under 35lbs, Detachable Washable Dog Bed for Car, Pet Carseat with Storage Pockets,2 Safety Belts

Elevated Dog Car Seat: Our car seat for dogs raises your pet up to 6 inches above the car seat, giving them a beter view out the window and relieving anxiety during car rides. It comes with two safety belts that attach to your dog's harness to prevent them from jumping out the window, providing your dog with great safety and comfort
Ideal Size for Small and Medium dogs: Measuring 20.7 in (L)X 20.7 in (W) X 18.9 in (H), the pet car seat can accommodate all types of small and medium dogs up to 35 pounds, or two small dogs up to 15 pounds. It fits in the front or back seats of cars, SUVs and trucks. WARM TIP: Please measure your pet before purchasing
Comfort and Safety : The surface of dog booster car seat is made of short plush fabric, super soft and comfortable, and the bottom is filled with high-density egg-shaped foam to provide superior comfort and support, effectively reducing the impact of road bumps,together with the non-slip bottom and headrest straps, the dog car bed will be more stable to ensure your dog's safety
Multi-functional Use: The small dog car seat is not only suitable for vehicles, but can also be used as a dog bed at home, outdoors or in a tent, providing your dog with a comfortable resting space anwhere. It has a removable and washable cover, simply open the zipper and take out the sponge to clean the cover. Please note that the inner sponge is not washable
Easy to install : Simply thread the car seat belt through the two holes on the bottom of the dog booster seat, then secure the top strap to the car headrest, adjust to the proper length and the installation is complete. There are storage pockets on both sides of the puppy car seat , convenient for storing dog food, toys and other traveling necessities

Bestseller No. 5

Awjcsv Dog Car Seat Cover for Back Seat, Dog Bed for Car, Fit for Backseat Extenders, Car Seat Protector, Nonslip Soft Durable for Cars Trucks and SUVs (Gray, 24.8" x 54")

Dog Bed for Backseat Extender : Perfect for vehicles, this bed pairs with backseat extenders for added comfort or can be used alone to protect seats from pet hair, saliva, and damage.
Comfortable and Soft : This hand-crafted dog car seat cover, made of dense flannel and high-resilience PP cotton, stays fluffy and soft with long-term use.
Non-Slip Bottom : The dog bed mat features a non-slip bottom, ensuring the mat stays securely in place even when the vehicle turns or the pet moves around. It fits a variety of car models and can cover the entire backseat.
Easy to Clean : Ideal for pet owners who need to clean frequently, it is machine washable, durable, and easy to maintain. It can be tumble dried on low heat, and bleaching is prohibited.
Multi-purpose : The dog bed cover can be rolled up for easy carrying. Can be used as a dog bed under a seat or on the floor. Also suitable for some sizes of sofas (please measure the size of the seat when purchasing).

SaleBestseller No. 6

JOEJOY Elevated Dog Car Seat for Small/Medium Dogs up to 35 lbs, Memory Foam Booster Seat with Detachable Washable Cover, Travel-Safe Car Bed with Safety Belts & Storage Pockets, Grey

【Elevated Comfort for Your Furry Friend】: With its elevated design, this pet car seat raises your pet 5 inches above the car seat, allowing them to enjoy a better view of the outside world while reducing car anxiety. Whether it’s a short trip to the vet or a longer road trip, your dog will love the added comfort and feel more at ease in the car.
【Comfort with Dual-Sided Design】: The two-sided design of this dog car seat features soft, short plush fabric on one side and breathable, comfort-enhancing faux leather on the other. This dual-material design ensures your furry friend stays cool in the summer and warm in the winter, providing year-round comfort. The high-density memory foam filling delivers superior support, minimizing the impact of road bumps and vibrations for a smoother, more enjoyable ride for your pet.
【Safe and Secure】: This pet car seat features a built-in adjustable safety belts to secure your dog’s harness, preventing them from jumping out the window. The non-slip bottom and headrest strap keep the seat stable and secure, ensuring your pet stays safe and comfortable throughout the journey.
【Ideal Size for Small and Medium dogs】: Measuring 19.0 in (L)X 18.0 in (W) X 18.5 in (H), the puppy car seat can accommodate all types of small and medium dogs up to 30 pounds, or two small dogs up to 15 pounds. It fits in the front or back seats of cars, SUVs and trucks. WARM TIP: Please measure your pet before purchasing
【Easy Installation and Maintenance】: Setting up your JOEJOY dog booster seat is a breeze. Simply thread the car seat belt through the designated holes on the bottom and secure the top strap to the car headrest. Adjust the straps to the right length, and the car seat is ready to go! The removable cover is easy to unzip, making it simple to wash and keep your dog’s car seat clean.

SaleBestseller No. 7

Best Pet Supplies Dog House Bed Crate Mat Tent Indoor Round Soft Plush for Small, Medium, and Large Breeds - Gray, 21 x 20 x 14

DOG BOOSTER SEAT: The booster can be used as a car seat for dogs or cat car seat to help elevate your pet to more easily see the view out the window without climbing around, enhancing safety
TRAVEL COMFORT AND SUPPORT: This puppy car seat is suitable for small and medium dogs up to 20 lbs; it features a plush cushion and tall pillow walls, providing comfort during travel for your pet
SECURELY STRAPS TO SEATS: These dog car seats securely fasten with multiple adjustable straps to car seats or bench seats, as well as a harness strap to help restrict your pet from roaming in the car
ANTI-SLIP STABLE BASE: The car dog seat features a slip-resistant bottom that helps it to stay more stable when on leather and fabric seats
EASY CLEANING WITH WATERPROOF LINER: With a waterproof TPU and 7D polyester fiber, this pet car seat with a washable slipcover can be unzipped and removed for a quick wash between uses

Bestseller No. 8

Oiilores Dog Car Seat for Small Dogs,Washable Pet Booster Car Seats with Clip-On Safty Leash, Comfy Deluxe Plush Carseat with Storage Pockets, Puppy Car Travel Carrier Bed for Dogs Under 25 lbs, Grey

[SAFETY & SECURITY]: Ensuring your pet's safety is our top priority. Our adjustable straps securely anchor the dog car seats, reinforced with durable buckles and snap-hooks capable of withstanding up to 100 lbs of force, preventing your pet from leaping out of the window or being thrown forward during sudden stops.
[COMFY, DURABLE, SAFETY]: The surface features ultra-comfortable Rose Velvet, providing a plush resting place for your pet. We've upgraded the filling with shredded memory foam for enhanced support, ensuring your pet enjoys a more restful ride. The exterior is crafted from anti-scratch Oxford Fabric, guaranteeing superior durability. The puppy car seat also boasts an Oxford Bottom with anti-slip dots, reducing any sliding, which helps minimize your pet's anxiety.
[EASY-TO-CLEAN]: Our entire pet car seat is machine washable, making cleaning a breeze. You can toss the entire product into the washing machine. Additionally, the bottom cushion is detachable for separate cleaning, making it not only more convenient but also allowing for double-sided use. In the summer, you can opt for the oxford side for a cool and breathable experience, while in the winter, the Rose Velvet side offers warmth and comfort.
[SIZE MEASUREMENT]: Our small dog car seat measures 23(L) x 22(W) x 10(H) inches, making it suitable for small and medium-sized dogs under 30 lbs, including breeds such as Chihuahua, Pomeranian and so on. We've extensively tested the dimensions, ensuring it fits into almost all types of vehicles, including cars, trucks and SUVs.
[MULTI-PURPOSE]: Beyond being a secure dog car seat for travel, our versatile product can double as a comfy dog bed at home, whether on the floor or the sofa. The dual straps allow for placement in both front and rear seats, providing flexibility. Additionally, the two side pockets provide convenient storage space for dog car bed, making your journeys more convenient.

The Ultimate Buying Guide for Dog Car Beds

Taking your dog on a car ride should be fun for both of you. A good dog car bed makes the trip safer and much more comfortable for your furry friend. This guide will help you pick the best one.

1. Key Features to Look For

When shopping, check for these important parts. They make a big difference in how well the bed works.

Safety and Security

Straps and Anchors: Look for beds that have strong straps. These straps secure the bed to the car seat or the cargo area. This stops the bed from sliding around while you drive.
Bolsters or Raised Edges: High sides, or bolsters, give your dog a cozy place to rest their head. They also help keep your dog safely inside the bed area.

Comfort and Size

Proper Sizing: Measure your dog while they are lying down. The bed should be big enough for them to stretch out, but not so big that they slide around.
Cushioning: Good padding is essential. Thicker foam or soft stuffing means better support for your dog’s joints.

2. Important Materials

The materials used decide how long the bed lasts and how easy it is to clean.

Outer Fabric

Durable Canvas or Oxford Fabric: These materials stand up well to claws and dirt. They are usually water-resistant, which is great for muddy paws.
Fleece or Plush Tops: These offer extra softness for cold days. Make sure the inner stuffing is protected well.

Filling Material

Memory Foam: This is the best choice for older dogs or large breeds. Memory foam molds to your dog’s body, easing pressure on their hips and elbows.
Polyester Fiberfill: This is softer and lighter. It works well for smaller dogs or puppies but might flatten out faster than foam.

3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

Not all car beds are made the same. Pay attention to these details to find a high-quality product.

Quality Boosters

Removable, Washable Covers: This is a huge plus. If the cover zips off easily, you can toss it in the washing machine. Cleanliness improves the bed’s lifespan.
Non-Slip Bottom: A rubberized bottom keeps the entire bed from moving, even on leather seats.

Quality Reducers

Thin, Cheap Stuffing: If you can easily feel the hard car seat through the bed, the stuffing is too thin. This offers poor comfort and support.
Weak Zippers: Dogs can chew or pull at zippers. Poorly made zippers break quickly and ruin the whole cover.

4. User Experience and Use Cases

Think about how and where you drive. Different situations need different beds.

For Long Road Trips

You need maximum comfort. Choose beds with thick memory foam and good side support. These help prevent restlessness during long hours in the car.

For Quick Errands

Ease of use matters most. A simple, easily foldable bed that straps quickly into the back seat works best. You want something you can pop in and out without much fuss.

For SUV/Hatchback Cargo Areas

These areas need a sturdy, waterproof liner or a large, box-style bed. These protect your car’s carpet from dirt and hair while giving your dog a dedicated space.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Dog Car Beds

Q: How do I choose the right size bed for my dog?

A: Measure your dog from the tip of their nose to the base of their tail while they are lying down. Pick a bed that allows them to stretch out fully without hanging over the edges.

Q: Are dog car beds safe? Do they really keep my dog secure?

A: Yes, when used correctly. Safety comes from the straps that connect the bed to the car seat. Unsecured beds can become dangerous projectiles in a sudden stop.

Q: Can I use a regular dog bed in the car instead of a special car bed?

A: You can, but a regular bed lacks the necessary tie-down straps. A special car bed is much safer because it anchors to the vehicle.

Q: What is the best material for easy cleaning?

A: Look for beds with durable, water-resistant outer fabric like canvas. The best feature is a removable cover that you can machine wash regularly.

Q: Are booster seats the same as car beds?

A: No. Booster seats lift small dogs up so they can see out the window. Many booster seats include a harness clip for security, but they are usually firmer than soft comfort beds.

Q: Do I need a bed if my dog rides in a crate?

A: Yes. Even inside a crate, a specialized mat or small bed provides cushioning and absorbs shock, making the ride much smoother for your dog.

Q: What should I do if my dog chews on the bed?

A: If your dog is a chewer, look for beds advertised as “chew-resistant.” These often use tougher nylon. Supervise your dog until you know they will leave the bed alone.

Q: How do I stop the bed from smelling bad after a trip?

A: Air out the bed after every trip, especially if your dog was wet. If the cover is removable, wash it immediately. Some beds have charcoal inserts that help absorb odors.

Q: Are orthopedic beds necessary for all dogs?

A: Orthopedic beds (like memory foam) are highly recommended for senior dogs, giant breeds, or dogs with joint issues like arthritis. Younger, healthy dogs can usually use softer fiberfill.

Q: How long should a good quality dog car bed last?

A: A high-quality bed with durable fabric and strong foam can last several years. Lower-quality beds might need replacing within a year if they are used often.