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When you have a dog, you may want to take them with you wherever you go. Pet owners love spending time with their pets. Dogs love being in the car with their head out the window and tongues flapping in the breeze; but, what if you get in an accident with your dog in the car? If your dog isn’t properly restrained, even a small accident can put them in serious danger. This guide includes the safest dog seat belts on the market and help you learn how to properly secure your dog in a car seatbelt.
Summary List
- Best Overall: PAWABOO Dog Safety Harness
- Best Value: Vastar 2 Pack Adjustable Pet Car Seat Belt
- Premium Pick: Kurgo Car Safety Dog Harness Seat Belt
- Most Colorful: Blueberry Pet Essentials Classic Solid Color Collection
- Honorable Mention: SlowTon Dog Car Harness Plus Connector Strap
- Honorable Mention: iBuddy Dog Seat Belts for Cars
- Honorable Mention: URPOWER Upgraded Dog Seat Belt 2 Pack
- Honorable Mention: Mighty Paw Safety Belt
- Honorable Mention: PetSafe Deluxe Car Harness for Dogs
- Honorable Mention: Dog Seat Belt Car Safety Tether
Types of Dog Seat Belts
Harness
This is by far the safest dog seat belt option. A harness provides more restraint and will not pose a risk of choking. The harness fits securely on your dog and clips or straps down to the seat.
Leash Attachment: Clip-In
This is the most common form of the dog seat belt. It can clip directly to your dog’s harness or collar. The biggest difference here is that it clips directly into your car’s seat belt receiver for a secure and convenient hold.
Leash Attachment: Loop Strap
This is another restraining leash that clips to your dog’s harness or collar. This type has a loop at the other end that can be fixed to your car seat headrest.
Best Dog Seat Belts: Reviews & Recommendations
Best Overall
PAWABOO Dog Safety Harness
Best Value
Vastar 2 Pack Adjustable Pet Car Seat Belt
Premium Pick
Kurgo Car Safety Dog Harness Seat Belt
Most Colorful
Blueberry Pet Essentials Classic Solid Color Collection
Honorable Mention
SlowTon Dog Car Harness Plus Connector Strap
Honorable Mention
iBuddy Dog Seat Belts for Cars
Honorable Mention
URPOWER Upgraded Dog Seat Belt 2 Pack
Honorable Mention
Mighty Paw Safety Belt
Honorable Mention
PetSafe Deluxe Car Harness for Dogs
Honorable Mention
Dog Seat Belt Car Safety Tether
Our Verdict
Taking your dog in the car with you don’t have to be dangerous. Dog seat belts can make car rides enjoyable for both you and your pup.
Our top pick for the best dog seat belt is the PAWABOO Dog Safety Harness. It is easy to use and safe for any dog while giving you peace of mind.
For a less expensive alternative, you should consider the Vastar 2 Pack Adjustable Pet Car Seat Belt.
Benefits of Dog Seat Belts
- Secure your dog. Your dog’s safety is important, even more so when riding in a car. Using a dog harness for car travel can help prevent injury if you get in a car accident or even just swerve or brake quickly while driving.
- Drive distraction-free. Not only can dog seat belts keep your dog safer, but it can also help avoid your dog from distracting you while driving. Many dogs like to try climbing into their owner’s lap or into the front seat while driving, which can be extremely distracting and dangerous. Keeping them restrained with a pet harness can help eliminate these distractions.
- Keep your dog inside the vehicle. Some dogs like to have the windows down in the car. However, if they see a small animal or something else that excites them, it’s easy for the dog to jump out of an open window. Not only is this very dangerous for your dog, but this could also cause serious problems for other drivers on the road or for people walking with their pets nearby. The seat belt will keep them from harming themselves and others while in the car.
Dog Seat Belt Pricing
- $5-$7: This price range typically provides a basic leash attachment. It can include the strap that clips to your dog and to your car, which can come in the form of a loop or a seat belt clip.
- $7-$10: This price range also includes a basic leash attachment, but it is usually better and stronger than the budget options. Some harness seat belts can also be found in this price range.
- $12 and above: You will likely find more seat belts that come with a harness or collar in this price range. The seat belt design tends to have a restraint that is detachable and clips to a dog collar or harness, with the other end clipping into your car’s seat belt receiver.
Key Features
Fastening Mechanism
Each seat belt comes with some sort of fastening mechanism to secure your dog in the car. This could be in the form of a loop strap or a clip that slides into your standard seat belt receiver. The seat belts that clip into the car’s existing seat belt receiver give a more secure fit. However, these types of dog seat belts are sized to a specific vehicle model and/or seat belt size. They may become jammed in the car’s belt receiver if the wrong size is inserted. Other fasteners are looped around the headset seat. These are not model specific and are easy to install. However, it is not as secure, as a large dog could pull against the seat belt. This style also mounts much higher and could present a choking hazard.
Adjustable Straps
Not everything fits large or small dogs the same, so many seat belts will have adjustable straps to ensure a proper fit on your dog. These straps help to keep your dog safe and comfortable. Some seat belt straps are used to connect to the collar, while others are designed to be used with a harness only. For the most secure fit, straps must be adjusted to the specific size of dog.
Waterproof and Durability
Many owners like to take dogs to parks or places with water for them to swim and play. Many of these seat belts include a waterproof coating that helps them last longer. They are also made with strong materials for extreme durability. This is ideal for car use because the harness can remain on the dog during outings, not just while the dog is in the vehicle. Some seat belts also work as a leash, making a trip easier with one less item to bring.
Other Considerations
- Dog Size: The fit of your dog’s seat belt is extremely important. If it does not fit properly, it will not work as intended. Whether you’re looking for a car restraint for a small or large dog or a seat belt for a puppy, you need to take your dog’s measurements first. This will help you determine what size of belt to get your dog. Then, you can make smaller adjustments as needed.
- Car Compatibility: Some car seat belts for dogs include clips that can be inserted into the seat belt receiver. However, many of these only fit specific cars. Be sure to double check the size of your car seat receiver and make sure it will fit the dog seat belt so it doesn’t get stuck.
Tips
- Be sure to adjust the straps to fit your dog properly. They should be tight but not too restricting. The strap that attaches to the seat should be long enough to allow your dog to move around comfortably, but not reach the front seat.
- Do not allow your dog to wear the seat belt without it being clipped securely to the seat. The strap could get caught and cause injury if your dog were to jump out. To remove your dog from the seat belt, detach it on the end that hooks to your dog, not to the seat.
- Try to avoid fastening these seat belts to a collar. This can be a choking hazard. Attach the seat belt to a harness instead.
- If your dog is very strong, consider using two seat belt straps. Many of these come in packs of two, which can provide a stronger hold for your dog.
FAQs
A: You should take three measurements when measuring your dog for a harness: the length of the back from the base of the head to the start of the tail, around the chest, and around the neck. You can then use sizing charts to help you determine the size you need.
A: Dogs can sometimes be nervous when introduced to something new. Introduce your dog to the seat belt or harness in your home where they feel safe. Reward them with treats while wearing it so they associate the treats and positive reinforcement with the seat belt.
A: Yes, you can use as many seat belts as your car will allow. Just make sure each seat belt is attached to a separate seat so your dogs don’t get them tangled.