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I used to smile every time I saw a cute dog hanging their head out someone's car window. The ears blowing in the wind! The floppy tongue hanging down! What's better than that? Then I learned more about pet safety (and moved into a converted van full time with my blue heeler). Now the sight brings more anxiety than joy. Today I smile when I see pups secured in their vehicles—and people focused on the road ahead.
There are a lot of ways to secure your dog in the car, though. And for every option out there claiming it's the best, another voice recommends something different. What's a pet parent to do?
We've put together key things to know so you can make your own informed choice.
First things first: Riding unrestrained is risky
Unrestrained pets can distract drivers
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the most common distractions in naturalistic driving studies are attending to passengers and cell phones. Guess what? Your pup counts as a passenger. Looking away from the road for just a few seconds—like to see what your dog is barking at or wonder why they've conspicuously gone quiet (what are they eating this time)—can increase crash risk.
If your dog is secured in some sort of crate, harness, or other seatbelt option, you won't have to worry about them as much as you drive.
Unrestrained pets are at greater risk of injury
In a collision, an unrestrained dog can be thrown around the vehicle and suffer severe impact injuries. Pet safety restraints can absorb impact forces and reduce the likelihood your pup gets seriously hurt. (Accidents are horrible enough even if the vehicle itself is the only thing damaged. The last thing we need is an emergency vet visit or greater tragedy on top of it.)
Unrestrained pets can become projectiles in a crash
Even at moderate speeds, dogs who aren't secured can pack thousands of pounds of projectile force in an accident. This not only increases their chance of serious injury—it also risks the safety of fellow passengers.
Unrestrained dogs can get lost after an accident
Car crashes are chaotic. Dogs don't know what's going on—and even if they survive the initial impact, they can easily become confused and run off. (Google "dog missing after car accident" for a slew of news stories, some more heartwarming than others.) Even pups with excellent recall and off-leash training can behave unpredictably when scared or hurt.
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Ways to secure your dog in the car
Car crates and carriers
Crates are usually sized for medium-to-large dogs while carriers fit small dogs. Both are made of sturdy materials—often metal or thick plastic—designed to hold up under impact. They work by reducing the area your dog can move within during an accident, keeping them from experiencing extreme force.
Popular brands include Gunner, Impact, Ruff Land, Lucky, Rock Creek, Cabela's, and Sleepypod.
Car harnesses
These are specially designed harnesses that attach to your car's existing seatbelt system. Some of them can also be used for walking your dog, while others are bulky enough to be kept strictly for travel use. Car harnesses are usually a bit less safe than travel crates—but they allow your dog more freedom of movement and visibility.
Popular brands include Sleepypod, Ruffwear, and Kurgo.
Car hammocks
A car hammock is just what it sounds like: A fabric cover that hangs between the front and back seats, creating a cozy space for your dog. While these are excellent at protecting your car's interior from fur and preventing driver distraction, they don't hold up as well for safety in high impact situations.
Center for Pet Safety certified products
The Center for Pet Safety (CPS) conducts independent crash testing on range of pet restraints. At the time of writing, they've certified 15 crates and carriers, two harnesses, and no hammocks or other seatbelt attachments.
What's the best option?
Only you can answer this for yourself. Here's what to think about!
Consider the size of your dog and car
- Safely securing a Chihuahua might look different from restraining a German Shepherd. In general, harnesses and small carriers can work well for toy breeds—and crates are a great option for larger pups.
- Some sedans can fit travel crates. Others can't. The space you're working with will narrow your restraint options.
Think about how often and where you drive
- If you don't have a car of your own (you and your dog take public transportation, snag rides with friends, or use a service like Uber Pet) you might not invest as much time and money in a travel restraint setup. Harness attachments can be quick options for these scenarios.
Ask if your dog is able to relax in the car
- If so? Driver distraction risk is minimal. You'll want to focus on safety measures you feel good about in case of an accident.
- If your dog struggles to relax on the road, you'll want to prioritize a restraint that makes it easier for them to calm down. Some dogs do best in crates were they can't see distractions outside; others do best being able to keep an eye on you.
Figure out your budget
- Car crates are more expensive than car harnesses. Some top-of-the-line options cost several hundred dollars! It's okay if that's not in your budget. Remember that something (even a simple seatbelt attachment to an existing harness you use for daily walks) is often better than nothing.
If you really want to dive deep...
You can read the Center for Pet Safety's independent crash reports yourself.
I have a personal confession: My blue heeler's travel crate did not pass CPS certification. Why, you ask, do I feel okay using it? Because I was able to see exactly how it failed their rigorous impact test. The kennel itself is sturdy. Faults depended on how it was placed in the vehicle and whether the crate door was reinforced. Thanks to those insights, I was able to make a risk assessment we felt comfortable with—factoring in kennel weight, size, and financial investment.
There's no one "right" answer. If you make an informed decision, we're cheering for you. Happy traveling!