This dog car seat cost me about $12 for materials. Looking on Amazon or at local stores they can run at the cheapest $35 going up over $100.

I was determined to make my own dog car seat that my dog could be safe and secure in but have enough room to sit, stand, or even lay down. I can trust it enough to put my dog in which I consider as a child of mine, so I don't see why others couldn't do the same.

Step 1: Materials

1: Stacking basket (This is what your animal will be sitting in so change the size for your animals specifications)

2: Small tote

3: Drill

4: Shelf grip liner

5: Belay hooks

6: adjustable shoulder strap (Rope or bungee cord will work)

7: Tape measure

8: A strong rope you can tie into a loop with a keychain ring

Step 2: Measuring the Seat Space

I have a bucket seat style seat and measure the kind of, checkered print area in the seat for the tote to sit in. I took the small tote (without a lid) and measured the top of it. It comes out very close to the measurements of the car seat. This tote will be use to put in the car flipped over on its lid.

Step 3: Drilling the Hole

Drill two holes. The holes need to be on the same side of the basket in line with each other as you will see later.

Step 4: Putting the Belay Clip in the Hole

Dexter, my miniature schnauzer, decided to be very interested in my work so I snapped a picture of I'm while I was building.

Place the belay clip in the hole on both sides.

Step 5: Cushioning for Your Animal to Sit On. (optional)

I took an old bed sheet and cut a square out of it. I wrapped a pillow up in it so my dog could have something soft to sit on to make it more comfortable.

Step 6: Installing the Adjustable Strap

Take the shoulder strap (Or whatever rope like material you choose) and attach it to the belay clips you installed earlier. This strap goes behind the head rest in your car so make sure you have enough length on the strap.

Next put in a blanket for your animal so that they're cushioned on all sides of the basket.

Step 7: Putting in the Animal Restraint

This is your most important piece. On the opposite side of the basket where the belay clips are placed, put a belay clip in the middle. This is so you can hook your animal to the basket and they can't get out of the basket, and are kept secured, like an animal seat belt.

Pictures 2-4 are how I tied the knot for the restraint.

I then added a belay clip to the restraint to later hook to my dogs harness or collar.

Step 8: Installing the Car Seat

1. Place the tote upside down in the seat so it won't be able to move.

2. Next, place the shelf grip liner onto of the tote so the basket can't slide around

3. After that, place the car seat on top of the grip liner.

4. Take the strap and loop it around the back of the car seat, picture 5 shows how the strap is suppose to look.

Step 9: Securing Your Pet

Take the restraint from earlier and hook it to your pets collar or harness.

NOTE: It is preferred that your animal be placed in a harness so if you must slam on the breaks or take a quick turn, you're less likely to choke your animal. I only used my dogs collar for an example, I always put his harness on for a car ride.

Step 10: Finished Product

Now your animal can have a safe ride and be up high enough to get a view out the window. This product is best suited for small dogs since larger dogs can take up whole car seats. I love this project and use it every time I take Dexter for a ride.

He's an 18 lb. dog, if you were wondering an example of size.