Are you looking for a car seat for your chihuahua? Whether going for a road trip or a short drive, you’d naturally want your chi to be secure. So, what’s the best car seat for chihuahua? The best ones for these tiny dogs are booster seats, ensuring their comfort and safety.
A car seat is essential, no matter how short or long you drive. After all, even the most behaved chihuahuas can be in danger when in the car. But with the various designs available, finding a car seat for your chi can be challenging.
I’ve scoured the market to find the seven best car seats every chihuahua owner should have. See which seat suits your chi the best!
| CAR SEAT | BRAND | EXPERT RATING | CHECK PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Our Top Pick! Bloblo Dog Car Seat (Pet Booster - Coffee Stripe) |  | Check Price |
 | ISFC Pet Dog Booster Car Seat |  | Check Price |
 | PetSafe Happy Ride Booster Car Seat | | Check Price |
 | FANCYDELI Pet Laundry Dog Car Seat (Black) | | Check Price |
 | K&H Buckle N' Go Dog Car Seat | | Check Price |
 | Kurgo (Hammock) Dog Car Seat | | Check Price |
 | Pet Gear (360-View) Pet Carrier & Car Seat |  | Check Price |
What is the Best Car Seat for Chihuahua? Our Top 7 Picks!
OUR #1 CHOICE
OUR TOP PICK: Bloblo Dog Car Seat (Pet Booster - Coffee Stripe)
Product Name: Bloblo Dog Car Seat (Pet Booster - Coffee Stripe)
Product Description: My pick for the best car seat for chihuahua is Bloblo's booster car seat. It's an all-around car seat that adds comfort and security to your dog's commute. Resembling a small armchair, it can also double as a pet bed! And you don't need to worry about damaging it as it uses oxford cloth and polypropylene webbing. This combination makes the car seat incredibly sturdy and bite-resistant! Quality and materials aside, this car seat is also flexible and easy to install! It has an integrated adjustable buckle, allowing you to secure your chihuahua to the car seat. You can place it on your car's front or rear seats. Best of all, it can work in various vehicles thanks to its small size and design, perfect for toy dogs like chihuahuas. And if you ever need to store extra stuff, this car seat comes with side storage pockets. Moreover, for your convenience, it comes with a removable bottom mat. With this, you can clean the car seat on the go, ensuring maximum comfort for your chihuahua!
Offer price: $$$
Availability: InStock
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Durability
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Design
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Comfort
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Value for money
Overall
Summary
If comfort and flexibility are what you’re looking for in a car seat for your chi, choose Bloblo. The Bloblo Dog Car Seat has cushioned sides, allowing it to double as a pet bed! You can also remove its bottom to add extra padding for even more comfort. Backing this up is its impressive durability, using oxford cloth and polypropylene. These make the car seat bite-resistant, lasting you for a while. With this car seat, your chihuahua won’t have to cramp itself in a tiny space in your car ever again. And it’s also easy to install and adjust thanks to its straps—making it convenient for owners.
Pros
- It has a soft and breathable surface material.
- This car seat has a comfortable design for medium- to small-sized dogs.
- It lifts a chihuahua high enough to let them see out the car window.
- It can fit in the front and rear seats.
- The car seat comes with storage pockets on each side.
Cons
- This car seat can’t work if the backseat is a bench or a singular chair.
- Some users complained about its tether being flimsy.
- It is expensive.
RUNNERS-UP
ISFC Pet Dog Booster Car Seat
Do you want a reliable and quality car seat for your chihuahua but don’t have the budget for it? You don’t need to sacrifice quality for a cheap price tag, thanks to the ISFC Pet Dog Booster Car Seat!
Although it doesn’t have most padding or cushion for comfort, it boasts a metal frame support. This trait is enough to handle toy dogs like chihuahuas, ensuring their security. Generally, this car seat can take up to 15 lbs., which is more than enough for chihuahuas. So, even if your tiny chi keeps prodding the car seat, it won’t collapse!
Reinforced metal frames and PVC supports aside; it also has two safety belts. These fix the booster car seat, stopping it from sliding in the vehicle. Moreover, the car seat uses oxford cloth, which is durable and bite-resistant! And when combined, all these give you an impressively sturdy car seat for cheap.
Besides its durability, this car seat is commendable for its easy installation! It uses adjustable web straps, making the job of installation and removal a breeze in any car. And it comes with a safety leash, keeping the car seat secured.
The car seat also has a removable board, making cleaning more manageable. So, not only will your chihuahua enjoy this car seat, but you, the owner, will also appreciate its convenience!
But this car seat is unique because it uses an air-circulating mesh design. With this, your chihuahua can stay cool and breathe smoothly throughout the ride.
PetSafe Happy Ride Booster Car Seat
Are you tired of dealing with a sick chihuahua during tips? Look no further than PetSafe’s Happy Ride Booster Car Seat! As its name states, this car seat can boost your chihuahua to watch out the windows. As a result, this helps the dog feel more secure—reducing their motion sickness.
The car seat has a basket-like appearance made from polyester oxford shells. It also uses a soft fleece liner for added comfort. And since it uses those things, you can throw this into your washing machine without worry. With these combined, your chihuahua can sit and snuggle inside the car seat better.
Moreover, for your convenience, the car seat has adjustable straps for easy installation. You can place it on any bucket or bench car seat with headrests, keeping the seat bottom free. And when you’re not using it, you can remove it quickly and fold it for convenient storage.
But this car seat stands out because it boosts your chihuahua, allowing it to peek outside the windows. And not only does this make your chi less carsick, but it also gives you a better view from the driver’s seat. That way, you can keep track of your chihuahua while focusing on driving.
You can get this car seat in three different sizes, each holding up to 25 lbs., which is more than enough for a chihuahua.
FANCYDELI Pet Laundry Dog Car Seat (Black)
The FANCYDELI Dog Car Seat is a fashionable and practical option for sassy chis. These come in unique styles and colors, each holding up to 15 lbs., which is more than enough for chihuahuas! Regardless, you’ll be proud to show off this car seat while keeping your chi in place.
Style aside, this car seat uses durable, waterproof oxford cloth, ensuring long-lasting use. And paired with this are breathable mesh panels, promoting better airflow. Its soft flannel lining adds more to the car seat’s comfort, allowing your chi to snuggle down. With this, your chihuahua can go through any road trip in comfort—and style!
Its flexible straps and an adjustable safety belt with a hook hold the car seat in place. These secure your chihuahua in the car seat, preventing them from jumping off of it. But the downside is that these straps are prone to chewing, which can be an issue for younger chihuahuas.
Still, this car seat will last you for years with proper maintenance and upkeep. So, try to keep your chihuahua’s teeth away from the straps.
But the best thing about this car seat from FANCYDELI is that it comes with a two-year warranty! So, if you aren’t satisfied with the product, you can always get your cash back.
K&H Buckle N' Go Dog Car Seat
If you have an active chihuahua that likes to pace around during trips, choose the K&H brand. The Buckle N’ Go Dog Car Seat uses rugged high-denier synthetic fiber mix, “Cordura,” and mesh. It resembles standard tactical gear used for outdoor activities—providing ample space.
Adding to the car seat’s durability is its firm foam bolster. This feature further ensures your chihuahua’s safety and security while on the road.
Durability aside, the car seat also offers a comfortable place for your chi to hang out in any vehicle. Its mesh side paneling provides your chihuahua to peek out the windows while keeping them cool. With this, you can ensure your chihuahua stays safe from the sun.
But what makes this car seat from K&H one of the best for chihuahuas is its easy installation and maintenance! You can connect the car seat between the front-row and second-row headrest, attaching it to your vehicle’s seat belt buckle. That indicates that you can place the car seat on your driver or passenger side for your convenience.
Aside from that, cleaning and maintaining this car seat is a breeze, thanks to its quilted fleece! And best of all, all that is removable, making clean-ups more manageable.
You can get this car seat in two different colors and sizes.
Kurgo (Hammock) Dog Car Seat
The Kurgo (Hammock) Dog Car Seat is an excellent pick for a chihuahua who prefers ample moving room. Although mainly for medium- to large-sized dogs, this car seat hammock can also work for little chis.
As its name suggests, it is a doggy hammock that makes traveling more comfortable for any chi! It can connect to your car’s front- and second-row headrest, preventing your chihuahua from dropping to the footwell. You can place it higher than usual to allow your chi to look over the windows during the trip.
You don’t have to worry about your chihuahua tumbling during your drive, as the hammock comes with a wall. It confines your chihuahua to half of the second row, ensuring their safety while providing ample space. And you can also have someone sit with your chi here, securing your dog better!
What’s so good about these Kurgo hammocks is their flexibility. You can install two side by side, allowing you to transport your rambunctious chihuahua while maintaining order and cleanliness in your vehicle.
You can get this car seat hammock in three different colors and two sizes. And you can opt for other seat coverages, including half-seat or seat and floor.
Pet Gear (360-View) Pet Carrier & Car Seat
The Pet Gear 360-View Pet Carrier is my last pick for the best car seat for a chihuahua. As its name suggests, this car seat also doubles as a carrier, which is incredibly helpful for chi owners who travel a lot!
This dog seat/carrier was designed for small dogs like chihuahuas. It allows you to bring your chi into public transport, ensuring their safety and privacy. And you can put its dome cover to the side when traveling in your car. It’s a convenient product best for chis and their owners.
But despite providing ample security, this car seat doesn’t deprive your chi of fresh air and a full view outside. And it’s all thanks to its mesh walls, giving your chi a snippet of what’s happening.
Flexibility aside, this car seat also boasts easy installation. You can attach it to your car’s seat belt without using straps or tools. Its retractable dome cover has a metal carry bar and rope. And these allow owners to clip their dog’s harness to the seat for added security.
Moreover, this car seat makes the owner’s life easier by having a removable interior and washable pads. And you can get all these in one swipe as its zipper-less design only asks for one press of its button to open and close!
You can get this car seat in several hues and styles, each holding up to 15 lbs. of dog!
How to Choose the Best Car Seat for Chihuahua? (Buying Guide)
It would be best to consider some factors when finding a car seat for a chihuahua since it’s responsible for your dog’s safety and comfort during the journey. When searching for the best car seat for chihuahua, here are some things to keep in mind:
✅ Size
No matter the style, car seats are available for any dog breed. From the tiniest chihuahuas to enormous mastiffs—no dog gets left behind! But your chihuahua’s car seat should fit them well and can support their weight. The chair should have ample space for your chi to move around and adjust their sitting positions. This way, your chihuahua can enjoy the trip without sacrificing comfort.
But ensure the car seat doesn’t have too much space as this won’t provide proper side support. As a result, your chihuahua might free itself during the drive. And trust me, no one wants that to happen!
✅ Car Seat Style
The are many car seat styles, but carrier-style or booster seats are the best choices for chis. Aside from ensuring security and comfort, both are collapsible for your convenience. But the choice between the two seats comes down to the owner’s preference.
Carrier-style car seats allow chi owners to bring their dogs on public transport. And some can even turn into a cozy dog bed, perfect for long trips! Plus, you don’t need to worry about your chihuahua’s safety since they come with harnesses.
So, as long as you have a high-grade harness on hand, there’s no need to fret about your chi’s security. And these often come with leash hookups, allowing you to take your chihuahua on walks on a whim!
Meanwhile, booster car seats are best for anxious chihuahuas. These give these tiny dogs added height, letting them peek outside the window. And this can help calm your chihuahua down while preventing car sickness.
Although both products have different designs, connecting them to vehicles is the same. They come with harnesses that let you attach the seat to the car seat’s belts. Also, some booster seats have straps that attach to a car seat’s headrest or middle point. And these hover halfway, allowing your chihuahua to peek outside.
✅ Comfortability
Besides keeping your chihuahua strapped in, a quality car seat should ensure their comfort too! Hence, you can see most of them with cozy paddings or soft linings. And aside from offering a comfortable space, these also help chihuahuas see what’s going on—keeping them calm. But some chis need time to get used to a car seat, no matter how fluffy!
So, if you have a nervous chihuahua or a first-time rider, you’ll need time to help them adjust to a car seat. Generally, it’s best to train your chihuahua by bringing them in your car and placing them in the chair without driving off. And you can make it more fun for your chi by giving them their favorite treats or simply spending time with them.
Either way, get your chihuahua used to being in your car in increments. And once you see your doing being more relaxed, take them on short drives and increase the length as you progress. Eventually, your chihuahua will become more comfortable in the car, even on extended trips!
✅ Maintenance
No matter how used these tiny dogs are to traveling, chihuahuas aren’t immune to car sickness. And you can expect some accidents to arise, especially on extended road trips! Whether it’s food spillage, dirty paws bopping on your seats, or surprise vomit, you’d naturally want a manageable car seat! So, to make your life easier, consider how easy it is to maintain and clean a car seat.
I recommend searching for valuable features like removable or machine-washable lining and beddings. Aside from that, waterproof linings should do wonders in protecting your car seats too!
✅ Car Seat Height
The main culprit behind car sickness in chihuahuas is the lack of view. When these tiny dogs sense movement through hearing but don’t see what’s happening, they can feel sick. So, to avoid cleaning puke after each trip, consider the car seat’s height. Generally, booster seats are your best bet as they can lift a chihuahua safely. It gives these small dogs a better line of sight and lets them breathe fresh air.
✅ Materials
A chihuahua’s car seat should be durable. Its outer casing should handle any liquid, keeping the car clean and free from the muck. Aside from that, the inner padding must be sturdy yet comfortable. This design ensures comfort without being abrasive to your chihuahua’s coat.
Durability aside, the material should also be safe and non-toxic to avoid irritating your chi’s skin. And the car seat should have soft yet breathable surface material, keeping your dog cool. You can find the materials used in making the car seat via the product label or online description.
✅ Design
A car seat for chihuahuas must be efficient in keeping your chi secure in the vehicle. But it should also be comfortable for them, especially on extended journeys! And most importantly, the car seat should be accessible in emergencies. That way, you can grab your chi ASAP.
I also recommend looking for other convenient features like collapsibility. This trait helps you store the car seat without consuming too much space.
✅ Independent Testing
Although most car seat makers claim that they’ve conducted crash tests on their products, there are no industry standards for dog car restraints. So, looking for a car seat’s crash testing results via an independent third-party group is best.
For instance, organizations like the CPS performed crash tests on some car seats with a dog crash test dummy. As a result, they established safety standards and requirements evaluating dog travel items like car seats.
So far, only a handful of dog travel items have obtained the organization’s crash test certifications. But many brands are working on getting a certificate!
Usually, the safest car seats are pricier than others, but they’re 100% worthwhile. It’s a long-term investment beneficial for your chihuahua and their safety.
Traveling with a Chihuahua – Safety Tips to Consider!
Chihuahuas make for excellent travel companions. These tiny dogs love to go where their owners go! And the best part is, their things only take up a bit of room, so you should be able to bring your chi nearly anywhere. But aside from getting your chihuahua a quality car seat, there are other safety considerations to take, such as:
1️⃣ Safety First
You must ensure the car seat you choose for your chihuahua is crash safety tested. And you can find most products’ performance via the Center for Pet Safety. You can visit the organization’s website for more information about each car seat.
Aside from the car seat, I recommend bringing your chi to the vet before the big trip and having them microchipped. If your chihuahua doesn’t have one yet, it’s crucial to have them get it to ensure their safety. After all, these nervous dogs tend to run off when outside and unsupervised.
So, to avoid losing your chi when letting them ride loose in their car seat, get them microchipped!
2️⃣ Health
Ensure your chihuahua’s vaccinations are up to date. And no, not only for your state but also for those you’ll visit. I recommend traveling with copies of your chi’s vaccination records from their vet. This way, you won’t have to worry about having your chi rejected entry in certain places.
You don’t have to bring the physical copies of these vaccinations, as most establishments accept soft copies. So, snap some pics of your chi’s vaccination records, and you’re good to go!
Aside from that, I also suggest consulting your vet about what vaccines your chi doesn’t have. And see which ones they may recommend for your destinations! For instance, if you live in Arizona, where vets seldomly offer Leptospirosis vaccination for chis, you might need it elsewhere.
3️⃣ Secure the Essentials
When your chihuahua is fully vaccinated, and you already have a reliable car seat on hand, the next thing to secure is the essentials! After all, no adventure is complete without a chihuahua’s must-haves, such as:
- Dog food
- Potty bags
- Food and water bowls
- A reliable leash
I recommend bringing light and healthy food to keep your chihuahua satisfied. These don’t overstuff your chi, saving you from cleaning up puke during the trip.
4️⃣ Don’t Forget the Non-Essentials (Still Important!)
Depending on your destination, you might need to bring non-essentials as well. These help your chi adjust to the new places. For instance, if you live in the south and often travel to colder locations, you must bring jackets for your chi. Another example is if you’re looking to go on a hike, you’ll need to get a doggy stroller for your chihuahua.
Carefully consider where you’re going and see if there’s anything your chi might need that’s not in the essentials!
5️⃣ Toys, toys, toys
Since chihuahuas can get bored fast and may become a bit aggressive, you’ll need to pack up some toys. These can help your chi stay busy during the extended drives and stay in hotel rooms. I recommend bringing easy-to-store stuff that won’t go bad fast, like dental chews or dog bones. These things can keep your chihuahua entertained during longer drives while keeping their teeth healthy.
It’s best to get softer chew for chihuahuas, as these tiny dogs are prone to choking! And it can be challenging to keep an eye out on your chi while in the car. So, opt for soft chews that are safer for your chihuahua’s teeth. And you don’t need to worry since these can also last for a while.
6️⃣ Dealing with Motion Sickness
Motion sickness can make any road trip unbearable for owners and chihuahuas alike. And the best way to tackle this is with your vet’s help. Generally, vets will suggest OTC medication like Dramamine for chihuahuas. These can help your chi become more comfortable, especially during extended rides.
Give the medication to your chi every car ride for at least a month to help your dog set up a new behavioral response. Doing so will help your chihuahua enjoy the trips without taking medication.
7️⃣ Prepare a Chihuahua First Aid Kit
As scary as it is to think about accidents during a trip, it’s best to prepare yourself. So, I recommend always having a first aid kit dedicated to your chi. You can get portable dog first aid kits via organizations like the AKC. But you can save money and DIY by bringing things your chihuahua might need, like Benadryl.
8️⃣ Be Flexible — and Ready
When taking your chihuahua on a road trip, be always ready for changes. After all, no journey is the same. For instance, your original 7-hour drive might turn into a 10-hour one if your chihuahua suddenly gets an upset tummy or requires more potty stops. So, to make the trip easier for both of you, always have a plan for the unexpected. This way, you can give yourself more time to prepare for the journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How to take a chihuahua in a car?
A: Once you’ve fitted a harness on your chihuahua, place them on the car seat. Doing so restrains your chi, keeping them safe during the entire trip. Remember to fit the harness into your car’s seatbelt to ensure it doesn’t come off.
Q: How to calm my chihuahua down in the car?
A: Allow your chihuahua to sit inside their car seat while the car’s parked. Use dog treats to your advantage and call your chi into the vehicle while stationary. I recommend sitting with your chihuahua for 5 to 10 minutes to calm them down. Without the stimulation of traveling, your chi will relax more when in the car. Once your dog becomes more comfortable, drive them further and further.
Q: How to secure a chihuahua in the car?
A: Strap your dog with the best car seat for chihuahua with a harness or seat belt. With these, you can keep chis of any size securely strapped in your vehicle. And they should help you keep your chihuahua from hanging their head out your car’s windows.
Q: Are chihuahuas good in vehicles?
A: Chihuahuas are excellent travel buddies and generally do well in cars. But you’ll need to help your chi get used to being inside the vehicle before you can drive anywhere with them. Once your chihuahua gets used to the sensation, traveling with them should be a breeze!
Q: Why do some chihuahuas not like car rides?
A: Chihuahuas afraid of car rides might’ve associated them with negative experiences. For instance, your chi might think you’re bringing them to the vet. And that worry may develop into a fear, letting your dog associate car rides with vet visits! So, help your chihuahua appreciate these drives more with positive reinforcement. And what better way to bring their favorite treats and toys in the car?
Final Words
The best car seat for chihuahua ensures your dog stays in a secure spot in the vehicle. As a result, your chi can stay safe and comfy even on extended drives! Whether you go for a carrier, booster seat, or a hammock, these are perfect for chihuahuas. From there, both of you will be able to enjoy the journey no matter how long—or short!
Here at ILoveChihuahua, we share our personal experiences as owners of this feisty breed. We talk about recommended methods, dog supplies picks, and advice on common Chihuahua problems. Our goal is to promote responsible dog ownership, so there would be fewer Chihuahuas in shelters.
