Best Dog Seat Belts [Tested & Guaranteed to Protect your Pup]

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We all know the movie scene: a car on the open road, happy music playing in the background, and there, sticking his head out the window – a dog! His ears are flopping in the air as his owner speeds toward their destination. The pup is having so much fun that he probably wouldn’t even mind going to the veterinarian’s office. There is no mention of safety not even a passing remark about how important it is to find the best dog seat belts for your pup!

Reality, however, is not as film-friendly. Sure, it may be fun to let your pooch run loose in the car. In fact, according to AAA, 52 percent of dog owners fessed up to petting their dog while driving, and 4 percent even admitted to playing with their dog while driving! Everyone loves hanging out with man’s best friend. Unfortunately, that explains why 60 percent of dog owners say that they have driven distracted by their pup.

What is the best seatbelt and harness for dogs?

That depends on what you are looking for. Below are reviews of some of the most well-known, best-reviewed dog seat belts on the market. If you want to shop around on your own, consider checking for certifications from the Center for Pet Safety and for confirmation that it has been crash-tested.

URPOWER Upgraded Dog Seat Belt

This is an adjustable, one-size-fits-all seat belt, making it the perfect choice if you have a growing puppy because you do not have to buy multiple seat belts. Its adjustability means it works with small dogs and large dogs, in small cars and large cars. Like most top choices, it is made of nylon webbing. Plus, its hook and attachment system is a swivel snap made out of a zinc alloy. The metal is anti-rust, so it is long-lasting and durable. Like the iBuddy seat belt (see below), it has an elastic buffer design to avoid choking your pup due to unnecessary tightness during sharp turns. It fits most car buckles. There is a 180-day maintenance period, so if there are any problems within that time, the company will address them or replace the seat belt for free. Its Amazon best sellers rank for dog car harnesses is number 3, making this a big hit with dog owners already. However, most say that it does not work as well for very small or very large dogs.

Vastar 2-Pack Adjustable Pet Car Seat Belt

Please note that this can also be bought as a single unit if you do not want a second seat belt. The seat belt is made out of nylon webbing that is high-quality and sturdy. The buckles and swivel snap are both made of solid zinc alloy, so they are very durable. It is a buckle, not a latch attachment, which means it is not compatible with every car. However, it is compatible with most cars. Just check with the manufacturer before purchase to confirm that it will work. It is an adjustable seat belt that comes in many colors, including pink, blue, green, orange, red, and black. It clips onto any pet harness, making it very convenient if you already own a harness. Plus, there is an 18-month warranty in case your pup manages to chew its way through the seat belt.

Ruffwear Load Up Vehicle Restraint

The harness comes in multiple sizes, so your pup needs to be measured before the harness is purchased. It was tested at the MGA Research Corporation, making it crash-tested. It fits most seat belts, which is important if your dog will be riding in multiple cars. It comes in 5 sizes and is great for barrel-chested pooches. The range of movement is great, but a dog that tends to squirm may get tangled in the seat belt. It is very sturdy, making it great for long trips. However, it has to be readjusted before every car ride, so it is not the most convenient for short or frequent trips. In some dogs, customers reported that it inhibited their ability to use the restroom. However, it comes at a decent price.

iBuddy Dog Seat Belt

This seat belt fits most car buckles and firmly secures your pup to their seat, wherever you decide to sit him down. It easily snaps into the seat belt buckle, making it a breeze to use. It is made of the nylon webbing mentioned above and has a great hook and attachment system, using a dual-safe hook. There is an elastic buffer design, which makes sure that there is no unnecessary tightening or pinching around your pup during any sharp turns or quick brakes, keeping it from choking your pooch. It does come with a 2-year warranty in case you are concerned that it will break too easily since it is not technically chew-proof. Perhaps most importantly, it is adjustable, so you can match the size of the seat belt to the size of your dog.

EzyDog Travel Dog Car Harness

The harness is not one-size-fits-all, so be sure to measure the girth of your dog behind its front legs before ordering. It was crash-tested at Automotive Safety Engineering in Australia and the results are on video, so it is proven to be a safe choice for your pup. The harness only has to be fit once instead of being readjusted every car trip. Plus, the chest plate is ergonomic and moldable, making it a great fit. The fabric and stitching are high-quality, so it is very sturdy. Keep in mind that this option is best for large dogs; it has wide straps, a long neck cuff, and is very stiff, so it may not be comfortable for small dogs or those that like to lie down when they travel. There is Velcro to hide the excess sizing fabric, but fur could be caught in it, so it may be most comfortable for short-haired pooches.

Leash Boss Dog Car Seat Belt

This seat belt is chew-proof, made of steel cable covered in heavy-duty nylon, which means it will be extra durable in an accident. The seat belt is designed to attach to whatever harness you own and to tether your pup to the car. There are five different sizes for the restraint, which means it is not adjustable. To measure what size you need accurately, measure from your pooch’s harness connection to the floor at a 45-degree angle, then round up to the nearest restraint size. Luckily, the clip size and weight change along with the seat belt size, so it will be lighter if you have a smaller dog, not being a burden at all. On the other side of the spectrum, there is an additional hook and attachment system for the extra-large model to make sure that your bigger dog is definitely secure. When necessary, customer service sends replacements. If you go on frequent trips, the seat belt can stay latched to the car. If you have tie-down clips in your cargo space, the seat belt can be connected there as well.

Mighty Paw Safety Belt

Unlike seat belts that buckle into the car seat, this seat belt connects to the latch bars in the crease in the backseat, meaning it connects directly to the frame of the car. That way, your pup is tethered to the strongest, most secure thing possible, giving them the best base of support possible. Since the latch bar is required by law to ensure child safety and effective restraint, they are a smart choice for your fur babies, not just your babies. Plus, that means it is compatible with every car, even if attaching it takes a bit more effort than some of the other options. The carabiner that connects to the harness is made of aviation aluminum and has a maximum force tension of 400 kilograms, making it incredibly sturdy. Plus, it is the same type of carabiner that rock climbers use, which Mighty Paw believes proves how seriously they take your pet’s safety. There is no way that it will break in an accident. However, the nylon strap might, especially if your pup decides to chew on it, though the company does consider it “weather-proof”. The good news is, the strap is adjustable and designed to avoid your dog getting tangled because of the swivel attachment. The company promises that they test all of their gear at their headquarters in Rochester, New York. There is a 90-day 100-percent satisfaction guarantee, so if it doesn’t do the trick, feel free to send it back for a full refund.

Kurgo Tru-Fit Crash Tested Dog Harness

As you can already tell, this harness was crash-tested, in this case by the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute. It fits a variety of dogs, weighing between 5 pounds and 110 pounds. It also has 5 different adjustment points to take shape into account, not just weight. That way, you can find the most comfortable fit for your pup. It is made of steel, so it is chew-proof, and the buckles are also metal. However, this means the harness could be too heavy for the smallest dog breeds. If your pooch likes to circle in his seat, then he may have a hard time because the swivel attachment is an additional purchase, so the tether strap may get twisted. Some customers complain that the harness is difficult to buckle, but there are videos on the Kurgo website to help explain what to do. It is worth noting that, although there is not a warranty listed, Kurgo will replace chewed harnesses for a small fee and will replace harnesses worn in an accident for free.

Blueberry Pet Seatbelt

The seat belt is adjustable, so it works with dogs of many sizes. However, it is made out of traditional seat belt fabric, which means that it is not chew-proof. It hooks into the regular seat belt buckle, meaning this is not the right fit for you if your pooch has a tendency to step on the seat belt buckle and unlatch it. (Note that you could purchase a buckle guard if you wanted to go with this option still.) It comes in many colors that do not fade even when washed, something other seat belts do not tend to do. Plus, the colors vary much more than other seat belts with different color options, like the Vastar seat belts. While it does include more basic colors, it also has options like yellow, turquoise, emerald, dark orchid, royal blue, and mint blue. It is also possible to purchase a matching collar, leash, and harness. It comes at a great price, but it must be noted that if you drive a Volvo, it is not compatible with your car.

Pawaboo Dog Safety Vest Harness with Car Seat Belt Lead Clip

If you do not have a harness yet, this is a great option to get both the harness and the seat belt in one purchase. There are four sizes depending on the size of your pooch and multiple colors and patterns. The harness is polyester, making it both durable and lightweight. Plus, the chest plate is broad and padded by sponge. It is a softer option for dogs than many other options, ensuring that your pup is comfortable and safe. It attaches to the car seat in the regular buckle, but it is not compatible with every vehicle.

Dangers of petting pets while driving

Even worse, 84 percent of dog owners who drive do not restrain their pooch or do so improperly, which can be just as dangerous. Keep in mind that the two most dangerous places for your dog to ride are in your lap and in the passenger seat. Life is not a movie set, especially not the streets. It is important to know how to properly secure your pup in your car before going for a ride. That way, he can enjoy the breeze coming in through the open windows without you having to worry about him jumping out.

What is a dog car seat belt?

A dog car seat belt is a restraint that keeps your dog safely tethered to the vehicle. Think of it as a really short leash. Its job is to keep your pooch safe and secure in your car. One end connects to the car, and the other connects to your pup’s collar or harness.

Does my dog need a seat belt?

Yes! Just like people, dogs need to be secured before going for a ride. It is possible to protect yourself from the dangers of distracted driving by using a divider to separate the front row from the passenger rows, but that does nothing to defend your dog.

If you have a small pooch, its impact force could be over 300 pounds in a crash, while a bigger pup could reach an impact force of 3,000 pounds. With greater speed and greater size comes greater impact. A car accident like that would most likely be fatal, and if your dog’s body crashes into yours or one of your passenger’s, then it could be deadly for you too. Nobody wants their pup to fly through the windshield or to hit someone else. There are, unfortunately, horror stories about what happens to pooches after a dangerous accident, so it is important to stay safe.

Many people buy dog booster car seats, which are a viable option. However, if you only ever take your pup on short trips to the veterinarian’s office or to the park, then a booster seat may not be worth the cost. A more practical and financially-sound option is a seat belt. Investing in a seat belt/harness/restraint is the same as investing in a static pet containment system like a GPS satellite fence.

Which states require seat belts for dogs?

In the United States, eight states currently require a dog car seat belt: Connecticut, Hawaii, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, and Rhode Island. Just because that number is low doesn’t mean you shouldn’t use a seatbelt in states that don’t require it, especially because pets can be included in distracted driving laws if they are constantly getting their owner’s attention. The smartest choice is to always have your pup securely fastened in your car before driving.

Does my dog play a role in my car insurance?

Not only can it be against the law to drive without your pooch properly restrained, it can be dangerous for your insurance. Many policies will reject your insurance claim after an accident if it is discovered that your dog was running loose, unrestrained, in the vehicle at the time of the accident, especially if a law is broken. Be sure to talk to your insurance provider if you are concerned.

Breakdown policy providers say that if the roadside recovery responder decides to take your dog, then it is at their discretion. Usually, they make exceptions for guide doings or hearing dogs, but not for any others. It is recommended that you call your recovery service when you break down and request a pet-friendly driver. Consider keeping a crate in your car even if you use a dog seat belt, just in case.

What about a car harness?

This option is especially good for your furry friend. A seat belt hooked to a dog’s collar focuses all of the impact of the crash onto your pup’s neck. Depending on the severity of the crash, this could strangle your dog or break its neck. If you attach the seat belt to your dog’s harness, just like you would a leash, then the impact of an accident is more evenly dispersed.

Even better, use a harness designed specifically for cars. They fit onto your dog like a vest would, going across their chest. They could also be straps that stretch across the chest. That way, the force of the crash is spread across your pup’s whole body, keeping them safer. The thicker and more padded the straps, the more widely distributed the force of the impact.

Harnesses are especially important for larger dogs. Booster seats tend to be expensive and difficult to find for bigger pooches, crates take up a lot of space, and they can chew through a lot of seat belts. The harness is a great way to help your plumper pups safe. Keep in mind that heavier dogs are more likely to get hurt in a car accident because of the force of the impact.

Are dog seat belts effective?

When used properly, especially with a car harness, dog seat belts are very effective. However, there are certain things to look for that separates a good seat belt from a great one.

For example, consider where the seat belt attaches. One option is to attach to the seat belt and buckle in the car. However, if your pooch has a tendency to step on the seat belt release, then this is a dangerous option. Hyper pups tend to unlatch seat belts themselves, so if your dog is hyper, this is something to consider even if he has never unlatched a belt himself before. Instead, you should probably use a latch bar attachment within the crease of the seat.

Look carefully at the hook and attachment systems. If the restraint is not properly locked to your pooch and your car, then it will not keep him safe. You want to make sure that the attachment is strong and not likely to bend or break. Otherwise, the attachment will buckle or break when there is an accident, throwing your pup forward. The heavier your pooch is, the stronger the hook and attachment system needs to be.

The hook and attachment system is not the only part of the seat belt that needs to be strong. The material itself needs to be strong and durable. If your pup has a tendency to chew through things, then consider a chew-proof option, like a seat belt made out of coated steel that is tough and flexible. A slightly less tough option is nylon webbing, which has high breaking strength without being chew-proof. The weakest option is, of course, traditional seat belt webbing; note that it also tends to be the cheapest option.

Another factor dependent on size is the length of the seat belt. If it is too loose, then your pooch is not going to be secure and he could be thrown around in an accident. If it is too tight, on the other hand, then it will be uncomfortable and could even choke your dog. One option is an adjustable seat belt, which will allow you to try and find the perfect length for your pup. A second option is a non-adjustable seat belt, in which case you need to measure and weigh your dog before purchasing so that you pick the right size.

Remember that the seat belt is only as good as the person using it. If you hook it up to the front passenger seat, for example, your pup is not going to be any safer because of the air bags. If it connects to the car seat belt buckle instead of to the latch bar, be sure to consider a buckle guard so that your dog cannot unbuckle it himself.

What about crates?

As mentioned earlier, a crate is a good thing to keep in your vehicle in case of an accident so that you can transport your pup to safety afterward. Plus, most laws requiring that your pooch be secured include crates as a proper form of restraint. They also help with motion sickness, making this a great option if your dog has a weak stomach.

The best crates to use are made out of a strong material like aluminum. It is important to make sure that the crate is big enough for your pup to stand, lie down, and turn around. It also needs to be ventilated correctly.

However, in the case of an accident, your dog would be jostled in its crate and, if the door of the crate is not secure, could be thrown out of it. These would result in injuries. It is best, therefore, to use a proper pup seat belt instead of any non-seat belt alternatives.

Are any dog seat belts crash-tested?

There are crash-tested options out there. They tend to include it in the name, so you just have to look for them. It may take a bit of extra searching or cost a little bit more, but you might find that it makes you feel more comfortable.

How do I get my dog used to a seat belt?

If you normally walk your dog with a harness, you will be able to find a seat belt that attaches directly to it, which means the transition will not be difficult for your pup at all.

If your pooch is not already used to a harness, start by walking your dog in the harness that you purchase for his car rides. This will get him comfortable in it, so he is less likely to give you any trouble wearing it in the car.

If you are going to be going on a long car ride, consider having your pup wear the harness around the house from time to time beforehand. Each time, increase how long he wears it so that he gets more comfortable with long-term harness time.

Hopefully, all of this will help guide you through the process of finding the right seat belt for your pup. Now, you should be able to use a seat belt and harness properly. Happy harness hunting, and enjoy your next road trip with your dog!