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4 Car Restraint Options for Dogs

Dog Automobile Safety Measures

By , About.com Guide

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Driving down the road on any given day, it is not uncommon to see dogs hanging their heads out of car windows, bouncing around freely in cars, and sometimes even on drivers' laps. It doesn't take much common sense to know that these are not safe situations, but many of us still allow our dogs to ride in the car unrestrained. Why? Many people feel their dogs become stressed out if restrained. Others feel that their dogs enjoy the car ride because they can do things like hang their heads out the window. Regardless of how happy these things make the dog, they are undeniably dangerous. Here's why:
  • A loose dog can easily distract the driver.
  • An unrestrained dogs can block or move the steering wheel, gear shift and gas/break pedals.
  • A loose dog can be injured or killed by an airbag.
  • When hanging its head out of a car window, debris from the road can injure a dog's eyes, nose and mouth.
  • In case of an accident or even stopping short, your dog can become a dangerous projectile. This not only poses a risk to your dog; it is a risk to you, other people in the car, other drivers and even pedestrians.
  • In case of an accident, a loose dog can become a threat to emergency workers trying to rescue your from a damaged car. Or, said dog could escape and become lost.

Do your dog, yourself and everyone else a favor and restrain him. In addition, do not allow your dog to travel in the front seat, even if restrained. Keeping your dog restrained and in the back will decrease the likelihood of a distraction-related accident and keep your dog safer in a crash. However, car travel for restrained dogs is not without risk. Check out these videos of crash tests to see what happens with different types of restraints. Obviously, it is most dangerous to travel with no restraint at all. Your bet bet is to find the right restraint for your dog and increase his odds of survival in a car crash. And, most importantly of all, drive safe!

Here are the main types of car restraint options for dogs:

Crate or Kennel

Dog beds for kennels or cratesPhoto Courtesy of PriceGrabber
A crate or kennel is one of the safer ways for your dog to travel, provided the crate is very sturdy and secured in place. If you have an SUV or similar vehicle, you may wish place the crate in the cargo area of the vehicle. Just be sure to find out if this is the crumple zone in your car. If so, the cargo area may be the worst place for your dog! A small or medium crate will typically fit in the back seat of most vehicles. Look for straps or harnesses that will keep the crate secured, or find a crate made to have a seat belt strapped to it. Otherwise, you can end up with a deadly projectile in the case of an accident. Also keep in mind that, if an accident does happen, your dog will be thrown against the walls of the crate upon impact, so injuries may still occur.
Learn About Dog Crate Styles

Car Harness

Mazie, a Yellow Lab, models the PetBuckle Seat Belt HarnessPhoto © Jenna Stregowski

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. 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. To learn more about one of many car harness brands, read a review of the PetBuckle harness.

Compare prices of dog seat belts

Car Seat

Dog Car Seat - Booster Seat for DogPhoto courtesy of PriceGrabber.com

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 own harness. Never hook this up to your dog's neck collar, as your dog can be strangled in a crash.

Compare prices of dog car seats

Car Barrier

Dog Car BarrierPhoto courtesy of PriceGrabber.com

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 easy 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. Basically, a barrier is better than nothing, but not as good as a harness or crate.

Compare prices of car barriers

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