Dog Car Harness: Keeping Dogs in Cars Safe [2023 Guide]
If you’re anything like me, you love to take your dog with you wherever you can. Whether I’m going to the park, popping out for lunch or visiting a friend, my Bichon Frise Rocky will be along for the ride. No matter how short or long the drive is, it’s vital that you keep your dog safe in your car. Cars aren’t built for dog safety, like they are for humans, so you need other means of protecting your pooch.
A dog car harness will not only protect your dog from harm while on the road, but they protect you too. Driving with your dog on your lap or unrestrained in your back seat can be as distracting as texting or talking on your cell phone. In fact, driving with an unrestrained dog is actually illegal in the whole of the UK, Australia, as well as many states in the US. Dog car harnesses are a safe and comfortable way to restrain your dog, but you need to ensure it is good quality, and the right fit for your dog.
In this article, we will guide you through exactly what dog car harnesses are, how to use them and how to get your dog used to being in one. Additionally, we will outline the law on driving with dogs in the car and how to choose the best car harness for your dog.
What is a dog car harness?
Dog car harnesses are designed to restrain dogs in an upright or sitting position in the back seat of a vehicle. Most harnesses work with use of a car’s existing seatbelt strap for extra security and protection. Dog car harnesses look like standard dog harnesses, but they have extra components that allow you to attach them to the car seat belt. Additionally, quality dog car harnesses are usually stronger and more robust than standard harnesses. This is because they need to withstand potential high forces in the event of an accident.
Normally harnesses fit over the dog’s head, attaching around the chest and upper torso. The car’s seat belt then slips through the dog’s harness to secure your dog to the car. Combining your human seatbelt with a well-designed dog harness will provide the ultimate dog safety in the car. A good dog car harness will restrict movement of your dog. This is to ensure that they are not a distraction to the driver, and to protect them during an accident. Some allow dogs to sit up right where others will hold your dog in an upright position.
What’s the difference between a dog car harness and a dog seat belt?
Dog restraint comes in a few different styles but the premise is the same – they attach your dog’s collar or harness to your car’s seat. Some dog seat belts clip into the seat belt buckle while others loop around the car seat’s headrest. Additionally, dog car harnesses have loops for the car’s existing seat belt to slip through. Most of them can be adjusted in length to accommodate different sized dogs.
DOG SEAT BELT
A dog seat belt functions largely in the same way as standard seat belts for humans. They usually plug directly into the receiver/buckle in the car at one end and clipping onto a harness or collar at the other. A dog seat belt is quick and easy to use.
Dog seat belts can normally be adjusted to an extent to suit dogs of varying sizes. The leads for dog seat belts should generally be long enough to allow a dog to remain upright during a car ride, but not so long as to allow them to tumble around the back seat.
Belts allow dogs a degree of freedom while they’re in the back seat. Dogs can move enough so they can sit, lie down, or stand freely, but still without distracting the driver. This is why seat belts are often preferred over dog car harnesses for active and fidgety dogs.
DOG CAR HARNESS
Although harnesses do not give dogs the same freedom of movement in the back seat as a dog seat belt, they’re safer. In the event of a crash, while wearing a harness your dog is more likely to escape uninjured. A dog car harness is safer because they spread the impact force of a sudden jolt to the dog’s body. Because the force is spread, there is less of a strain on a single part of your dog’s body. Local strain can be very dangerous for a dog. For example, a seat belt attached to a collar, could damage a dog’s neck in the event of the car coming to a sudden stop.
Do you need a dog car harness?
So many dogs love going out for a ride in the car. Usually because it means something fun on the other side – playing ball in the park, going for a swim in a lake or visiting one of their friends. Just a jingle of the keys, and many dogs run straight to the door with a grin on their faces. So why ruin the fun by strapping your dog down with a dog car harness?
Or, in contrast, maybe your dog suffers from travel anxiety when in the car – fearing the car worrying that they’re on their way to the vet or groomers. Why make car rides worse by introducing a dog car harness?
Because they will be so much safer – and what is more important than that?
Many pet owners allow their dogs to roam freely in their cars, hanging their heads out the window with ears flapping in the wind. However, there are huge dangers involved. PetMD shared an article explaining that an 80-pound dog, such as a Labrador Retriever, becomes a 2,400 pound projectile in a car accident occurring at just 50mph (source: here). In the same way a human seat belt protects us in car accidents, a harness or dog seat belt will protect your dog.
Additionally, in many places, it’s against the law to drive with an unrestrained dog in the car. This is the case in the whole of the UK, Australia and many states in the US. We will discuss this the law on dog seat belts and harnesses in detail below.
What are the benefits of using a dog car harness?
A dog car harness will not only protect your dog, it will also protect you, other passengers and other drivers on the road. Unrestrained dogs in cars are a hazard.
Putting all of the legal requirements aside, driving with your dog on your lap or even unrestrained in your back seat can be as distracting as texting or talking on the phone.
Just a second of distraction, is all it takes to be part of a road accident. So, even just taking a picture of your dog, petting him or tossing him a treat is dangerous. Not only is this potentially dangerous to you and your pup, it’s a danger to to other drivers on the road.
Dog seat belts and dog car harnesses help to prevent driver distraction. A study co-sponsored by AAA and Kurgo found that more than 65% of dog owners engage in distracted driving behavior because of an unrestrained dog (source: here).
Dogs in cars can be distracting for a number of reasons, including:
- Attempts to escape
- Barking
- Jumping around the car
- Wandering onto the driver’s lap
- Blocking mirrors and sight lines
- Being generally adorable
What are the dangers of unrestrained dogs in cars?
We understand, you dare not think about all the frightening scenarios your dog may face in a car. However, many of us simply aren’t aware of the dangers a dog faces when having free roam of a car on the move.
When taking a dog in a car, there are many risk factors, including:
- Airbags deployed in the event of an accident can harm a dog sitting in the front seat.
- Dogs who pop their heads out the window risk being injured by external debris.
- Excited or anxious dogs can leap out open windows.
- Using a tether such as a leash attached to your dog’s collar could cause severe neck injury in a car crash or in the case of a sudden stop.
- Dogs roaming freely in the backseat during a collision can be launched dangerously fast into the front window. This is true for small dogs as well as large dogs.
So, for your dogs safety, as well as yours and others on the road, you should always use some form of restraint.
How do I choose the best dog car harness?
The best dog car harnesses should maintain your dog’s stability and restrain their movement. This is why dog car harnesses tend to be safer than dog seat belts. Limiting movement means that your dog won’t get thrown around and injured. A good car harness for your dog will be much more heavy-duty than your dog’s standard harness for walking.
For maximum protection, we recommend that you use a harness specifically designed for cars. These harnesses have more of a full body coverage and connect to your car’s seat belt at more than one point. As mentioned above, this means if you had to come to a sudden stop, the force will be spread out over a larger area instead of focusing on one single point. Furthermore, multiple connection points also will help keep your dog from getting twisted around in the seatbelt in cases of rollovers.
Unfortunately, at the moment there aren’t standard regulations and requirements for dog car restraints the way there are for human restraints. Therefore for most dog car harnesses, independent reviews that haven’t been conducted by the company that manufactures the product are your best resource.
DOG CAR HARNESS SAFETY TESTING
With that said, according to Consumer Reports, The Center for Pet Safety conducted third-party tests on 11 harnesses that all claim crash protection. The results of the dog car harness safety tests were shocking.
Only 7 out of 11 dog safety harnesses passed the initial strength part of the test and therefore qualified for the crash test evaluation. Sadly, many of the harnesses were just not strong enough to withstand the forces of a crash impact.
Shockingly, a lot of the harnesses on the market what said they were crash tested failed the tests.
Out of the 7 harnesses that passed the velocity test, 3 dog car harnesses are certified by CPS standards. That means that they have been tested in the same way that child safety restraints have been. Therefore, wearing one of these dog car harnesses, you can be sure that your dog is safe in your car.
Scroll down to ‘Dog car harnesses: which is best?’ to check out the 3 certified harnesses.
Dog Car Harness Reviews
Sleepypod Clickit Sport
Sleepypod make strong, durable dog car harnesses that restrain your dog using the cars existing seatbelt. The Clickit Sport has been rigorously tested, and passed the same dynamic crash testing that ensures the performance of child safety restraints.
The harnesses is suitable for a range of dog breeds as it comes in four sizes (S, M, L & XL). It fits large dogs up to around 90 pounds.
The Clickit Sport has received an abundance of positive reviews from pet owners who particularly like the movement it gives their dogs, without being a danger.
Key features:
- Made from force-reducing webbing that will lessen the impact in the event of a crash
- Sleek design, with four nice color options
- Reflective stripes for visibility in the dark
- Machine washable
Sleepypod Clickit Terrain
The Sleepypod Clickit Terrain harness comes with more features than the Sport with enhanced safety. Like the Sport, the Terrain has been rigorously tested to include the same dynamic crash testing that ensures the performance of child safety restraints.
The Terrain model is built with more durable straps and D-rings. Additionally, the three-point seatbelt contact design for use in rear passenger seat secures a dog’s entire torso, to spread impact during sudden stops or accidents. It also offers removable reflective strips for use at nighttime, which are also changeable for service dogs.
The shock absorbing sleeves make the Terrain comfortable for use as an everyday walking harness and also provide better control for the handler.
Key features:
- Three point seatbelt contact for extra security
- All the benefits of the Sport, with some additional features and stronger hardware
- More advanced impact-reducing webbing throughout (10% more effective according to Sleepypod)
-
Reflective patches on the harness shoulders can be interchanged with service patches for working dogs.
ZuGoPet Rocketeer Pack
Are you laughing too? We must admit, the ZuGoPet is rather funny to look at, sat upright like a human, with little dangling legs. However, dog safety while driving is no laughing matter! (Well maybe a little).
The ZuGoPet has been designed specifically for smaller dogs (measuring up to 19″ from head to tailbone).
It may look uncomfortable, however dogs are much safer when secured like this. Look at how happy he is! If you are concerned your dog won’t be comfortable, refer to ‘Getting your dog accustomed to a car harness’ near the beginning of the article. With a few short test runs, taking your dog for a ride in your car will be smooth and stress-free.
Features of note:
- Full body wrap for complete security that may be calming for your dog
- As with other harnesses, it works with your seatbelt to secure your dog to the backseat
- Raises a dog’s sight lines, which may reduce anxiety as well as motion sickness
Dog Car Harness: Which is Best?
It’s hard to say which dog car harness is best because it depends on the dog – their temperament, breed and size. One may be the best fit for one dog, but may not be suitable for another.
For example, as mentioned above, the ZuGoPet has been designed specifically for smaller dogs and wouldn’t be suitable for a Labrador or a German Shepherd. On the other end of the spectrum, the Clickit Terrain has been designed for dogs approximately 18 pounds or more. For dogs under that you should consider using alternative crash-tested carriers such as the Clickit Sport. Furthermore, due to the unique characteristics and body types of slender dogs, Greyhounds, Whippets, Salukis, Afghan Hounds, Borzoi, the Terrain will not work properly on these breeds.
You are in the best position to decide which is the best car harness for your dog, as you know your dog’s personality. For example, a more anxious dog may feel more comfortable in a dog car harness that allows them a little bit of movement. However, with that said, a tight dog car harness may create a sense of security for other anxious dogs. It all just depends on the dog.
DOGS IN CARS LAW
Animal protection laws on transportation of animals vary widely around the world. Most countries, as well as most states in the US, do not have any laws on restraining dogs in cars. So, it’s not surprising that most dog owners aren’t even aware that there are laws that require dogs to be restrained while in a car.
What is the dog car harnesses law in the UK?
In the United Kingdom, as part of the Highway Code all animals must be restrained with a seat belt harness, pet carrier, or pet cage. This law has been put in place to prevent distracted driving and to ensure the welfare of animals.
“When in a vehicle make sure dogs or other animals are suitably restrained so they cannot distract you while you are driving or injure you, or themselves, if you stop quickly. A seat belt harness, pet carrier, dog cage or dog guard are ways of restraining animals in cars.”
Drivers caught with unrestrained pets in their cars can be subject to a huge £5,000 fine. Pet owners will also face issues when it comes to insurance. Car insurance companies in the UK warn pet owners that accidents caused by unrestrained pets may not be covered. This is sometimes the case if your dog isn’t the cause of the accident, but hasn’t been restrained properly. Additionally, drivers should expect a potential leap in car insurance payments.
What is the dog car harnesses law in the US?
Most states in the US do not have strict rules such as rules against driving with unrestrained pets. However, some states do have laws that measure up to UK regulations.
It’s important to know your home state’s laws on dog car harnesses and dog seatbelts, to avoid facing hefty fines. Additionally, if you are taking your dog on a road trip through different states, it’s important to know regulations for where you are visiting.
The states listed below all have laws on driving safely with dogs in the car. However, please note that if your state is not on this list, it doesn’t mean it’s a free-for-all. Any accident that may be due to driving with an unrestrained dog could still result in a citation.
CONNECTICUT
When in Connecticut, dogs aren’t required to wear seat belts or car harnesses. However, they certainly cannot be on your lap.
Drivers with dogs on their laps can be charged with distracted driving in this state, the same rules as texting while driving. A driver will potentially face 2 points and steep fines – $150 for a first offense, $300 for a second offense, and $500 for a third or subsequent offense.
Additionally, dogs riding in the back of an open truck must be restrained in some way to avoid them being thrown off the vehicle. You can use either a harness or a cage.
§ 14-296aa (e) prohibits people from engaging in any activity in a motor vehicle that interferes with its safe operation on a highway. This provision would appear to prohibit a driver from holding a pet on his or her lap if it caused the driver to operate the vehicle in an unsafe manner.
HAWAII
Hawaii is another state that doesn’t require dogs to wear seat belts, but there are laws that bans dogs from sitting on the drivers lap. If drivers are caught with dogs in their laps. they can be charged under obstruction to driver’s view or driving mechanism laws.
You can be fined $97 for driving with a dog in your lap and $57 if the animal’s loose in a moving vehicle.
§291C-124 Obstruction to driver’s view or driving mechanism: (b) While operating a motor vehicle, no person shall hold in the person’s lap, or allow to be in the driver’s immediate area, any person, animal, or object which interferes with the driver’s control over the driving mechanism of the vehicle.
MAINE
The law in Maine, again, doesn’t require dog seat belts or dog car harnesses. However, you will be charged with distracted driving in your dog rides on your lap. Furthermore, dogs riding in the open back of a truck need some form of restraint that prevents them from being thrown from the vehicle.
Fines range from $50 for the first offense to $250 for the second or subsequent offense.
§2118. Failure to maintain control of a motor vehicle: “Operation of a motor vehicle while distracted” means the operation of a motor vehicle by a person who, while operating the vehicle, is engaged in an activity:(1) That is not necessary to the operation of the vehicle; and(2) That actually impairs, or would reasonably be expected to impair, the ability of the person to safely operate the vehicle.
MASSACHEUSETTS
Massachusetts’ law on restraining dogs is a little vague, but be aware that pets on your lap may constitute distracted driving. While dog seat belts aren’t mentioned, drivers can be fined or even jailed for transporting dogs in an ‘cruel or inhumane manner,’ so to avoid an issue you should consider suitable restraint. Dogs in the back of an open truck bed will also need to be restrained to prevent being thrown from the vehicle.
A violation will be punishable by a fine of $100 for a first offense, by a fine of $250 for a second offense and by a fine of $500 for a third or subsequent offense.
§ 22H: No person shall transport an animal in the back of a motor vehicle in a space intended for a load on the vehicle on a public way unless such space is enclosed or has side and tail racks to a height of at least 46 inches extending vertically from the floor, the animal is cross tethered to the vehicle, the animal is protected by a secured container or cage or the animal is otherwise protected in a manner which will prevent the animal from being thrown or from falling or jumping from the vehicle.
MINNESOTA
Minnesota law does not prohibit drivers from having their pets in their lap while driving, but it does require you to use due care when operating a vehicle. Drivers can be charged with a misdemeanor offense.
However, the law does prohibit driving a vehicle when the load inside obstructs the view of the driver to the front or sides. Depending on the size of a dog, he may become an issue for the driver’s visibility along with their ability to control the vehicle.
NEW HAMPSHIRE
Similarly to Massachusetts and Minnesota, to prevent being thrown out of an open truck bed, your dog must be properly restrained in the state of New Hampshire. Additionally, the vehicle’s side extend to a height of at least 46 inches vertically.
§644:8-f Transporting Dogs in Pickup Trucks: I. No person driving a pickup truck shall transport any dog in the back of the vehicle on a public way, unless the space is enclosed or has side and tail racks to a height of at least 46 inches extending vertically from the floor, the dog is cross tethered to the vehicle, the dog is protected by a secured container or cage, or the dog is otherwise protected, in a manner which will prevent the dog from being thrown or from falling or jumping from the vehicle.
NEW JERSEY
New Jersey is the only state in the US where driving with unrestrained pets is a violation of animal cruelty law. Dogs with their heads hanging out the window, riding in the back of a pickup truck, or sitting on a driver’s lap are all among animal cruelty offenses in New Jersey.
Drivers cited for failing to properly restrain their pets can face large fines ranging from $250 to $1,000. Drivers even risk facing as much as six months in jail.
§4:22-18 Carrying animal in cruel, inhumane manner; disorderly persons offense: A person who shall carry, or cause to be carried, a living animal or creature in or upon a vehicle or otherwise, in a cruel or inhumane manner, shall be guilty of a disorderly persons offense and punished as provided in subsection A of 4:22-17.
RHODE ISLAND
Dogs need to have some form of restraint when traveling in this Rhode Island. You can use a number of forms of restraint, including dog seat belts, dog car harnesses, crates or a passenger other than the driver.
Any person violating the provisions of this law will be punished by a fine of not more than $50.00 for a first offense, and up to $200 for each subsequent offense.
§ 31-22-28 Transporting animals: (a) It shall be unlawful for any person to transport any animal or animals either for business or pleasure on or in an open air motor vehicle unless the animal or animals being transported:
(1) Is kept in an enclosed area of the motor vehicle;
(2) The animal or animals are under the physical control of a person other than the operator of the motor vehicle; or
(3) The animal or animals are placed in the motor vehicle and safely restrained by a harness manufactured for the purpose of restraining animals by means other than neck restraints.
What is the dog car harnesses law in Australia?
Like the UK, Australia is another country that takes unrestrained dogs while driving very seriously.
The legislation stipulates that a driver must not drive with an animal on their lap as it prevents them from having proper control. A driver imposes a fine of $338 and the loss of three demerit points. The fine increases to $442 in a school zone.
The law also states that dogs must be seated or crated in the appropriate area of the vehicle. Under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act if a dog is injured because it was not restrained in a motor vehicle the owner can face up to 6 months in jail and or a maximum fine of $5,500.00. This includes carrying a dog unrestrained in the back of a ute.
Furthermore, a motorcycle rider must not ride with an animal between the handlebars and the rider.
Lastly, a driver, motorcycle rider, bicycle rider or passenger must not lead an animal, including by tethering, while the vehicle is moving.
For more information on the laws around dogs in cars, check Dogs in Cars: Laws from Around The World.
Getting your dog accustomed to a dog harness for car rides
Some dogs struggle with dog car harnesses at first. It’s not uncommon that a dog will struggle with having their movement restricted, however, with time they do get used to it.
We recommend introducing the harness gradually, and using plenty of treats during the process.
To get your dog used to a car harness be sure to keep to the following guidelines:
- Let your dog wear the harness around the house first. This is especially important if your dog isn’t used to wearing a harness at all. The feeling of having something around his body may be a bit strange if he is used to just wearing a collar around his neck.
- Start off with short car rides to your dog’s favourite places – parks, the beach or a friends house.
- Be sure to offer your dog lots of treats so that he associates the experience with positive things.
Don’t be put off if your dog makes a fuss at first, his safety is what is most important. With time and practise, in no time putting your dog in the car safety harness will involve no fidgeting and doggy tantrums.
How to prepare for a road trip with dogs in cars
If you have a dog that suffers from travel anxiety, there are a few things you can do to make the experience as stress-free as possible.
The key is making your dog as comfortable and familiar with the car. Here’s how:
Get your dog used to travelling in the car.
Take your dog out on short car rides, before tackling the longer ones. Bring your dog along for a ride to the shop, take him out for lunch with you or to see a friend. If your dog is particularly anxious in the car, spend a few minutes with her in the back seat of the car. Talk to her softly and reassure her that everything is okay.
No food just before the journey.
Wait at least 1 hour after a meal before taking your dog in the car. Often car sickness is caused or made worse by a full stomach. If you are going on a particularly long journey, make some pit stops to feed your pooch, but again try to wait 1 hour before setting off again.
Let your dog do its business before the car ride.
For the obvious reason! Not only do you want to avoid any accidents happening in your car, it will also cause discomfort for your dog. If you are setting off on a long car ride, make sure you stop for a toilet break every now and then.
Doggy treats!
Reward your dog for being a good boy (or girl)! Make some stops to give your dog a treat, or get another passenger to do so for you. As mentioned earlier, feeding your dog a treat while driving is risky behaviour and is even illegal in some states. Alternatively, you could give your dog a bone to chew on as a distraction – I’m sure he will appreciate it!
Keep your dog cool.
Dogs can over-heat very easily. During warm weather make sure you allow adequate ventilation to keep your dog cool. Keep the air-con cranked up and open the windows. Never leave your dog in the car alone for a long time.
No loud music.
Try to avoid blasting loud music (no matter how fun it is). This is particularly important if your dog gets anxious while traveling. With that said, research has found that certain music has a calming affect on dogs. Just keep it at a reasonable level.
Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]
Will a dog car harness save my dogs life in an accident?
In the same way that a human seat belt, a car harness for dogs will give your dog the best chance of surviving an accident. If you had to come to a sudden stop while driving, an unrestrained dog is at serious risk of being harmed. As mentioned above, an 80-pound dog, such as a Labrador Retriever, becomes a 2,400 pound projectile in a car accident occurring at only 50mph (source: here). However, if your dog is wearing a trialed and tested dog car harness, he will be safely secured to the back seat, unharmed. Additionally, as a harness covers a large section of your dog’s body, the impact force will be spread. Thus, your dog will be less likely to be injured wearing a car harness, rather than a dog seat belt that attaches to the neck.
Is a car harness for dogs comfortable?
If you use a good quality car harness that fits your dog well, it will be comfortable. The best harnesses have been designed not only for safety, but for dog’s comfort. Most of them are padded for your dog’s comfort, so you don’t have to worry about them causing your dog pain. Furthermore, many dog car harnesses have adjustable straps in order to comfortably fit dogs of different shapes and sizes.
Are dog car harnesses safe?
Yes. Dog car harnesses have been designed specifically with safety in mind. With that said, for maximum safety, you should purchase one that has been crash tested. According to Consumer Reports, The Center for Pet Safety conducted third-party tests on 11 dog car harnesses that all claimed they had been tested for crash protection.
Only 7 out of 11 dog safety harnesses passed the initial strength part of the test and therefore qualified for the crash test evaluation. Many of the harnesses were just not strong enough to withstand the force experienced during a crash. Shockingly, many of the harnesses on the market what claimed they were crash tested, actually failed these tests.
Out of the 7 harnesses that passed the velocity test, 3 dog car harnesses are certified by CPS standards (see best dog car harnesses above). That means that they have been tested in the same way that child safety restraints have been. Therefore, wearing one of these dog car harnesses, you can be sure that your dog is safe in your car.
Is it safe for my dog sit in the passenger seat?
Maybe. As mentioned above, a dog risks getting harmed by the airbag if you are in an accident. Airbags have been designed to protect humans, but they ironically can hurt dogs.
Nevertheless, if your car does not have airbags on the passenger side of the car, he can sit next to you as long as he is properly restrained. Dog seat belts are one way to restrain a dog. They clip into the car like a normal car seat belt. However, some of them can cause dogs to fly off the seat, as was discovered in a study conducted by conducted by the Center for Pet Safety (source: here). It’s also important to note that dogs in the front seat aren’t as safe as they would be in the back seat.
If your dog must drive in the front seat, use a high-quality safety harness that has thick, padded straps to distribute the impact force as widely as possible. Thick straps will also be more comfortable for your pooch.
What are alternative safe ways to travel with a dogs in cars?
Travel crates are also another safe way to travel with dogs in cars. Traveling in a crate, your dog is safer for a number of reasons. Firstly, a dog is at less of being thrown around the car during an accident or if the driver needs to make a sudden stop. Additionally, a dog in a crate is far less likely to be a dangerous distraction to the driver. It’s also possible that being in a crate may also reduce motion sickness in dogs.
When choosing a travel crate for your dog, there are a few things to take into consideration.
- Ensure the crate is big enough – your dog must have enough space to stand, turn around and lie down comfortable without any restriction. Using a crate that is too small will stress your dog out, and is actually illegal in many US states.
- Use a travel crate made from a strong, durable material – hard-sided carriers are recommended for maximum safety. Crates made from metals such as aluminium are recommended as they will provide your dog with protection in the case of an accident.
- Look for comfort, some crates come padded for extra comfort as well as extra protection during any bumps in the road. Many also come with removable beds.
- Secure the crate to the car – place dog travel crates on the floor of the back seat or in the open storage/trunk area. You can place them on the bag seat as long as you use a belt to secure it to the seat.
To make your dog extra comfortable, you can put his favourite blanket in the crate with him. This will not only provide him comfort, it will also protect him by padding the sides of the crate, in case of an accident.
Always bring water, food and a toy or two to keep your dog comfortable and happy.
Final Words
Whether your dog is a seasoned road-tripper or an anxious traveler, proper restraint is a must in any moving vehicle. Not only is it the law in many countries and states, it’s in the best interest of you, your dog, other passengers and other drivers.
There are a number of ways to restrain your dog, including the use of crates and dog seat belts, but dog car harnesses outside the rest when it comes to safety.
Make sure you purchase one that has been trialed and tested and highly reviewed by other pet owners.
Hope you have found this helpful.
Happy travels!
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