My Yorkshire Terrier, Louie, is a cautious dog who used a kennel-style car seat from puppyhood until recently. He stayed calm inside the kennel, but as he grew older, he clearly wanted to sit up and look outside. Closing the door made him cry, and leaving it open meant he stood the entire ride. I wanted him to sit, lean, and observe the outside safely, so I switched to the Ssoook full-cover dog car seat. This post shares how it worked for Louie.
1. Ssoook full-cover car seat design
The Ssoook dog car seat is built with a fully enclosed structure that supports the dog from all sides. From the outside it looks soft, but the internal frame helps reduce the chance of the dog being thrown forward during sudden stops or impacts. The walls are firm yet cushioned, allowing dogs to lean or rest without feeling excessive movement.
The entire cover is removable and washable. The outer fabric resists dirt, and an additional waterproof inner layer helps keep the seat clean. Since many dog car seats are difficult to wash, this was a major reason I chose this one.
2. Assembly process
The car seat arrives in separate parts, so some assembly is required. The cover and internal cushions are packed separately. A video guide is provided, but the process is straightforward even without it.
Each side cushion is inserted and zipped closed, followed by attaching the bottom panel. The waterproof liner is secured with snap buttons, and finally the bottom cushion is placed inside. The only slightly tricky part was positioning the U-shaped cushion evenly, but once assembled, the structure felt stable and well-shaped.
3. Washing and maintenance
Although the seat includes a waterproof liner, there are small openings for the safety tether attachment. In rare cases of accidents, full washing may be necessary. Disassembly follows the same steps in reverse.
The ability to fully separate and wash the cover makes long-term use much more manageable, especially for dogs that travel often.
4. Front passenger and back seat installation
Louie weighs about 3 kg. I considered both small and large sizes, but chose medium so he could stretch his legs comfortably. Installed in the front passenger seat of a CR-V, the medium size slightly extends past the seat edge. I placed a support pad underneath and tightened the straps to keep it aligned.
The seat can also be installed in the back seat. However, it takes up significant space, making it difficult for two adults to sit comfortably. For us, front passenger installation worked better, leaving the back seat available.
5. Sunshade attachment
Even with tinted windows, I added the sunshade because I live in a country with strong sunlight. Installation required some adjustment. I raised the headrest and secured the shade around the middle section.
The sunshade helped reduce visual stimulation. Since the reason for switching from a kennel was Louie’s dislike of enclosed spaces, I wanted partial visibility rather than full blocking. The shade softened external movement and light, which noticeably reduced Louie’s barking during rides. For sensitive dogs or frequent daytime driving, this accessory is worth considering.
Reflections
Switching from a kennel to a full-cover car seat changed how Louie experiences car rides. He can now sit comfortably, lean, and look outside without standing the entire time.
Ease of washing, solid support, and flexible installation made this seat practical for daily use. Choosing a car seat that matches both the dog’s temperament and the vehicle layout made a clear difference in travel comfort.