Looking for the best car seat for your dog in 2026? The short answer: the TAVO Maeve (See price) is the most versatile choice for most dogs, the TAVO Dupree II (See price) wins if you also fly, and the TAVO Crispin (See price) is the best option for larger dogs who need to travel in a crate. The full comparison, by situation, is below.
At a glance
| Category | Winner | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Best overall | TAVO Maeve | See price |
| Best for car + plane | TAVO Dupree II | See price |
| Best for tight spaces & transit | TAVO Hendrick | See price |
| Best for larger dogs | TAVO Crispin | See price |
| Best value car + walk | TAVO Maeve + Roscoe Trek Set | See price |
1. Best overall: TAVO Maeve (See price)
The TAVO Maeve is the most certified pet car seat on the market: crash-tested to ECE R129, with integrated ISOFIX (no separate base needed) and EPP foam with Tailor Tech™ memory foam for side-impact protection. The Maeve comes in three sizes: Iso5X (up to 13.5 kg), Iso6X (up to 18 kg) and Iso7X (up to 18 kg, extra length, also as an L/R variant), and each size is available as Standard or Wind (extra ventilation). That makes the Maeve suitable for most small to medium-sized dogs, and thanks to the direct connection to the TAVO Roscoe Trek stroller frame, you can go from the car to the walk without disturbing your dog.
2. Best for both car and plane: TAVO Dupree II (See price)
If you regularly travel by plane as well as by car, the TAVO Dupree II is the smartest choice: the same carrier serves as a crash-tested ISOFIX car seat (ECE R129) and as an airline-approved carry-on that fits under the seat. Weighing 2.49 kg with a maximum capacity of 9 kg (outer dimensions 47×29×26 cm, inner dimensions 47×28×22 cm), this is the best option for small dogs travelling with you, without needing two different products.
3. Best for tight spaces and public transport: TAVO Hendrick (See price)
The TAVO Hendrick combines an ECE R129 crash-tested ISOFIX car seat with a flexible, foldable carrier frame, ideal if you often switch between car, train and on foot. With a maximum capacity of 20.4 kg (outer dimensions 54.5×34.5×38 cm, inner dimensions 52.5×32×31 cm), the Hendrick suits medium-sized dogs, and the flexible frame fits more easily into tight spaces than a rigid crate. With the separately available stroller adapter, you can also connect the Hendrick to the Roscoe Trek.
4. Best for larger dogs: TAVO Crispin (See price)
If your dog needs to travel in a crate rather than a car seat, the TAVO Crispin is the best choice. This impact-tested crate comes in three sizes: S (up to 22.7 kg), M (up to 24.9 kg) and L (up to 27.2 kg), and has seatbelt attachment points, so the crate itself stays firmly in place in the car instead of sliding around. Curious what an impact-tested crate adds compared to a regular dog crate? Read our article on the TAVO Crispin versus a standard dog crate.
5. Best value for car and walking combined: TAVO Maeve + Roscoe Trek Set (See price)
If you want both a safe car seat and a stroller for walks, the TAVO Maeve + Roscoe Trek Set is more affordable than buying both products separately. The Maeve car seat clicks directly onto the Roscoe Trek stroller frame (6.6 kg, multi-terrain suspension, 360° swivel wheel), so your dog stays in the same familiar seat from the car to the walk. Buying the Roscoe Trek frame separately, you can check the current price on the product page; combined with a Maeve series, you benefit from the bundle discount.
Full specification comparison
| Model | Max. weight | ISOFIX | Airline-approved | Connects to stroller frame | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TAVO Maeve | up to 18 kg | Yes, integrated | No | Yes, direct (Roscoe Trek) | See price |
| TAVO Dupree II | up to 9 kg | Yes, integrated | Yes (carry-on) | Yes, with adapter (Roscoe Trek) | See price |
| TAVO Hendrick | up to 20.4 kg | Yes, integrated | No | Yes, with adapter (Roscoe Trek) | See price |
| TAVO Crispin (S/M/L) | up to 27.2 kg | No (seatbelt attachment) | No | No | See price |
Frequently asked questions
Is a car seat legally required for my dog?
This differs by country: none of Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, France or Spain has a law that literally requires a car seat, but everywhere your dog must be secured so the driver's vision and freedom of movement aren't obstructed. Read the details per country in our article TAVO in the car: what does the law say?
What's the difference between a car seat and a crate?
A car seat like the Maeve, Dupree II or Hendrick has ISOFIX and is crash-tested as a seating position; a crate like the Crispin is an enclosed, impact-tested housing with seatbelt attachment, usually for larger dogs. See also our article TAVO Maeve vs. Hendrick vs. Dupree II.
Can I use the same car seat as a stroller?
Yes, the Maeve, Dupree II and Hendrick can all (with or without an adapter) be connected to the TAVO Roscoe Trek stroller frame, so your dog goes from the car to the walk without switching.
Still unsure whether to choose a car seat or a full stroller system? Read our article dog buggy or TAVO travel system: what's the difference?
