Dog Car Seat for Puppies: When to Start and What to Look For

A puppy's first car rides set the tone for every ride after. A seat they feel comfortable in makes those first trips much easier. Here is how to start, and which size to buy for a dog that is still growing.

Buy for the adult weight, within reason

Puppies grow fast. Our sizes go by weight: S up to 15 lbs, M 15 to 35 lbs, L 35 to 50 lbs, XL over 50 lbs. For a small breed that stays small, pick the size for its adult weight. If your puppy is heading toward the top of a range, take the next size up, so it can still turn around and lie down.

Introduce the seat at home first

  1. Day 1-2: put the seat on the floor at home with a treat inside. Let your puppy explore it.
  2. Day 3: fit it on the back seat with the car parked and the engine off.
  3. Day 4: a short drive to somewhere fun, not the vet.
  4. After that: lengthen the trips a little at a time.

Our 7-day guide goes through each step.

What to check

  • High, padded sides so your puppy can lean and settle.
  • A raised seat so it can see out of the window, which settles many restless dogs.
  • A harness clip so it stays on the seat. Always clip the harness, never the collar.
  • A machine-washable cover, because puppies have accidents.

Not sure which size? Email us your puppy's breed and current weight and we will tell you. See all dog car seats. Free shipping.

Related guides

Our seats are comfort and containment products. They are not crash-tested restraints, and car sickness is not something a seat treats.

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