How to Install the American Tourister Dog Car Seat

The American Tourister Dog Car Seat provides a safe way for puppies and small breed dogs to ride in your vehicle. It provides an alternative to the unsafe habit of holding a dog on your lap or letting him roam around the car, whether you are going for a short ride or traveling a long distance. This booster-type dog seat fastens securely to the car's seat, and it also allows for easy access to fasten a harness on your dog to keep him from being injured in case of sudden braking or, more seriously, an accident. American Tourister advises that this seat has been discontinued, although it can still be found in stores providing discontinued merchandise.

  1. Description of Car Seat

    • The American Tourister Dog Car Seat is a vinyl covered, padded, square-shaped seat. The inside is also covered with orange vinyl. The inside and outside are easily washed with a wet cloth. The two top back corners of the seat have short straps that are securely attached to metal fasteners. The fasteners clip to similar metal fasteners on opposite ends of an adjustable strap. The strap fits around the headrest posts or another stable object to hold the top of the seat in place. The two bottom back corners have similar metal clips and an adjustable strap that slips through a fastened seat belt or a secure object on the seat. An additional strap is in the center of the inside back of the seat to attach to a pet harness for added safety

    Attaching the Seat

    • Position the dog car seat on a flat surface. Attach the bottom strap first. Clip one end of the strap to a clip on the left or right bottom corner of the seat. Slip the strap through a fastened seat belt or through the opening where the back and seat area meet. Make sure the strap slips around the seat belt or other sturdy object, then fasten the strap's clip to the clip on the opposite corner. Attach one end of the top strap to a clip on the left or right top corner. Wrap the strap around the headrest posts or the seat back, and fasten the clip to the one on the opposite top corner of the seat. Adjust both straps until they are snug.

    Raising the Seat Higher

    • Raise the seat to a level where your dog can see out the car window easily. Place a sturdy object, such as a foam pillow, under the booster seat. You can also place a pillow inside the seat so smaller dogs can see over the sides of the booster.

    Harness for Extra Safety

    • The Bark Buckle Up, an online site focused on pet safety, advises owners to secure your dog with a comfortable harness when he travels in a vehicle. A soft mesh harness that fits around the dog's chest works well for safety. Fasten the harness strap to the strap at the inside back of the car booster seat. For added security, slip the harness strap through the strap in the booster seat. Then, position the loose end of the harness strap between the back of the booster seat and the car seat. Push the strap down until it reaches a fastened seat belt or other sturdy object to serve as an anchor point.