With Fido along for the ride, road excursions are much more enjoyable, but canine travel has unique safety considerations. In the event of an accident, an unattended dog runs the risk of becoming injured or killed and could endanger other passengers if it jumps into the driver’s lap or falls to the ground next to the stop pedal. The easiest way to ensure safety for both humans and dogs while traveling is to use a dog seat belt or harness system.
In particular during sudden stops and quick turns, a properly adjusted dog seat belt harness keeps a dog secure and comfortable in the back seat of a car. When fitted correctly, it can also stop a dog from jumping out of an open door or scaling a window.
There are numerous dog seat belt and automobile harness options that are all made to accommodate various breeds, sizes, and personalities. The top five dog seat belt harnesses are listed below. Do you need more suggestions? Right here, you can find more of our top-rated dog harnesses.
List of The Best Dog Seat Belts and Car Harnesses in 2022 on Amazon.com
#1 ClickIt Sport Harness by SleepyPod
One of the few available crash-tested (up to 90 pounds) and safety-rated straps is the SleepyPod Clickit Sport. It has a wide, padded vest and is made of sturdy ballistic nylon. In the case of an accident, the distinctive, three-point Infinity Loop design uniformly distributes pressure. The harness, which is made to immediately attach to a rear passenger seat belt, enables dogs to change their posture as needed.
What We Like:
- the Center for Pet Safety’s seal of approval
- include a walking harness as well
- available in a variety of hues
What We Don’t Like:
- Expensive
- Not advised for deep-chested canine breeds like the Whippet, Greyhound, Saluki, Afghan Hound, Borzoi, etc.
- It can be challenging to adjust straps.
#2 Dog vehicle harness from VavoPaw
The carabiner attachment on the VavoPaw eliminates the majority of vehicle compatibility problems. It is made to clip to your car’s headrest rod or latch bar or loop through a seat belt. To keep dogs comfortable and cool, the harness has a breathable mesh inside made of Oxford cloth and is cushioned with soft sponge.
What We Like:
- when there is no rear seat belt or when seat belts aren’t available in all sizes.
- Adjustable belt has four lengths.
- Harness features four adjustment points.
What We Don’t Like:
- For really large dogs, the seatbelt might not be long enough.
- Plastic buckles are not long-lasting.
#3 Dog harness from Kurgo Tru-Fit with Enhanced Strength
The all-metal nesting buckles on this dog seat belt harness, which are modeled after harnesses for mountaineering, are made to last. Front and back D-ring attachment points are useful training aids when used for walking. It functions as both a lead and a dog tether, making it compatible with the majority of automotive seat belt systems.
What We Like:
- crash-tested up to 75 pounds at a university testing center using child car seat guidelines.
- Five points of adjustment for a tight fit
What We Don’t Like:
- Continual guarantee
- Adjusting nesting buckles can be challenging.
- large for smaller breeds
#4 Dog car safety harness from Lukoveev
The Lukovee harness has a cool-traveling mesh chest that is supposed to be breathable. Dogs with chest girths of 11 to 13 inches can wear the smallest size. According to some users, the harness can also be used to restrain cats. A built-in elastic bungee rope reduces jerking during abrupt stops and offers more mobility than static alternatives.
What We Like:
- Affordable
- Six sizes, including XXXS, are offered.
- A secure fit is made possible by four adjustment points.
What We Don’t Like:
- Not all dogs can wear the over-the-head, slip-on style.
- Stitching and woven mesh structure are not durable.
- According to several users, the sizing chart is incorrect.
#5 Kurgo Direct to Bungee Tether to Seat Beltv
The Kurgo Direct is a tether that fits into a seat belt buckle and is attached to a dog’s existing harness. When traveling with multiple dogs of different sizes or a developing puppy, it’s the perfect substitute for a seat belt harness. Although the tether is simple to use, it cannot be used in vehicles without rear seat belts.
What We Like:
- Continual guarantee
- Most dogs can wear one size.
- Bungee design enables more movement freedom.
What We Don’t Like:
- Untested for crashes
- not appropriate for all automobiles (e.g. Volvos, Ford trucks)
- need a seatbelt for the available back passenger.
FAQ:
Where in a car is a dog the safest to be?
The back seat or cargo compartment of a vehicle with a properly installed seat belt or harness system is the safest place for a dog to ride. In the event of a sudden stop, a harness stops a dog from being driven forward.
Do dogs benefit from seatbelts?
Dogs can benefit from seat belts in the same ways that people do. In the event of an accident, a properly-fitted seat belt harness prevents dogs from being thrown around or ejected.
Which dog collars have undergone crash tests?
The only independent group that has tested dog seat belts in controlled lab settings for crashworthiness is the Center for Pet Safety. Similar requirements are made of kid car seat manufacturers by the National Highway Safety Administration. Three safety harnesses—the Sleepypod Clickit Sport, Sleepypod Clickit Terrain, and the Rocketeer Pack from ZuGoPet—have received approval from the organization. For dogs weighing up to 75 pounds, the Kurgo Tru-Fit Enhanced Strength Dog Harness underwent crash testing.
Can pets ride in the front seat of a vehicle?
Never allow a dog to ride in the front seat of a vehicle. It increases the likelihood that the dog will distract the driver and puts them at risk of being crushed by the steering wheel or airbag or killed by one.
Should dogs be restrained in a car?
It’s against the law to drive with an unattended animal in various states. Regardless of your state’s regulations, every dog owner should travel with their pet restrained.