If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Shopping Travel & Lifestyle Products This Elevated Pet Seat Protects My Car’s Interior and Keeps My Dog Safe During Drives It’s perfect for short drives or long road trips. By Rachel Trujillo Rachel Trujillo Rachel Trujillo is a shopping writer with more than seven years of experience. She was previously the associate shopping editor for Food Network and graduated with a Bachelor of Journalism degree with an emphasis in Magazine Editing from the University of Missouri. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Published on June 10, 2024 04:00AM EDT Photo: Real Simple / Francesca Fasciglione The first time I took my dog on a flight, she was a small puppy who happily relaxed in her carrier and slept soundly from takeoff to landing. While she has remained an easy dog to travel with by plane, driving in the car has been another story. On even the shortest trips, she’d hide her head under my arms and refuse to sit anywhere except my lap during the drive. It’s been a flawed system that I’ve made work for a few years, but I knew I needed a more long-term solution. That search brought me to PetSafe’s Happy Ride Dog Safety Seat, and it was a game-changer from day one. Happy Ride Dog Safety Seat Petsafe $90 at Petsafe.com I was initially skeptical considering my dog tried to jump out of the carrier the moment I strapped her in. Once we started driving, though, she immediately settled in, relaxed, and enjoyed the ride. Since the seat is propped up, she is able to see out of the windows, which I think helped her to calm down, and the raised sides and added cushion created a comfortable environment. While I love that my dog was able to get cozy, the biggest pro to this product is the added safety I feel when driving her around. Now, she’s in a more secure position, and my driving is no longer compromised by trying to steer with her on my lap. The dog seat fits comfortably both in my front passenger seat and backseat and is secured to the car by looping the seat belt though the base of the carrier. Once placed inside, I simply hook my dog’s harness up to the included tether that keeps her confined to her space.This product is also a great option for anyone looking to protect their car’s interior from wear and tear. I no longer have to worry about hair or dirt getting all over my car, and the removable liner is machine washable for easy maintenance. Putting the carrier together and securing it into my car was easy to do on my own. The interior is soft and cozy, but I do agree with some reviews noting that the inner cushion is pretty thin, though my dog doesn’t seem to mind. PetSafe’s Happy Ride Dog Safety Seat will be essential for upcoming drives to local hiking trails, beaches, and road trips this summer, and I think I can speak for both me and my dog that we can’t wait to hit the road. Shoppers also found success with the safety seat, including one person who said it “makes [their] 12-pound Silky Terrier so happy.” They called it a “well-built product that functions perfectly.” Another reviewer shared that it’s “the safest seat” and is “comfy for [their] pups.”The safety seat is meant for dogs weighing up to 30 pounds, but PetSafe offers more pet travel products to fit a variety of dog breeds and sizes. To shop more options from PetSafe, keep scrolling. Happy Ride Quilted Hammock Seat Cover Petsafe $110 at Petsafe.com Happy Ride Bucket Seat Car Dog Bed Petsafe $55 at Petsafe.com Happy Ride Side Door Pet Steps Petsafe $150 at Petsafe.com Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit More Must-Shop Products A Do-It-All Can Opener and 5 More Clever Items—All Under $45 Fall Denim From Levi's, Gloria Vanderbilt, and More Just Dropped—Starting at $16 6,000+ Shoppers Love These $4 Snuggly Bath Towels They Call Spa-Like