Investing in a pet restraint for your car can offer you and your furry friend peace of mind and improved safety on the road. A restraint keeps your pet secure in the event of an accident, protecting them from harm and reducing the risk of injury to passengers. The restraint also helps to minimize distractions and reduce anxiety during car trips, making for a calmer and more enjoyable experience for everyone. Whether you’re taking a short drive to the park or a long road trip, a pet restraint is a smart choice for you and your pet, but with so many types on the market how do you choose? Have no fear we have the basics of selecting a restraint for your pet covered!
Pet Seatbelt Harness
This is exactly what it sounds like it is a harness that works with your existing seat belt buckle. This is one of the most popular types of restraints for dogs.
Good For: Large, Medium, and Small Dogs
Avoid For: Toy Breeds, Cats, pets with prior neck or back injuries, and breeds with unique body types such greyhounds or whippets
Tip: Some harnesses are deceptively marketed as being crash tested vs being crash test approved or having passed a crash test.
Augie and Bone’s Winner: Sleepypod Clickit Sport (Crash Test Approved)
Up-right harness
This is a harness that attaches to the back of the seat. This does require child car seat connectors to be installed correctly.
Good For: Small Dogs and Toy Breeds
Avoid For: Medium and Large Dogs, Cats, and pets with prior neck and back injuries
Tip: The upright harness can double as a backpack carrier for your pet
Augie and Bone’s Winner: The Rocketeer Pack – Multifunctional Harness (Crash Test Approved)
PEt Carrier
Another option is to put your pet in a hard-sided carrier like you would use on an airplane.
Good For: Small Dogs, Toy Breeds, Cats, and pets with prior neck and back injuries
Avoid For: Medium and Large Dogs
Tip: Your carrier should be just large enough for your pet to stand up, turn around, and lie down. Carries that are smaller than this will be uncomfortable for your pet and those larger than this will be unsafe.
Augie and Bone’s Winner: It’s a TIE!
Sleepypod Air Carrier (Crash Test Approved & Airline Approved)
Away The Pet Carrier (Crash Test Approved & Airline Approved)
Crate
A crate that can be secured in the back of an SUV or the back seat of your car is the last option to safely secure your pet.
Good For: Medium and Large Dogs, pets with prior neck and back injuries
Avoid For: Small Dogs, Toy Breeds, and Cats
Tip: As with carriers your crate should be just large enough for your pet to stand up, turn around, and lie down.
Augie and Bone’s Winner: Gunner G1 Kennel (Crash Test Approved)
Restraints to Avoid
Car Barriers: These will keep your pet separated from the front of the car and are often used in SUVs. While these will help to prevent distracted driving they will not keep your pet safe in the event of a car crash.
Dog Car Seat/Bucket Seat: Typically a bucket-type seat that allows your pet to be comfortably restrained. While these will help to prevent distracted driving they will not keep your pet safe in the event of a car crash.
Let us know your favorite way to keep your pet safe in the car in the comments.