Browse Modern Pets' range of dog car seats, booster seats, and puppy car seats, all with machine-washable covers and free metro shipping on orders over $99.
Why Dog Car Seats Matter for Safety and Comfort
An unrestrained dog in a moving vehicle is a safety risk for both the dog and the driver. In Australia, all states and territories have road rules that prohibit driving with an animal on your lap, and several jurisdictions allow fines for carrying an animal in a way that distracts the driver or endangers the animal. A properly secured dog seat addresses both concerns.
Beyond legal compliance, elevated car seats for dogs reduce the physical stress of car travel for small dogs. Because smaller breeds sit lower in the vehicle, they cannot see out of windows: a key contributor to disorientation and motion sickness. Raising a dog to window height gives them a stable visual reference point, which veterinary behaviourists note can meaningfully reduce anxiety during car travel.
Key safety and comfort benefits:
Keeps your dog secure and reduces movement during braking and cornering
Raises small dogs to window height, reducing motion sickness and anxiety
Gives dogs a defined, familiar space that helps them settle during the journey
Reduces driver distraction by preventing dogs from moving around the cabin
Machine-washable covers maintain hygiene on longer trips
How to Choose the Right Car Dog Seat
What size dog car seat do I need?
Size is the most important factor when choosing a car seat for dogs. As a general guide:
- Puppy and toy breeds (under 5kg): A small dog booster seat or console seat provides enough space without allowing excess movement.
- Small breeds (5–10kg): A standard booster seat with side bolsters keeps the dog contained and comfortable.
- Medium breeds (10–20kg): Look for a larger pet booster seat with a higher weight rating and reinforced attachment straps.
Always check the weight and dimension specifications on each product page before purchasing. If your dog is between sizes, size up for comfort.
What types of dog seats for cars are available?
Modern Pets carries several styles to suit different dogs, cars, and travel habits:
- Elevated/raised seats: Higher-profile designs ideal for very small dogs or dogs that experience motion sickness.
- Puppy car seats: Smaller, plush designs suited to puppies and toy breeds under 5kg.
- Two-dog seats: Some models accommodate two small dogs simultaneously.
- Booster seats: Elevated seats that strap onto the existing car seat, raising small dogs to window height. Suitable for most small breeds.
- Console seats: Designed to sit between the front seats on the centre console, keeping your dog close without riding in your lap.
Are dog car seats suitable for all cars?
Yes. A pet car seat from Modern Pets is designed to fit the front passenger seat or rear seats of virtually any make and model of car. They attach via the existing seatbelt buckle, so no permanent installation is required. This also means you can move the seat between vehicles easily, which is useful for households with more than one car.
All Modern Pets dog car seats come with a 12-month warranty and a 60-day money-back guarantee. We accept PayPal and Afterpay. If you have questions about sizing, compatibility, or which seat is right for your dog, contact our team on 1300 268 060 or at customercare@modernpet.com.au.
How Dog Car Seats Work
Each Modern Pets dog car seat attaches to your car in three steps:
1. Position the seat on the car seat (front passenger or rear seat).
2. Thread the car's seatbelt through the designated loops or buckle on the dog seat.
3. Install the adjustable strap over the headrest (if applicable)
4. Attach your dog's harness to the internal tether using a clip. This keeps the dog secured within the seat during the journey.
Most seats are ready to use in under two minutes and require no tools. To move the seat to another vehicle, simply unbuckle, transfer, and re-buckle.
