Dog Car Seat Review: Why I Chose the MELLESON Soft Kennel for Louie

© Text & Photos by Yoo Yun

If you’ve ever traveled with your dog, you know how important it is to find a car seat that offers both comfort and safety.
After trying different options, I decided on the MELLESON Soft Kennel—and I’ve been incredibly happy with the choice.

Why I Chose a Kennel Instead of a Traditional Dog Car Seat

At first, I considered a cute and fluffy car seat. But then I asked myself—can a single safety strap really protect my dog during an accident?

In fact, some designs with a loose safety strap could cause more harm than good in the event of a crash. That’s why I decided to prioritize safety over style.

I looked into using a kennel as a car seat instead.
A hard-shell kennel could crack and become dangerous during impact, so I chose a soft kennel for its safer structure.

There were two main options: MELLESON and VENTRA.
While VENTRA was more affordable, I went with MELLESON for a few important reasons:

MELLESON is a reputable German brand.
VENTRA opens on all sides, which I felt was less secure for car travel.

What I Love About the MELLESON Soft Kennel

● Lightweight and Easy to Carry

The kennel is light enough to move easily.
For size 52, it’s easy to clean out, fold up, or carry by the handle even without folding.

● Washable

Hygiene is so important with pet products, and this kennel is fully washable.
That makes maintenance quick and hassle-free.

● Excellent Ventilation

Even on hot days, Louie feels comfortable inside because of the breathable mesh panels.

● Great as a Car Seat

Without a proper seat, Louie tends to get anxious and move around too much in the car.
Inside the MELLESON, he stays calm—either lying down or looking out the window.

There are built-in straps for securing the kennel with the car’s seatbelt from all sides.
No matter how you place it, it stays stable.

● Waterproof Interior

The interior surface is waterproof, which is not only good for accidents, but also prevents dust from sticking.
It’s easy to clean—just rinse it out.

● Spacious Inside

Size 52 can comfortably fit two dogs weighing around 2kg each.
(But for safety, one dog per kennel is always better.)

A Closer Look at How We Use It

I captured a few everyday moments with Louie in his MELLESON Soft Kennel—whether he’s sitting calmly, watching out the window, or enjoying a snack in a parked car.
He even naps in it!

For long drives or highway travel, I zip up the top flap so he can rest more securely.
It gives him a cozy, enclosed space that feels safe.

Design Details That Matter

The exterior cover can be rolled up and fixed with Velcro, or pulled down completely to block light. Don’t worry—air still circulates inside.
Two sides open: the front and the left.
Secure zipper hooks prevent the zippers from sliding open during a drive or being opened by curious paws.
This is a must-have safety feature.

Folding the MELLESON Kennel Is Easy

Locate the “OPEN” tags on both sides of the frame.
Slide them according to the arrows to release the frame.
Fold the front, then the back panels.
Use the buckle to secure.

That’s it!

Who This Product Is Perfect For

You travel often by car with your dog
You want your dog to feel safe and calm during trips
You’re concerned about accident safety and proper restraint

If you have questions about how the MELLESON Soft Kennel works as a dog car seat, feel free to leave a comment!
Wishing you safe and happy travels with your furry friends 🐾

Original Post (Korean):

https://blog.naver.com/heartkeepers/223679228505