6 Best Dog Car Harnesses For Safe Travels (2023 Guide)

What Is A Dog Harness?

A dog harness is a piece of equipment that typically sits around the dog’s chest and upper torso to help control them. They are often used by owners who have dogs with medical conditions or behavioral problems, like pulling on their leash while walking. Besides that, dog owners also use harnesses for training purposes to make it easier for them to teach specific behaviors and tricks.

On top of that, if you love traveling with your furry friends or going to dog-friendly restaurants, you can also use a particular harness in your car. The main goal of using the best dog car harness for dogs is to reduce pressure on the neck area, leading to pain, discomfort, irritation, and even injury over time if not properly controlled.

Best Dog Car Harness: Top 3 Picks

Last update on 2024-10-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

What To Consider When Buying A Dog Car Safety Harness?

Before purchasing a dog car safety harness, there are various factors that the pet owner should consider. These include:

Type Of Harness And Material It Is Made From

• Possible need for a booster seat or whether the product makes this mandatory
• Whether they will be able to fit and use with all cars and car sizes
• How easy is it to use and put on

Safety Features

Look for features such as:

• Reflective areas
• Energy-absorbing foam
• Seat belt clips/attachments
• Does the harness come with a chest plate and belly strap
• Is there a non-slip feature

Comfort Features

Look for features such as:

• Padding – to help keep the pet comfortable and to prevent them from chewing at their harness during a journey.
• Padded handles – these make it easier to grip your pup when they are in the car as well as soft enough for you to hold onto without hurting them.
• Mesh – is a material that allows air to circulate through it, this helps to stop moisture from building up and therefore reduces the chance of skin irritation or damage. Mesh harnesses can also prevent your dog from overheating in hot weather.
• Softness – some dogs can chew and chew at their harnesses, if this is the case then finding one that is more stretchable and flexible will be beneficial to both you and your pup.

Size

Make sure you purchase a car safety harness that fits your dog perfectly. A poorly fitting harness can cause discomfort and scratch as well as come off during a journey. Important measurements to consider are:

• Your pup’s chest size – measure around the chest directly behind the front legs.
• Length of your pup’s back – this measurement should commence at the base of the neck and finish at the start/base of their tail. You may need to take into account your pet’s natural curve when taking this measurement.
• Height of your dog – it is always best to measure them in their standing position.

Has Harness Been Tested

Not all harnesses have been tested and some may not meet the required safety standards. Pet owners should look for those that have been tested independently. This ensures the product is safe to use.

Testing criteria may include:

• Energy-absorbing foam
• Car seat belt attachments
• Center of gravity/balance positioning
• Pulling force on harness during a collision

Do not use a harness if it is old, damaged, or incompletely fastened.

Best Dog Car Harness Products 2023

Slowton Dog Car Harness Plus Connector Strap

One of the best harnesses you can have for your dog is the Slowton dog car harness.

Many dog patients find this product one the best in the market today when it comes to safety and durability. In fact, the protection it gives is in line with the standard set in Europe, Australia, and the US. That’s why many people have so much trust in using this harness.  

Besides that, you can also find it easy to assemble the harness by inserting the seat belt through the harness’s handles and buckle it in to lock using a safe closure system. That’s it! You’re good to go and enjoy driving your car.

In addition, as mentioned earlier about the quality of this product, it has been proven by many dog owners that the materials used are strong and of high quality. 

Moreover, it also fits in most dogs of different sizes. You can quickly adjust it to the appropriate tightness to your dog’s body structure, and the dog harness vest is padded perfectly based on its chest for comfort and extra protection.

Last update on 2024-10-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Pros: 

• Keeps your pet safe in the car
• Easy to put on and take off
• Adjustable to fit any dog’s body size 
• Seat belt can fit different size cars

Cons:

• Can make the dog tired if the car ride is long.

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Kurgo Tru-Fit Smart Harness, Dog Harness

Next is the Kurgo smart dog harness. It’s another product that you can add to your list of favorites.

You can surely see your dog comfortably wearing it wherever the both of you go. It’s also light and easy to assemble with a D-ring feature that will help you teach your pet not to pull.

Besides that, this harness also has a leash ring at the back part of it that you can use when you let your dog join you while you’re taking a walk or you’re jogging in the morning for your exercise.  

This product fits medium-size dogs with a chest measurement between 18 to 28 inches and between 16 to 25 inches for its neck. It also comes with a seat belt 10 inches long to make adjustments to fit.

On top of that, the quality is also something that makes this harness stand out among other products you can find online or in the store near you.  

Hence, when you decide to purchase this harness for your dog, Kurgo will give you a lifetime warranty for any damage or defect from the manufacturer.

It’ll surely provide you with peace of mind that whatever happens after your first purchase, you can get the best one for your dog. That’s why you can add this harness from Kurgo to your list.

Last update on 2024-10-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Pros:

• Made with quality breathable material
• Easy to put on and take off
• Comfortable and lightweight
• 5 adjustable points with plastic quick release buckles
• The harness can be used for walking or jogging

Cons:

• It is quite expensive

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Solvit PetSafe Happy Ride Deluxe Car Harness for Dogs

On the other hand, the Solvit PetSafe harness for dogs is also one of the in-demand harnesses in the market today.

When you choose the correct size based on your dog’s body structure, you can surely maximize this product to provide your pet with adequate protection and comfort, especially when you’re traveling for leisure or a necessary appointment. 

That’s why if your dog is comfortable sitting in your car while using the harness, you can focus on driving without any distraction. Besides that, the seat belt that comes with this product is designed to keep your dogs from moving in your car and give them enough mobility while they’re in their seats. 

Like the other harnesses discussed earlier, this particular car harness won’t be left behind when it comes to quality. For many years, the company has kept producing products that provide owners and their dogs safety and happiness while having a long ride on the road. It aims for durability and innovations for its consumers.  

Last update on 2024-10-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Pros:

• Keep your furry friend safe and secure in the car
• Decrease driver distraction
• Attachment options for different vehicles
• The harness is crash-tested and certified
• Comfortable and cool for your furry friend to wear

Cons:

• Can make the dog uncomfortable if worn for long.

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Pawaboo Dog Safety Vest Harness

Next on the list is the Pawaboo car harness for dogs. It doesn’t only prevent your pets from roaming in the car that may distract you while driving, but it also protects them from getting any injury when you quickly stop the car.

Besides that, the design of the buckle clip will give your dog enough movement while staying on the spot of your car seat. 

Moreover, you can also easily attach this harness from your dog to your car seat. Just put it on through its head and chest, adjust its strap to the desired tightness, and lock it using the buckle for safety. After that, connect the D-ring to the dog harness belt and securely fasten the seat belt. That’s it! You can now start driving your car to your destination.  

Another thing that makes this harness interesting is the materials used to manufacture it. It uses a strong oxford fabric and a hundred percent polyester material. That’s why it’s not heavy, and it gives enough comfort for your dog. On top of that, the quality is also guaranteed to be durable and strong. 

Last update on 2024-10-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Pros:

• Sturdy and durable – made of high-quality nylon
• Flexible design – clip allows your pet to move around making it more comfortable
• The detachable seat belt is easy to use
• Suitable for small and medium breeds

Cons:

• Not suitable for large breeds

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Pet Gear Lookout Booster Car Seat

The next product is the Pet Gear Booster car seat. The exciting part about it is that it comes with a comfortable and removable pillow for your dog.

It’s not just soft, but it has a durable microsuede cover that will surely make your pet have the most enjoyable long ride on the road. You don’t need to assemble it because it’s a ready-to-use box with everything you need.  

Besides that, it also provides the best puppy harness, especially if you have cute little dogs that you want to join with you while driving your car. In fact, you can fit two puppies inside without any problem at all.

You can also easily use it by putting the seat belt under the booster and buckling it for safety. After that, make necessary adjustments to perfect it.  

Moreover, with the materials of this product, you can easily clean it up by simply taking out the pillow and its cover and washing them thoroughly. Hence, if you’re looking for something new for your dogs while traveling, you can put them inside this booster in place using the secure system of the seat belt. 

Last update on 2024-10-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Pros:

• Keeps your pet safe while driving
• Machine washable for easy cleaning
• No assembly required
• Easily transport your pet without worrying about them getting loose
• Rest easy knowing your pet is safe and comfortable

Cons:

• It is quite expensive

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Kurgo Dog Seat Belt Pet Safety Tether

The last product on the list is another dog safety harness by Kurgo. If you have too active and playful dogs, you’ll surely find it challenging to keep them still in one place.

That’s why if you put a harness on them in your car, they might get twisted or, worse, strangled accidentally. Hence, you have to use this particular product because it has a swivel that improves your dog’s mobility while helping them avoid any accident of getting twisted from the seat belt.  

Additionally, the carabiner included in the tether system of this harness has been proven strong and durable. That’s why many dog parents always choose this product because of its high quality.

It’s also light that significantly adds comfort for your pets. Another good thing about it is that the lock isn’t easy to open even with how strong your dogs pull.  

Hence, if you want to purchase this particular harness in the store near you, Kurogo will give a lifetime warranty for any possible defect or damage from the manufacturer. It’ll surely assure you that you’ll only be getting the best product with the highest quality. 

Last update on 2024-10-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Pros:

• Keep your dog safe and secure in the backseat
• Seat belt buckle made with steel for strength & durability
• Universal design – can be adjusted to fit
• Quick & easy installation
• Tangle-free swivel clip on seat belt allows for extra comfort for your pup

Cons:

• Not the best for XL breeds.

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Is It Lawful To Harness Dogs In Cars?

Yes, it is. Every dog owner wants their furry friends to be safe whenever they go for a ride in the car. Dogs are often part of families; thus, it is customary to see them occupy a passenger seat.

Traveling with your dog in the car can be dangerous if done inappropriately. This is especially if your dog is unrestrained, causing a distraction to the driver, in turn putting other drivers and passengers in danger. For this reason, many countries, provinces, and states have put in place laws for restraining dogs in cars.

In addition, in case of an accident, the harness will keep your dog just like a car’s safety belt.

If a dog owner is caught in these countries or states with an unrestrained dog in the car, they can face charges and pay fines for breaking the law. Besides,  some countrys’ laws state that dogs should not be left in unattended cars to protect them from extreme heat, cold, or poor aeration.

Certainly, if you care about your dog’s well-being and other people’s, you would not drive around with your furry friend unrestrained.

Walking Harness vs. Car Harness: Is There Any Difference?

If you love to travel with your dogs, you may find it challenging to keep your pets still, especially if they’re too playful and full of energy. With that, you’ll be needing a dog car harness. It’ll help your furry friends to stay in the same position and stop moving around in your vehicle using the seatbelt attached to the harness.

It’s also to help you not to be distracted, especially when you’re driving. For safer and peaceful travel, you can bring along with you a travel dog bed.

On the other hand, the walking harness is used when you bring your dogs with you outdoors, like in the garden or the public amusement park. It has the same purpose as the car harness: to manage your dog’s activity within a particular area.

If you are someone who loves to take your dog for outdoor activities like hiking, then you have come to the right place. Protect your dog paws with dog boots for hiking.

One big difference between them is that the walking harness doesn’t have any seat belt attached to it. You only have to attach the strap to the harness and lock it properly. Then, you can let your dog walk with you in the park without worrying about your pet roaming around without your knowledge.  

Injuries That Could Be Prevented By Using A Car Harness For Your Dog 

One of the benefits of using an appropriate harness for your dogs is to help you not to get distracted while driving. Besides that, it’ll also help your dogs avoid any possible injuries while you’re hitting the road. Here are some of them below. 

• Steering wheel unattended. It’s a common reason for an accident that may cause severe injuries when a driver becomes busy keeping the dog from jumping and roaming around the car without a harness. 
• Bone injuries. Using the best dog harness can help your pets avoid getting any bone fractures that may result in sudden immobilization.
• A shock from the impact. Your dog may suffer from a traumatic injury caused by electric shock incidents, immediate impact, and others that can be prevented by a harness.
• Dislocated joints. When your dog’s bones have moved out or dislocated can also be very painful for your pets, which may also be prevented with a durable car harness.
• Dog’s hopping the car window. If your pets have no harness while you’re driving, they may climb and jump out of the window that may injure them badly from the fall or the other car running behind you.
• Possible death. The worst thing that can ever happen to your dog is to die from any unexpected accident on the road that could have been avoided by putting a secure harness on them. 

You’ll surely find it fun to have a long ride with your favorite dogs. Just make sure to provide your pets with a harness for their protection.

Best Dog Car Harness Buying Guide

A harness for dogs will surely help owners manage their pets’ activity, especially when they are physically active and always full of energy. It’s because if you unleash these types of dogs outside your home, you’ll surely get stressed in following your dogs wherever they go.

That’s why a harness will give immense help in situations like these. However, many pet owners don’t know how to choose the best dog harness to face future problems.  

If it’s too big, it may choke your dog, and if it’s too small, it may also loosen up and unleash your dog. That’s why you have to choose the right one that perfectly fits the body size of your pet. Besides that, there are a few things to keep in mind when buying a particular type of harness.

You choose one with a back-clip feature if your dog is small and doesn’t have any injuries or health problems in the neck area.  

However, this type of harness isn’t best for dogs that frequently pull from the strap, especially for strong, aggressive, and big ones. It’s because if these are the dogs you have, the harness with the front clip is best to use. Hence, when you buy a new harness for your dogs, you have to remember a few things.

The harness should be strong enough to keep your dogs from running and roaming away from you. Besides that, you also have to check the features of the harness. Get one that can provide the best protection for your dogs. 

Car Harness for Dogs FAQs

Final Thoughts