A dog car seat belt can be a lifesaver! Do you know that over 10,000 dogs are injured or killed in car accidents each year?
Just as you put your seat belt on and make sure you and your kids are secure, your fur kid needs a dog seat belt. Even a low-impact accident could send your dog flying. That could mean an injury, lost pet, or worse.
We’ll dig in today and discover how to secure your dog properly and how it can save you money in the process. Even better learn how it doesn’t take much time but keeps your furry buddy safe.
Budget tip:
While you may need to purchase a seat belt or even a proper dog harness, but it can be worth. The price isn't much. But your furry friend is safe, you aren't distracted, and you won't get fined. Most importantly your pup has less chance of being thrown from the vehicle, injured, or lost if you're ever in an accident. That makes a dog car restraint a no-brainer and a major win-win for you and your best buddy!
What are the reasons for using a dog car seat belt?
There are many reasons you will want to not have your dog roaming freely while you drive. Pet safety, even in a vehicle is money-wise. These include:
1. Required by law. Yes, some states, cities, or counties require pets to be secured in vehicles. This means if your dog is secure you avoid fines.
2. Not distracted driving by your dog wanting your attention. Much as you shouldn’t talk on your phone and drive, you should drive with your dog loose in your car.
3. Reduced injuries if in an accident.
4. Your dog won’t become a flying projectile, lost, or killed if in an accident.
Note: A seat belt isn’t just for smaller dogs or larger dogs. It’s for all dogs. It’s a must-do for safety as a dog owner.
How do I secure my dog in my car?
There are several different ways you can safely transport your dog in a vehicle. These include:
- Dog car safety belt (some even provide a swivel tether to allow your dog to look out the window easier)
- Dog seat with safety belt
- Travel kennel
However, even if you use a kennel with your dog in the car, please secure it when driving. This could be done with a regular attached to the kennel or other securing mechanism. The goal is to ensure your dog is safe is there is an accident and he. Thus, you don’t want him ejected in his kennel.
Note: Never use a child car seat as a dog car restraint. Dogs do not have human anatomy and this will not be a safe solution for your furry buddy.
Can I safely put dog beds in my car for my canine to use while I drive?
You will want to test this one out. If you can secure the bed and make sure that it doesn’t move or your dog moves when buckled into the seat, it may work. I do understand that some dogs have health issues and need a comfortable place to lie down, especially on a long car ride. But pet safety is always paramount. Also, don’t forget to gear your pup up for travel with their safety harness.
Contrary, you may simply wish to cover your seats to protect them from your furry friend. But you still need access to the seat belt to ensure your pup is safe. That’s when you pet seat covers. Most are washable, durable, and safe. You simply attach the seat strap through the cover and your dog is safe.
Note: Even a pet seat cover and attaching a safety belt can be comfy for your furry buddy.
What else should I do to comfort my dog while transporting in my car?
If your dog is nervous about going for a car ride, there are a few different tricks you can try. Some options you may want to look at include:
Harness to attach the car safety belt
Taking your dog’s favorite toys
How do I install a dog car safety belt?
You’ll be happy to know that installing a safety belt for your dog is much easier than a child safety seat. Here’s a great tutorial from Tutoriale Auto.
Is there a harness that’s best for car use?
There are several harnesses that work with a dog seat belt. Personally, I like a harness that has a dual purpose. Thus, it can be used in the car as well as for a walk more easily. The harness I have for Henry (who’s a small dog) has an easy walk latch (chest strap latch), back latch, and a handle yet it works with a dog car safety belt.
Can my dog sit in the front passenger seat?
The problem with a front seat is that the airbag could be fatal if discharged even with a large dog in an accident. Even a hard sudden braking could cause the air bag to deploy. Therefore, it’s best to secure your dog in the back seat.
How does a dog car safety belt save me money?
While you may need to spend a few dollars on a safety belt, it will pay you back multiple times. Even if you never get in a car accident, your dog won’t distract you and you won’t receive a fine. However, with money savings in mind, consider the following for a moment.
| Safety belt | $15 |
| Emergency vet | $150 – 5,000 |
| Lost pet | $300 -1,000 |
| Fatally injured fur buddy | HEARTBREAKING!!! |
Related posts:
- Cuddly Cute! A Dog Heartbeat Stuffed Animal
- Emergency Dog Fund: How Much Money Should You Save?
- Easy Dog Emergency Vet Visits Tips
- My Dog Loves Savings Accounts. Surprised?
It’s not a black belt, but a dog seat belt is a life changer!
Think it’s cute to have your best buddy roaming while you drive? It may not be if you get fined or you find yourself in an accident. Your dog could be injured or thrown from the vehicle Dogs in car accidents, just like their humans have trauma and their flight or fight mechanism kicks into gear. Thus, it can be extremely challenging to recover a dog lost in this manner. As such, it’s best to secure your dog with a harness and safety belt or even a kennel. My best furry friend, Henry, is always secure when he’s in a car with a dog safety seat belt. It’s good for him, my sanity, and my wallet.
Love this!
I used to use a kennel when transporting my dogs, but recently got a smaller car where a seatbelt is a lot more practical. I think some training must be required because rather than just chilling in the car seat, my dogs go nuts trying to jump out/twist free.
I’ve currently got my car seat on hold while I try to figure out what they need to understand it’s just like a kennel–but open top!
That’s interesting, Andrea! I wonder if you used a calming aid or heartbeat toy if that would help as well. My dog, Henry, does very well with his heartbeat toy near him in the car. Maybe that would help your pups as well. Good luck with the car seat. I think they are great as long as they are secure. Henry likes seeing out the window and a seat helps him do that and also helps to keep him calm in the car.
Great post as always and I think it is a must for the safety of your dog, as you said it is also cheaper than having to pay vet bills and with training a dog will learn the way they learn to walk with a harness.
You’re right, Ruth. Keeping your pup or fur kid secure and safe while traveling in a vehicle is a must. Harnesses are great! And it doesn’t take much effort. Thanks for always supporting me and being encouraging!
I think so many people have no idea how unsafe a loose dog is in a car. I would consider a safety belt to be an essential piece of equipment rather than, as you say, a dog becoming a dangerous projectile!
Don’t play with your dog’s safety. Get a seat belt!!
You got it, Marjorie! A seat belt is a no-brainer and an essential part of equipment.
Keeping our pups safe on road trips is a must! So important to pick the option that’s best for the humans and the doggies 🙂 And seatbelts are so easy to use in most cases
You’re right, Tiffany! Seat belts for our fur kids are easy and very important.
This is such great advice, especially with holiday travel upon us. I didn’t know some states require dogs to be secure in tge car – that’s wonderful. I’m a huge fan of car safety harnesses for our dogs
It’s crazy what you can learn. I love that some states require your furry buddy to be secured while traveling in a vehicle. It makes good common sense to me. I’m a big fan of car safety harnesses as well, Cathy!
Such an important post, Terri! I agree 1000%! I’ve been a huge believer in seat belts and have always used them with my FiveSibes.They would hop in my Jeep and assume their seats while I belted them in. (Oh, I do miss those days!) It’s so important, and the thought of getting into a fender-bender and losing them out of the car, or having them injured or worse, are such scary thoughts, and the #1 reason to keep them harnessed/belted in.
Henry looks adorbs!
Great post as always! Sharing!
It really easy a simple step to secure your pup in your vehicle. Sometimes I think the simple gets overlooked very easily. Especially, as I see pups running loose in cars as I’m driving down the street. It always makes me cringe and wonder why people aren’t more careful. Thanks, Dorothy for the continued support and encouragement!