Should My Dog Wear a Seatbelt In The Car?

As humans, we all wear seatbelts. But do our dogs have to wear them, too? Like any other passenger, your dog should be secured in the car. This keeps both of you safe. A seatbelt keeps your dog anchored if you’re involved in a collision. It also cuts down on distractions behind the wheel. After all, could you concentrate with your dog crawling on you?

We’re here to explain the importance of pet safety, applicable laws, and reasons to buckle in your furry friend.

Before getting into the details surrounding seat-belting your dog, let’s discuss the importance of pet safety. We all love our pets, so we want to make sure we do our best to keep them safe. For a lot of people, pets are like a member of the family, and we want to keep them happy and healthy.

In the same regard, it’s important to remember that pets aren’t humans. They don’t have the same understanding and intelligence of safety. Therefore, it’s your duty as pet owners to keep them safe.

What Laws Apply to Dog Seat-Belting?

Laws on seat-belting dogs differ depending on where you live, but there are certain laws about no distractions while driving. For U.S. citizens, federal law requires that pets, including dogs, should not distract drivers. However, there are no laws specifying that they should be restrained.

On the other hand, in the U.K., the highway code states that dogs and other pets should be suitably restrained so that they cannot distract you or injure themselves.

Seatbelts are one of the main recommended ways to restrain dogs while driving, but other options include crates, pet carriers, and harnesses.

What Are the Reasons for Seat-Belting Dogs?

While the laws differ depending on where you live, it’s recommended that you secure your dog to some extent for various reasons. Some include:

• It keeps dogs from moving around in the car, potentially distracting the driver.
• Ensures that if you get into an accident, your dog won’t be significantly harmed.
• It keeps your dog from getting too excited and jumping out the window.

Quick tip: put the child lock on to protect those crafty dogs that know how to open car doors.

How Should I Seatbelt My Dog?

There are several ways to seatbelt or secure your dog. It’s also important to make sure you’re using trusted and reliable products when bringing your dog along for car journeys. The right dog security equipment should maintain stability, restrain big movements, and stop your dog from flying off the seat (or worse) if you were to get into an accident.

If you have a dog that could distract you by moving around in the backseat, you could benefit from putting them in a harness. The right size and type depend on your dog’s size. After all, a Rottweiler wouldn’t need the same harness that a Japanese Chin would.

Carry Boxes

A carry box is a great and convenient way to make sure your dog is safe in the car. This option works best for small dogs, and the carry box should be at least twice as wide as your dog's shoulders. They need to be comfortable.

Backseat Hammocks

Using a backseat hammock is good for keeping your car clean if you have a mucky pup after a woodland walk. They also create a safe, secure, and comfortable space for your dog to sit while in the back of the car.

Crates

Crates are also a great option for your dog, working particularly well for larger dogs who wouldn’t fit in a carry box. They should either be placed in the backseat or the trunk. Crates should still, of course, be attached to seat belts in case of an accident.

Dog Guards

Dogs will often sit in the trunk of the car while you’re driving around; it’s common practice for a lot of dog owners. Dog guards can be put between the trunk and passenger area, meaning they can’t sneakily jump into the main part of the car and distract the driver. We all know how easily distracted we can be by our adorable pups–it’s best to avoid it!

If you drive a lot, road trips with your dog may be a common occurrence. Nothing’s better than having your furry friend along for the ride. These are some essential top tips for travelling with dogs:

• Make sure your dog feels comfortable, particularly anxious pups. Bring some blankets, their favourite toy, treats. It helps to make the car feel like home.
• It’s important to provide security or restraint for your dog. Their safety is a priority. You know what’s a great idea? Getting a seatbelt or another restraint for your pet––and we’ve made some great recommendations above.
• Be sure to take regular breaks for toilet breaks and exercise, especially for energetic pups like Australian Cattle Dogs.
• Make sure they have plenty of food and water, especially if they deal with excessive drooling.
• Ensure that your dog is wearing a collar and tag with your updated information. This way, if your dog gets lost, you can help relocate them.

In addition to staying comfy in the car, why don’t you plan a visit to some dog-friendly travel destinations? From Florida’s sandy beaches to the mountains of Oregon, there’s no going wrong.