Best Dog Car Beds UK: Boot Liners, Car Seat Covers, Travel Crates & Safe Restraint Options Compared

Dog car beds have seen a 117% surge in search interest, driven partly by increased awareness of the Highway Code Rule 57, which states that animals must be “suitably restrained” in vehicles. Combine this with more dog-friendly UK holidays and the post-pandemic road trip boom, and it’s clear why owners are investing in comfortable, safe car solutions.

But what counts as “suitably restrained”? And which option — bed, harness, crate, or barrier — is actually best for your dog and your wallet?

UK Law: What You Need to Know

Highway Code Rule 57 states: “When in a vehicle make sure dogs or other animals are suitably restrained so they cannot distract you while you are driving or injure you, or themselves, if you stop quickly.”

While not a specific criminal offence, driving with an unrestrained dog can lead to:

• Driving without due care and attention — up to a £5,000 fine
• Invalidated car insurance — if an unrestrained pet is deemed to have caused an accident
• Animal Welfare Act prosecution — if the animal is injured due to inadequate restraint

A proper dog car bed with a seat belt attachment or a secured crate meets the legal requirement.

Types of Dog Car Solutions

1. Dog Car Beds (Elevated/Booster)

Padded beds that sit on or attach to the back seat, elevating smaller dogs so they can see out of the window (reduces car sickness). Most have a safety tether that clips to the dog’s harness and the car’s seat belt buckle.

Best for: Small to medium dogs, dogs who get car sick, dogs who like to watch the scenery

2. Boot Liners & Bed Combos

Full boot protection mats with integrated padded beds. They cover the bumper lip (preventing scratches), line the boot floor, and provide a comfortable bed. Some include side wall protection and a divider net.

Best for: Large dogs, estate cars and SUVs, muddy adventurers

3. Car Seat Covers with Hammock Function

Cover the entire back seat, creating a hammock between the front and rear headrests. This prevents your dog from falling into the footwell during braking and protects seats from dirt, hair, and scratches. Some include mesh windows so your dog can see through and you can reach back.

Best for: Medium to large dogs, protecting premium car interiors

4. Travel Crates (Crash-Tested)

The safest option. Rigid crates that fit in the boot, secured with ratchet straps. Crash-tested models are designed to withstand forces up to 25G without collapsing. This is the only option that genuinely protects your dog in a serious collision.

Best for: Safety-conscious owners, long journeys, dogs who settle better in enclosed spaces

Best Dog Car Beds & Accessories in the UK

1. Orvis Grip-Tight Quilted Microfiber Hammock Seat Protector

The premium choice. Waterproof backing, quilted top layer, universal fit. The hammock design prevents footwell falls. Includes side flaps that protect door panels. Machine washable.

Price: £85-110 | Best for: Premium car interiors

2. RAC Advanced Boot Liner & Bumper Protector

Purpose-designed for UK cars. Heavy-duty waterproof liner with integrated bumper flap. Non-slip base. Fits most hatchbacks and estates. The RAC branding means solid quality.

Price: £25-35 | Best for: Budget-friendly boot protection

3. PetSafe Happy Ride Booster Seat

Elevated car bed for small dogs (up to 12kg). The steel frame keeps the bed rigid and elevated. Includes a safety tether that connects to the seat belt and your dog’s harness. The raised position helps reduce car sickness.

Price: £30-45 | Best for: Small dogs, car sickness sufferers

4. Variocage Single (Crash-Tested Crate)

The gold standard in crash-tested dog crates. Swedish-designed, tested to withstand 25G impact forces (equivalent to a 48km/h collision). Adjustable width for different boot sizes. Used by police and military K9 units across Europe.

Price: £500-800 | Best for: Maximum safety, frequent motorway travellers

Comparison Table

Option	Safety	Comfort	Price	Best For
Car Bed/Booster	🟡 Moderate	✅ Excellent	£30-50	Small dogs, short trips
Boot Liner	🟡 Moderate	✅ Good	£25-40	Large dogs, muddy walks
Hammock Cover	🟡 Moderate	✅ Good	£25-110	Back seat protection
Crash-Tested Crate	✅ Excellent	🟡 Moderate	£500-800	Maximum safety
Seat Belt Harness	🟡 Moderate	🟡 Moderate	£15-30	Budget, quick solution

Car Sickness Tips

Many dogs suffer from car sickness, especially puppies. Here’s how to help:

• Elevate: A booster bed helps because seeing the horizon reduces motion sickness (just like in humans).
• Fresh air: Crack a window slightly for ventilation. Air conditioning alone isn’t enough.
• Empty stomach: Don’t feed for 2-3 hours before travel.
• Short trips first: Build up journey length gradually. Start with 5-minute drives to positive destinations (park, not the vet!).
• Medication: For severe cases, your vet can prescribe Cerenia (maropitant) — the only licensed anti-nausea drug for dogs in the UK.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to restrain my dog in the car by law?

Yes. Highway Code Rule 57 requires animals to be “suitably restrained.” While it’s not a specific criminal offence, an unrestrained dog can lead to a fine of up to £5,000 for driving without due care, and may invalidate your car insurance in the event of an accident.

Are crash-tested dog crates worth the cost?

If you drive on motorways regularly, yes. In a 48km/h collision, an unrestrained 25kg dog becomes a 500kg projectile. Crash-tested crates like the Variocage are the only products proven to contain a dog during impact. For occasional local driving, a secured car bed or harness is adequate.

Can my dog sit on the front seat?

Legally, yes — provided they are restrained. However, vets and safety experts recommend the back seat or boot. Front-seat airbags can injure or kill a dog if deployed. If using the front seat, ensure the airbag is deactivated.