Best Way to Restrain a Dog in Your Car for Safety

A car harness or seat belt is another one of the safer ways to restrain your dog in the car. Car harnesses fit just like regular harnesses but are made to withstand the impact of a car accident. Look for a harness that fits your dog well and attached securely to your car's seat belts. Ideally, choose a harness that has been proven effective in crash tests.

Wide straps and padding in the area of the chest will help lessen damage from the impact. The tether that attaches the harness to the car's seat belts should be as short as possible to lessen the distance a dog is thrown during an accident. Thoroughly research the brand of the harness before you buy it to find out what studies the manufacturer has done.

Dog car seats and booster seats are similar to car harnesses but designed for small dogs. The concept is to boost the dog up to a higher level where he can see but to still keep him safe. Be very selective when choosing a dog car seat. Some are merely modified dog beds that provide little safety.

Look for a seat that attaches securely to your car's seat belts and has a harness that attaches securely to the dog. Some have leash clasps meant to attach to your dog's harness. Never hook this up to your dog's neck collar, as your dog can be strangled in a crash.

Car barriers are designed to block off a section of the car. Some are placed behind the front seats to keep a dog in the back seats. Others are placed behind the back seats in SUVs to keep a dog in the cargo area. Barriers may be rigid and made of metal or plastic; they may also be soft and made of cloth or mesh material.

The main safety benefit of barriers is that they keep your dog away from you, minimizing distraction. They may also prevent your dog from becoming a projectile in a crash. However, the barrier can easily come apart in the impact of a crash. Even if the barrier stays intact, the dog will still be thrown against it and around that area of the car. A barrier is better than nothing but not as good as a harness or crate.

As you can see, there are several options to chose from when picking an appropriate restraint for your dog, your car, and you. Consider what is going to work best for you and your dog, and pick a restraint that will keep you and your pup safe during travel.