Stapsgewijze handleiding: hoe kies je de juiste maat autostoel voor je hond

0 Comments

Step-by-step guide: how to choose the right size car seat for your dog

Traveling with your pet is safest and most comfortable with a car seat for your dog. But how do you choose the right size seat or dog carrier for the car? The size of the dog is important, but so is the load.

Of course, the car seat for your dog must also be compatible with your car. You can read everything you need to know in this blog.


Table of contents



Why the right size car seat for your dog is important for safety and comfort

Choosing a good basket or car seat for your dog is important when you want to travel with your pet. It offers safety and comfort for both your pet and yourself.

Because you know for sure that your pet is traveling comfortably, you are also less distracted yourself. A good car seat also feels like a safe environment, causing your dog to experience less stress while driving.

Why the right size dog car seat is important

  • Safety on the road: A good dog car seat contributes to the safety of both yourself and your dog. The dog stays neatly in place by means of a belt or harness. This is certainly important if you suddenly have to swerve or brake hard.

    This way, you can prevent injuries to your dog and you can concentrate on the traffic.

  • Comfort and less stress: A comfortable dog bed feels like a safe place for your dog. This contributes to the animal's well-being during travel, but also reduces stress.

    This is certainly important when your dog does not like traveling or experiences anxiety while driving. A good car seat offers a sense of security.

    Protection of car interior: A good car seat for dogs also ensures that the interior of your car remains protected.

    In many cases, the seats or baskets are easy to remove and clean. Something that is often not the case with car upholstery.
a large dog on the back seat of a car

How to measure your dog correctly before buying a car seat

When buying a car seat, it is important to measure your dog correctly. A basket that is too small is uncomfortable, while a car seat that is too large offers too much space and can actually be unsafe during the journey.

For the best safety and comfort, measure not only the back length, width, and height, but also the length of your dog in sleeping position.


Step-by-step guide: how to measure your dog for a car seat

Below is a step-by-step plan for measuring your dog for a car seat

  1. MEASURING BACK LENGTH

    Measure your dog's back length from the tip of the neck to the base of the tail.
    Ensure that your dog is in a standing position while measuring.


  2. BODY LENGTH LYING DOG

    Preferably, measure your dog's body length when he is lying down in a sleeping position.
    Measure the length from the neck to the base of the tail and add approximately 25 cm to this. You can now choose a basket in which your dog can lie comfortably.


  3. WIDTH AND HEIGHT

    Measure the width of the back at the widest part.
    For most dog breeds, this is just behind the front legs, across the chest. Also measure the height of the dog from the ground to the highest point of the shoulder blades.


How to correctly measure your dog before buying a car seat

What size car seat should I buy for my dog ​​after measuring him?


The most important parameter when choosing a car seat for a dog is the length of the dog in a lying position.

You have already measured your dog lying down, from the neck to the base of the tail; for example, 30 cm. Add approximately 25 cm to that.
The result is 55 cm - this is approximately the length of the dog car seat.

📌 Also check if the car seat is suitable for your dog's weight and whether it fits on the back or front seat of your car.

Weight versus dimensions: what is more important when choosing a size?

Both weight and dimensions of your dog are important when choosing a car seat.

  • The dimensions are more important when you leave the dog car seat on the back seat.

  • Do you choose a dog basket for the car that you can also take with you, or a car seat that hangs on the passenger seat? Also pay attention to the maximum weight capacity.

hanging dog car seat

Small, medium, or large? Match the car seat to the breed and build of the dog

In addition to dimensions and weight, you can also choose a car seat for your dog based on build or breed.

There are special guidelines for this.
There are seats for small, medium, and large breeds, such as Golden Retrievers and Labradors.

"XS" & "S" Car seat small dog breed, car seat length 40-50 cm:
poodle, Pomeranian or Jack Russel
50 cm
"M" Car seat medium dog breed, car seat length 60-75 cm:
Border Collie, whippet or Beagle
75 cm
“L” & "XL" Car seat large dog breed, car seat length 80-100 cm:
Golden Retriever or Malinois
100 cm

Large dog bed for the back seat of the car

Car compatibility: does the dog car seat fit in the car?

When buying a car seat for dogs, also pay attention to the compatibility. A well-fitting seat increases safety for both yourself and your dog while traveling.
Most car seats for dogs have a universal fit and are easy to attach to the back seat or front seat with adjustable straps.


Optionally, you can also secure the car seat using the seatbelt on the back seat. Also pay attention to the width of the basket relative to that of the back seat. The basket must be supported.

If your dog is sitting in the front passenger seat, deactivate the front airbag and slide the seat back if possible.
However, the back seat remains the safest option for transporting a dog.

large dog bed for the back seat of the car

Common mistakes when choosing the right size (and how to avoid them)

Common mistakes when buying a car seat for dogs are measuring your dog incorrectly or relying solely on your dog's weight when choosing a car seat.

In many cases, this comes at the expense of comfort and safety on the road.

Another common mistake is choosing a car seat that cannot be secured properly.

  • Measure correctly: measure your dog correctly as in the step-by-step plan above
  • Take weight into account: also take your dog's weight into account
  • Compatibility with your car: ensure that you can secure the car seat properly

Common mistakes when purchasing a car seat for dogs

Buy a car seat for dogs at Zoospot

Would you like to take your dog with you in the car in a safe and comfortable way? At Zoospot, you will find car seats for small, medium-sized and large dogs.

In our assortment, you will also find dog car seats with a raised back and dog boosters for the car. Of course, we always ensure fast shipping.

Back to main blog