So you’ve bought a dog car seat. Great decision. You’re on the road to safer, more comfortable journeys for both you and your four-legged co-pilot. But here’s the thing—buying the car seat is only half the job. The other half is using it properly.

Even the best dog car seat in the world can’t protect your pup if it’s used incorrectly. And unfortunately, many well-meaning pet parents make the same common mistakes.

Let’s break down the top 5 errors people make—and, more importantly, how to avoid them. No guilt trips. Just good advice and a few laughs along the way.

Mistake 1: Clipping the Seat Tether to Your Dog’s Collar

This one might seem harmless—but it’s not.

Most dog car seats come with a built-in tether to keep your dog secure. The mistake? Clipping it to the collar instead of a harness. If you brake suddenly, your dog could be yanked by the neck, causing serious injury.

The Fix:

Always clip the tether to a well-fitting harness—preferably a padded one designed for travel. This distributes force across the chest, not the neck. It’s safer and much more comfortable for your dog.

Need a proper travel harness? Many dog car seats are designed to work perfectly with one.

Mistake 2: Choosing the Wrong Size or Type of Seat

One-size-fits-all? Not when it comes to dog car seats.

Too small, and your dog will be cramped and stressed. Too big, and they might slide around or try to climb out.

The Fix:

Measure your dog while they’re lying down. Look at both weight and body length—and check the car seat’s dimensions before you buy.

For small breeds (like Chihuahuas or Yorkies), a booster seat works well. For medium dogs (like Frenchies or Cockapoos), a padded bucket-style seat is better. Large breeds? Go for a hammock-style seat protector and a crash-tested harness.

If in doubt, go one size up—but make sure it still fits securely in your car.

Mistake 3: Placing the Seat in the Front with an Active Airbag

We get it—you want your dog close. But the front seat with an active airbag is not the place for them. If there’s an accident, that airbag could seriously injure a dog—even in a car seat.

The Fix:

Place the dog car seat on the back seat—ideally behind the front passenger. This keeps them safe and gives you a clear view of them in the rearview mirror.

If you absolutely must use the front seat, check if your car allows you to manually disable the passenger airbag. Safety first, cuddles second.

Mistake 4: Not Securing the Car Seat Properly

A dog car seat is only as safe as how it’s installed. If it’s sliding around the seat or not anchored down, it won’t help much in a sudden stop.

The Fix:

Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Most seats should be:

• Anchored with the car’s seatbelt, OR
• Strapped to the headrest, OR
• Both, for added security

After installing, give the seat a firm shake. It should feel snug and stable, not wobbly. A well-secured seat means no sliding, no tipping, and no drama on the roundabouts.

Mistake 5: Forgetting the Comfort Factor

A car seat isn’t just about safety. If your dog hates being in it, they’ll whine, fidget, and make the whole trip miserable—for both of you.

Too many owners forget to make the seat feel like home.

The Fix:

Add a few home comforts:

• A soft blanket or cushion
• Their favorite toy or chew
• A familiar smell (like your old hoodie)
• Keep the temperature comfy and avoid placing them directly in front of air vents

Comfort helps your dog associate the seat with calm and safety. That way, next time you open the car door, they’ll hop in happily—rather than hiding under the sofa.

Bonus Tips for Smart Dog Travelers

• Do a few practice drives around the block to help them get used to the seat.
• Take regular breaks on long trips for toilet time and sniff breaks.
• Keep treats handy to reward calm behavior.
• And yes—always bring poo bags. Even in the car.

Your dog’s comfort and safety don’t have to come at the expense of your car’s cleanliness or your sanity. With the right setup, traveling together becomes something you both enjoy.

Where to Get a Dog Car Seat That’s Actually Worth Using?

The best car seat is one that’s:

• The right size
• Easy to install
• Comfy for your dog
• Easy to clean after muddy adventures

That’s why many companies offers a carefully selected range of dog car seats designed for real dogs, real cars, and real bad weather.

No gimmicks. Just solid, safe, easy-to-use designs that make life better for dogs—and far easier for their humans.

Final Thoughts: Travel Smarter, Not Harder

A dog car seat isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a key part of traveling safely with your dog. But it only works when it’s used properly.

Avoid the common mistakes, follow a few simple steps, and soon your pup will be riding in comfort and style. You’ll drive with less worry, and your dog will enjoy every trip—from the vets to the seaside.

Because in the end, the best journeys are the ones where everyone’s safe, relaxed, and wagging their tail.

John Mali Director of Media Relations

Director of Media Relations at AboutBoulder.com

john@aboutboulder.com