Top 5 Dog Car Seat Belts and Harnesses

Today, we’re going to talk about Dog Car Seat Belts and Harnesses.

Picture this:

You’re driving down the highway, and you look over to the SUV in the next lane, and a sweet, furry Golden Retriever rides shotgun with his head sticking out of the window, ears flapping, tongue flapping, happy as ever.

While this is an adorable scene, and it makes you smile, a loose dog can be hazardous in a car accident. My 105 lb. Rottweiler, Bailey (who thinks she’s a lap dog), loves riding in the car, but she gets way too excited, and I find myself constantly distracted by her trying to climb into the front seat, right into my lap!

That brings us to the issue that a loose dog in the car causes owners to become distracted while driving, which is also a problem. In fact, according to one survey, 29% of dog owners have admitted to being distracted by their dog while driving.

In the same survey, sixty-five percent of dog owners admit to at least one “distracting activity” while driving. What are these “distracting activities,” you ask?

• Petting their dog
• Using their hands or arms to restrict their dog’s movements or hold their dog in place
• Using hands or arms to keep their dog from climbing from the backseat into the front seat
• Reaching into the backseat to interact with their dog
• Allowing their dog to sit in lap while driving (yikes! Especially if it’s a large dog)
• Giving food or treats to their dog
• Playing with their dog
• Taking photos of their dog

I have been guilty of all of the above from time to time. Distractions are a big deal, and looking away from the road for only two seconds doubles your risk of being in an accident, according to the AAA Foundation of Traffic Safety.

So, what’s the solution? It’s quite simple. A dog harness that clips to a dog seat belt that attaches to the LATCH device or the seat belt receiver. This will allow your pet to ride safely and securely in the car without having free reign of the vehicle.

Why Does my Dog need a Seatbelt?

If you have ever been in a car accident, you know that wearing your seat belt may have saved your life. What if your dog had been in the car with you? Would he have been protected during the crash?

If your dog isn’t wearing a harness and a safety belt in the backseat, the following could occur:

• Your dog could fly forward
• Your dog could slide side to side in the backseat
• Your dog could fall between the seat and the floor
• Your dog could crash into your seat and injure you
• Your dog could become anxious or scared
• Your dog could get whiplash
• You could become distracted by your dog

What Do I Look for in a Dog Safety Belt?

When shopping for a dog seat belt, there are some key factors you want to look for. Dog seat belts are not expensive purchases. Because of this, there is no reason why you should not get one for your dog.

Here are some crucial factors:

• Solid safety ratings
• Durable materials
• Comfortable fit
• Easily adjustable
• Ease of use
• Compatibility with your vehicle
• Chew-proof (if your dog is a chewer)

Thankfully, we have reviewed our top five dog seat belts, and we based these ratings on safety qualities, comfort features, ease of use, and adjustability.

Related: The 5 Best Dog Car Seats For Your Pet’s Safety While Travelling

Best Dog Car Seat Belts

Check out these features:

• Dimensions: 26 x 1 x 0.1 inches
• Weight: 2.4 ounces
• Material: weather-proof nylon and metal
• Color: black
• Designed for optimal pet safety and security
• Adjustable tri-glide attachment spans from 16 to 26 inches
• LATCH bar attachment
• Easily removed by unclipping from LATCH bar
• Tangle-free swivel
• Built with metal hardware
• Carabiner clip made of aviation aluminum
• 100% satisfaction guaranteed

What’s so impressive about the Mighty Paw Safety Belt? It was designed with safety as the main goal. Other pet seat belt systems may accidentally release if the dog steps on the buckle button. This can be dangerous and distracting if you are constantly worried if your dog has freed himself. Mighty Paw has fixed this potential issue with a secure hook that attaches to your vehicle’s LATCH bar. It is easy to install, and once it is attached, it stays put, providing convenience and ease when you head out on a journey with your furry friend.

The strap is adjustable to fit dogs of all sizes and includes a tangle-free swivel attachment. This is an extra perk since you know how frustrating it can be when your dog gets all tangled up.  Built strong and durable with a rock-climbing carabiner made with Aviation Aluminum for a maximum force of 850+ pounds, this clip quickly releases in case of an emergency.

The easy adjustable tri-glide attachment can extend from 16 to 26 inches, depending on how much freedom you want to give your dog. Made with high-quality nylon and metal, this seat belt is predicted to last for years Money Paw is so confident in their product that they offer a 100% money-back satisfaction guarantee!

The only complaint we have about the Mighty Paw safety belt is that it is not chew-proof. If you have a dog who loves to chew everything he sees, check out our number four–the Leash Boss Dog Car Seat Belt Restraint. Also, while this is minor, it would be cool if this seat belt was available in other colors. As of now, black is your only option. Overall, though, the Mighty Paw is our top pick!

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• Dimensions: 7 x 4 x 0.5 inches
• Weight: 7.4 ounces
• Strap width: 1 inch
• Belt tab width: .83 inch
• Material: sturdy nylon fabric
• Premium zinc alloy swivel snap
• Anti-rust hook
• Stainless clip
• Adjustable strap 20.8-26.3 inches
• Elastic buffer design
• Easy to snap and unlatch to car’s seat belt buckle
• Comes with two seat belts
• Six color options

Made from a sturdy Nylon fabric, the URPOWER seat belt features an anti-rust stainless steel clip and a zinc alloy swivel snap that allows your pet to sit, lie, and move within a limited space. The elastic buffer design adds extra protection for your dog in case of a sudden brake or sharp turn.

The URPOWER seat belt is a one-size-fits-all, adjustable belt. Spanning from 20.8 to 26.3 inches, this seat belt works great for dogs of all sizes and in any vehicle. The installation is simple: all you do is click the belt into your car seat. Do not attach the belt directly to your dog’s collar.

This set of two seat belts come in six different color options: black, blue, green, orange, pink, and purple.

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Check out all the features:

• Dimensions: 6 x 5.4 x 2 inches
• Weight: 2.01 ounces
• Strap width: .98 inch (2.5 cm)
• Belt tab width: 2 cm
• Material: high-quality nylon fabric
• Solid zinc alloy swivel snap
• Metal buckle
• Universal buckle
• Hassle-free seat belt clip
• Adjustable strap: 19-32 inches
• Comes with two seat belts
• Six color options

The Vastar pet safety belt is another great option. It is advertised as not only for dogs but other pets too. Customer reviews cited that this seat belt protected their cats and pigs too! This safety belt is designed to protect your pet while keeping him or her on the seat and away from the center console.

It is made of high-quality nylon fabric to ensure safety and features a solid zinc alloy swivel snap and metal buckles for extra durability. The universal buckle works with most vehicles (see below for the vehicle models that are not compatible with this belt).

The high-density belt is soft, wear-resistant, and durable. It expands from 19.68 to 32.28 inches, so it should fit any breed of pet perfectly. This seat belt comes in six colors: black, blue, green, orange, pink, and red. The company logo is printed on all seat belts.

Do note that based on customer feedback, the Vastar pet seat belt is not compatible with the following vehicle models:

• 2013/2014 Honda Pilot
• 2016 Honda CR-V
• 2015 Acura RDX
• 2012 Kia Fore
• 1989 Ford Ranger

We should also mention that customers raved about Vastar’s customer service. Anytime there has been an issue with an order, they have resolved it immediately.

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• Dimensions: varies depending on the size
• Weight: 4.2 ounces
• Material: Vinyl coated steel rope
• Chew proof resistant
• Durable locking clip attaches to safety LATCH bar
• Strong safety clasp
• Attaches to all vehicles
• Adjustable strap: varies depending on the size
• Five sizes
• Color: black
• Five-year warranty

If you have a dog who chews through everything, this is the seat belt for you. The high-quality coated steel rope will prevent chewing while keeping your pup safely restrained in the backseat. The vinyl-coated steel rope is the same material used in dog tie-outs.

This seat belt comes in five different sizes: 16, 21, 26, 31, or 36-inch sizes for small, medium, large, and extra-large dogs. The 16-inch option features a smaller clip for smaller dogs. To determine the best size for your canine, measure your dog’s normal height to the LATCH bar at a 45 degrees angle.

The manufacturer recommends using a vest harness with this safety belt, not a collar. This seat belt is designed to be attached to a vest harness (see those detailed later in the article). This purchase is protected by “The Boss Promise,” a five-year manufacturer’s warranty.

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Here’s what iBuddy has to offer:

• Dimensions: 3.1 x 8.3 x 2 inches
• Weight: 9.3 ounces
• Universal belt clip: .82 inch
• Material: high-density nylon webbing  
• Superior dual-safe bolt hook
• Adjustable for small to large dogs 24.3 inch-29.9 inch
• 360 degrees swivel snap
• Elastic buffer belt
• Anti-slip and adjustable
• Adjustable strap: 19-32 inches
• Comes in a set of one or two seat belts
• Two-year warranty

Along with the high-density nylon webbing, the iBuddy dog car seat belt is designed with a flexible nylon fabric bungee with a buffer damping design to protect your dog from sudden braking or a sharp turn. The 360 degrees swivel snap helps keep your dog from getting tangled in the seat belt.

This seat belt is adjustable from 23 to 30 inches, making it a perfect choice for small, medium, or large dogs. However, if your dog is less than 15 pounds, iBuddy recommends you choose another dog seat belt. The dog seat belt clip is 0.82 inches, so it is compatible with most vehicles.

This seat belt is available in one or two packs. iBuddy is so confident in their seat belts that they stand behind a 2-year warranty from the date of purchase.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Dog Seat Belt Laws

As far as pet restraints and the law, currently, there are only two states in the U.S. that require pets to buckle up while in the vehicle: New Jersey and Rhode Island.

However, there are other states that have passed laws that could provide consequences for transporting unrestrained pets, specifically enabling pets to cause distractions to the driver.

• Arizona
• Connecticut
• Hawaii
• Iowa
• Maine
• Massachusetts
• South Carolina
• Washington
• Washington DC
• Wisconsin 

If you travel with your pet, it is safest for him to be in a harness and a seat belt in the backseat, whether it is the law in your state or not.

Using Dog Seat Belt With Harness

I am sure you noticed that most of the dog seat belt manufacturers recommended that the seat belt attaches to a dog harness, not a collar. The combination of a dog harness and a seat belt is the safest way to secure your dog while traveling.

Why a Dog Harness and Not a Collar?

Dogs wear collars every day; this is a normal practice. The problem is that when a dog is in a collar on a leash, the force has to go somewhere, and it ends up applied to the dog’s neck. Intentional and accidental collar jerks can cause a lot of harm.

Harnesses are a safer choice for traveling (and walking!) because they distribute force throughout the dog’s chest, unlike traditional collars that place 100% of the force around the dog’s neck.

When the force is distributed around the chest, there is less pressure on the neck and more pressure on the dog’s core where they can handle it.

When looking for a safe car harness, keep the following considerations in mind:

What makes a car harness safe?

When looking for a safe car harness, keep the following considerations in mind:

A perfect fit

No matter how safe and durable the harness is, if it doesn’t perfectly fit your dog, it’s not going to offer protection. The dog harnesses available come with a size chart where you measure your dog’s chest and neck.

Durable material

Look for dog harnesses that are made of strong, durable materials. This means double stitching, metal buckles, and other features.

Padded for comfort

Make sure that you find a harness that is padded. This will protect your dog’s skin and make it more comfortable, which is good for long and short trips alike.

Easy to put on and adjust

Obviously, you want a harness that is easy to put on your dog. You want it to be a snug fit without being too tight. Adjustable straps are also essential in order to make sure your dog can’t slip out while you’re driving or in an accident.

Different Types of Harnesses

There are four main types of harnesses on the market today with some variations.

First, there is the most common–a back-clip harness. As the name states, back-clip harnesses have a “D ring” attachment on the dog’s back where you can attach the leash or seat belt. The back-clip harness is easy to use and comfortable for most dogs.

Then there is the front-clip harness. Front-clip harnesses are less common, but they have some advantages, especially for dogs that pull. The position of the leash attachment makes it harder for a dog to pull where they want to go. Instead, the tension pulls the dog towards the owner rather than forward.

Then there’s the dual-clip harness. A dual-clip harness provides the best of the back-clip and front clip options. The combination of front and rear-clip attachments can provide excellent control.

Finally, there’s the step-in harness. Rather than being a type of harness, “step-in” refers to the fitting style where you put your dog’s feet through two holes rather than over his head. A step-in harness can have front, back, or both attachments.

Keep in mind that a car harness isn’t necessarily the best harness for everyday walking. Car restraints should be durable enough to withstand high forces, making some of them heavy. A good rule of thumb is to have one harness for traveling and one for walking. There are some out there that can be used for both as well.

Best Dog Harness For Seat Belt

We have reviewed the top five dog harnesses to be used in conjunction with safety belts. Here are our top picks:

Here’s what you will get with the ICEFANG:

• Dimensions: vary depending on size
• Shipping weight: 1.4 lbs (for a medium)
• Chest girth range: 18-44 inches
• 1050D Nylon with Pu Water Resistant Coating
• 100% nylon webbing
• Alloy metal hardware
• Soft padded ventilate mesh
• 1000 lb. capacity metal buckle
• 2 x POM buckle (250 lb. proof-load test)
• Molle sewn into each side
• No-pull front clip
• Durable handle
• No rub custom fit
• Escape-proof
• Hook and loop panel for badge ID
• Professional look
• Comes in six sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL
• Available in the colors brown, black, grey, and ranger green

Designed with the strongest material and construction, the ICEFANG harness is simple where it matters, but packed full of extra features if you need them. To start, it’s super durable. The high-density, water-resistant, anti-tear 1050D nylon is made from the same material that the military uses for their gear.

You get two types of buckles for this harness. The shoulder buckle, which passed the 1000 lb. Proof-Load test, has the most force from your dog, which is why there is a strong metal buckle with a side release trigger, making it nearly impossible for your dog to break free. The second buckle is the thick plastic belt used to secure the harness to your dog’s abdomen. It 250 lb. load proof, so also very durable.

This harness is advertised as “no-rub” and “escape-proof,” so it should not rub too much against your dog’s skin, and he shouldn’t be able to get loose. The mesh lining inside the best keeps your dog comfortable and well-ventilated. The four adjustable straps allow for a snug, comfortable fit.

This harness also comes with two 1 inch strips of Molle sewn on both sides, allowing your dog to carry bags, water bottles, etc.

To ensure you buy the correct size harness, measure your dog around the deepest round of his chest, then at the withers, then at the neck base. Compare your dog’s measurements with the measurements listed on Amazon. The sizes range from extra small (18 to 23-inch girth) to extra extra large (36 to 44-inch girth). You can buy this harness in the colors black, grey, brown, or dark green.

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Check them out:

• Dimensions: 0.6 x 9.1 x 14.2 inches (for Large)
• Weight: 7.2 ounces (for Large)
• Chest girth range: 15.7-39.6 inches
• Neck girth range: 13.8-30.7 inches
• Material: durable Nylon Oxford
• Soft cushion padding
• Weatherproof
• Non-pulling
• Two metal leash rings
• Chest attachment clip
• Sturdy top handle
• Two fast-release buckles
• Four easy adjustable straps
• Reflective strips
• Comes in five sizes: extra-small, small, medium, large, and extra-large
• Available in six colors

The Rabbitgoo is an over-the-head harness, which some dog owners say is easier to put on than a step-in harness. An over-the-head harness, as the name states, just slips right over Rocky’s head and secures with buckles on both sides of his chest.

This harness is easy to adjust with adjustable straps at four different points. This makes it easy to get the perfect fit, as long as you measure properly and order the right size. The Rabbitgoo is available in five sizes, ranging from extra-small to extra-large. You can also choose from six colors.

This non-pulling harness is designed with two metal leash rings. The chest attachment clip is used to stop your dog from pulling on walks.

As I mentioned, this harness is extra comfortable. The heavy-duty padding is made from soft, breathable material. The harness also features reflective straps, which is a perk if you and your pup are traveling or walking at night.

The Rabbitgoo harness comes in six color options. It is also hand washable with mild detergent and should be air-dried.

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Here’s what we have for this harness:

• Dimensions: 8.6 x 3.4 x 8.7 inches (for Large)
• Weight: 13.6 ounces (for Large)
• Breast girth range: 20-46 inches
• Material: durable nylon
• Breathable fabric
• Padded design
• Non-pull design
• Strong rubber ring for quick grabbing
• Back D-ring for leash with two attachment points
• Quick buckle for easy wear and adjustment
• Adjustable straps
• Nighttime reflective trim  
• Comes in three sizes: medium, large, and extra-large
• Available in seven colors

The Expawlorer Big Dog Harness works best for large breeds that are packed with both energy and muscle. This model gives dog owners the ability to easily control their dogs when they are traveling in the vehicle or out on a walk.

The quick buckle design will allow you to put the harness on or take it off easily. This harness is also easy to adjust and is designed to prevent dogs from slipping out when they get excited. The front leash attachment is designed for dogs who tend to jump, dart, or pull. All you have to do is attach the part and then pull on the leash to keep your dog from pulling.

The harness is made out of tough nylon material and features a padded design and mesh lining that makes it comfortable and breathable.

Another selling point of this harness is the reflective trim. Your dog will be easily seen first thing in the morning or late at night, even in poor lighting conditions.

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• Dimensions: vary depending on size  
• Weight: vary depending on size  
• Breast girth range: 12.25-43 inches
• Comfortable mesh lining
• Heavy-duty double-stitched nylon
• Reflective strap and patches
• Removable hook and loop-backed patches
• Includes attached handle and “D” ring for leash
• Removable saddlebags
• Comes in eight sizes: XXXS, XXS, SX, S, M, L, XL, XXL
• Available in six colors

This durable harness is made from the strongest materials out there: heavy-duty double-stitched nylon. The seams won’t fray, and the mesh lining will keep your companion comfortable. This harness fits all sizes and breeds, which is a plus. To ensure you are ordering the right size, place the end of your measuring tape between your dog’s shoulder blades and wrap the tape around the largest portion of the chest. Then, check the girth measurement chart on Amazon and match it to the correct size.

The easy to use buckle makes putting this harness on quick and simple. The straps are easily adjustable for a customized fit, while its reflective patches are visible in the dark. The sturdy top-mounted handle gives you total control over your dog and harness in any situation. The sturdy D-ring can accommodate a leash or ID tag.

You can order removable patches, which means you only need one certified harness for all your trips out, anywhere from the grocery store to doctor’s visits. You also get two removable saddlebags with this harness.

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• Dimensions: 6 x 3 x 0.2 inches (for small)
• Weight: 10.4 ounces (for small)
• Breast girth range: 12-44 inches
• Material: nylon webbing
• Crash-tested certified buckles
• Front and back leash attachments
• Front no-pull training
• Padded chest plate
• Five adjustment points
• No-pull “D” ring
• Dog seat belt tether included
• Comes in five sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL
• Available in four colors
• Lifetime warranty

The Kurgo Tru-fit Smart Dog Harness is an excellent option, and here’s why: it’s one of the few dog harnesses that has been crash-tested by the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard. When used in combination with a seat belt tether, it helps keep your dog safe in a car accident.

Made with nylon webbing, this harness is not only durable, but it is easily adjustable with five different adjustment points for a perfect fit. Measure your dog’s chest and neck and compare it to the chart to ensure the best fit. The padded chest plate adds extra comfort and protection when walking or traveling.

The No-Pull “D” ring is great for training your dog not to pull. The quick-release buckles allow you to easily and quickly take the harness on or off.

An extra perk of the Kurgo is that it comes with a seat belt tether, which is the seat belt loop with an attached carabiner. It is compatible with any car seat belt system.

Kurgo also offers a lifetime warranty on this harness. Customers have stated that this company has excellent customer service.

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When deciding the right safety harness size, should weight be considered?

Like humans, dogs carry their weight differently, so basing the size of a harness on weight alone will not be effective.

It’s the chest measurement that matters the most. For comfort, go up a size if your dog’s chest measurement is close to the maximum of the size group.

Do harnesses cause dogs any discomfort?

If the harness fits well, it should not cause the dog discomfort at all. If you are worried that your dog will be uncomfortable, find a harness with extra padding that’s highly adjustable for a custom fit. Keep in mind that a harness should be more comfortable than a collar since there is no added pressure on the dog’s neck.

Can a dog escape from a harness?

It is very hard for a dog that is supervised to escape a harness that fits well. A clever dog may be able to chew through portions on the chest, but most harnesses are not easy to chew, and the dog is not in a good position to gnaw on them.

The Verdict

Regardless of which dog seat belt and safety harness you choose, it’s important that you have both of these products. They may seem unimportant, but they can save your dog’s life. They will keep your dog as safe as possible while traveling while keeping you distraction-free while traveling.