Best Dog Seat Belt: Keep Your Dog And Car Safe

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Dogs love nothing more than coming for a ride along in the car with their owners, and if you like taking them with you, you need to ensure their safety.

Just as you’d protect children or other passengers in the car, your canine deserves the same level of care, and a dog seat belt is the way to do that.

Dog seat belts and harnesses are relatively new products on the market, as more of us dog owners start taking better care of our pets than before. They come in all shapes and sizes to suit your four-legged friend and guarantee a much safer experience for everyone in the car.

What is the best dog rated dog seat belt out there?

To determine the best dog seat belt or harness for your pooch, you need to look at weight capacity, size of the dog, car configuration, and the type of restraint. Depending on your dog, the vehicle you drive, and whatever safety concerns you have, you’ll be able to find one that meets all of these requirements completely.

To make your search a little easier, we’ve found the best dog harnesses and seat belts on the market to choose from. These are the most affordable, highest quality, and easily configurable to suit you and your pooch, to ensure that they’re kept free from harm and able to enjoy every car ride to the fullest.

Our Picks for the Best Dog Seat Belt

The market for dog products has exploded in recent years, with safety-related items being one of the biggest sellers. Dog seat belts are a must-have for people who want a safer driving experience for them and their pets, but there are a lot of options to consider.

With our dog seat belt harness reviews, you’ll be equipped with everything you need to keep your pooch safe on your car trips and put your mind at ease as you drive as well.

Best Overall: Mighty Paw Dog Seat Belt

When security and safety is your number one priority for your dog, the Mighty Paw Dog Seat Belt is the way to go. This is the best dog car seat belt on the market because of its simplicity and strength, made with a genuine seat belt buckle that clips right in where a human would sit. The Mighty Paw Dog Seat Belt adjusts to suit all sizes of dogs and cars so you can have it as short as 16 inches and as long as 26 inches, meaning even the smallest dogs will be safe.

What customers loved most about this dog seat belt was how it exceeded safety expectations and was so easy to set up and clip their dog into. With metal hardware that clicks into the standard seatbelt holder and a carabiner clip that attaches to your dog’s lead, there’s no need to spend ages making adjustments and trying to buckle a restless pooch in the car.

The only issue with this seat belt is its lack of compatibility with some cars. According to reviews, some people found it only worked in the front seat of their car and others found it didn’t buckle into the middle seat. If you’re unsure about whether it’ll fit in your car, you can speak to Mighty Paw directly and they’ll let you know if it’s going to be right. Otherwise, they offer returns and exchanges for other styles that might suit.

The carabiner clip is strong and made with aviation aluminum, giving it a maximum force tension of more than 850lbs. It suits all dog breeds and sizes, and if they can fit in your car on the seat, they’ll be able to use this safely. For further protection, you can upgrade to the harness also made by Mighty Paw, but those are only needed for dogs who like to wander around in the car.

When it comes to the safest and best dog car seat belt restraint on the market, the Mighty Paw is our favorite. Priced at around $15 when you shop on Amazon and with free shipping and free returns, there’s nothing to lose trying out this trusted brand. No matter the breed of dog you have or the car you drive, you’ll have them clipped in and secure in seconds, so you can drive with absolute peace of mind.

• Dimensions: 26”
• Design: Seat belt
• Belt Adjustability: Yes

Runner Up: Bougainvillea Pet Seat Belt

The Bougainvillea Pet Seat Belt is the best dog seat belt for people who like options. With two choices for how and where you can connect your pet and adjustability from 19.6 to 31.5 inches, it’s great for medium and large size dogs and all types of cars. With a standard human seat belt design, it prevents injuries to your dog while braking or moving suddenly, and also stops them from moving around the car as you drive.

The thing that sets this seatbelt apart is that it has two options for clipping your dog in, so no matter the type of car you have or where you want them to sit, it can accommodate. The first is a standard piece of hardware that clips into a seatbelt, and the second is a hook lock that fits onto the latch in the back of the car. This way, you have more options about where to keep your dog so they’re always happy.

On the downside though, the length of this was a little long, and although it claimed to be good for all sizes of dogs, those with petite ones might find it too much. The minimum length it can be adjusted to is 19.6” which is almost five inches more than our top pick. This means your dog might be sliding around on the seat or able to fall onto the floor if they’re small, so it’s not ideal for petite pooches.

The Bougainvillea Pet Seat Belt is made with high-quality nylon fabric, so even if you have a dog that likes to bite, they won’t be able to get their way through this quickly. The softness of the fabric also means no abrasions for your dog and a more comfortable ride. As a universal fit, there’s no need to worry whether it’s right for your car and because it’s adjustable you can give your dog as much or as little freedom as you want. You’ll also receive a storage bag so you can take it with you wherever you go, or keep it in the car for the next drive.

To get your hands on the Bougainvillea Pet Seat Belt, head to Amazon for the lowest price online at around $15. When you shop with Amazon, you’ll also benefit from free shipping and free returns, so if you get your new seat belt home and find it’s not a good fit for your dog, you can send it back without a hassle. This is an easy way to keep your pet safe while you drive, and a great choice for mid and larger sized breeds.

• Dimensions: 31.5”
• Design: Seat
• Belt Adjustability: Yes

Alternative: 2Pet Dog Seat Belt Strap

If you don’t travel with your dog often and want one of the cheaper options for a strap to go with the best dog seat belt harness you already own, this simple design from 2Pet will do you well. As a single, adjustable strap, it keeps your dog buckled in when they’re wearing a harness, and should never be used alone attached to the collar.  Suitable for dogs up to 110lbs and with an adjustable length, it’s great for almost every pooch and easy enough to attach.

One of the coolest things about this belt strap is the 360 degree all metal hardware that prevents tangles in the lead and keeps your dog safe. Compared to others that might get all messed up if your dog moves around, this one uses a rotating carabiner that means it’ll never tangle up, so your pet can move freely without worry.

You are somewhat limited in how you use this though, and it’s not the best dog seat belt harness for those who like options with where their dog sits. You won’t be able to clip it into a seatbelt like others, but instead, have to connect it to the car interior using just a metal hook. If you don’t have any ring bolts, latches, and hook supports in your car that it can connect to, this won’t be right for you and your dog.

The 2Pet Dog Seat Belt Strap adjusts from 21 to 23 inches for all breeds of dogs big and small and has a max force tension of 500lbs.  2Pet also guarantees that this strap will suit the hooks and latches of every car, so it’s a universal design that you can take anywhere that you and your pooch go. This strap is made to be used with a harness for the safest experience, so check the specifications of your chosen harness to determine whether it’s a good fit.

The 2Pet Dog Seat Belt Strap is around $12 on Amazon, with the additional costs of a dog harness if you choose to use that type of setup. You’ll get free shipping on your first order and qualify for free returns as well, so even if it’s not what you were hoping for, you can send it back and find something else. This is a budget-friendly option for those who don’t need a lot of strength in their dog seat belts, but still capable of keeping your dog safe on a day out in the car.

• Dimensions: 32”
• Design: Strap
• Belt Adjustability: Yes

Alternative: Iokheira Dog Seat Belt

If you want the best dog harness seat belt with all the bells and whistles, one of the best on the market is the Iokheira Dog Seat Belt. With two different types of safety buckles to choose from, including a hook latch that attaches to the trunk or child seat, and a seatbelt buckle that clicks in as a regular belt would do, you can keep your dog secured anywhere in the car. The seat belt can be adjusted between 19.6 inches and 31.5 inches which makes it good for larger sized dogs and gives your pet the freedom to lay down or sit up, whichever they prefer.

The best thing about the Iokheira Dog Seat Belt is the bungee buffer design they’ve built into the cord. This elastic cushioning means even if there’s a sharp turn or sudden braking of the car, your dog will be protected without being flung back too hard. This is one safety feature that other harnesses could do with adding, as it gives you greater peace of mind that your dog will be okay no matter what happens.

What lost this seat belt some points though was the ease in which some dogs were able to chew through it, even though it’s labeled as thick nylon. Most dogs like to chew and especially if it means they can chew their way to freedom, so if you have a pooch that sounds loves to eat everything they encounter, it might not be the best option out there for a dog seat belt.

The Iokheira Dog Seat Belt is a safe option for your car, with a carabiner made of aviation aluminum and capable of tensile force up to 900lbs. With a curved ergonomic design, the D-ring locks easily, making you satisfied with the safety of your dog, and it’s reflective so you can keep an eye on in them in the dark. The length of the strap is adjustable with metal hardware that slides backward and forwards and locks into place, so you can change it quickly and easily as you need to.

To get your dog the Iokheira Dog Seat Belt with all of its fancy features, head to Amazon for the best price of around $18 thanks to a current promotion. This belt is also shipped for free and comes with their free returns guarantee, so if you’d rather something feature-rich for your dog’s seat belt and don’t have a chewer, this is a great option.

• Dimensions: 31.5”
• Design: Seat belt
• Belt Adjustability: Yes

Alternative: Pawaboo Dog Safety Vest

If you have a restless dog that needs more than just a seat belt, you might like a safety harness instead, like this one from Pawaboo. The Pawaboo Dog Safety Vest can be worn over your dog’s head and then clipped into the car’s seatbelt holder for complete security, preventing them from moving around, even if you stop suddenly or take a sharp corner.

One of the best features of the Pawaboo Dog Safety Vest was how well it kept your dog protected, and offered more security than just a belt strap. If you’d rather your dog stays on the seat and fully covered with the protection of a harness, you’ll prefer this type of setup than the standard seatbelt that most pets are equipped with.

As one of the cheaper options for a complete dog harness though, it’s not surprising to find that some customers found this feeling a little flimsy, and as if it might not be good for their larger dogs. Although it’s fine for smaller and medium breeds of dog, if you plan on buying one of the large or extra-large in the hopes that it’ll contain your big pooch, you might want to keep shopping.

There are four different sizes including small, medium, large, and extra-large, so all you have to do is match your dog’s measurements to the product specifications. The harness features fast-release buckles on either side and a D-ring that attaches to the safety belt which then clips into the car’s seat belt holder.

It’s easy to use and adjustable on all sides, so you can get a snug fit. When you’re not using it in the car, it doubles as a standard dog harness which you can attach to a lead to take them for a walk. The Pawaboo harness is made with 100% polyester and has a padded chest plate, so it’s comfortable for your pooch and won’t cause any abrasions.

If you have a smaller dog and want the protection that only a harness can offer, this one from Pawaboo is an affordable choice. Priced at around $10 it’s a cheaper options and comes with free shipping and free returns when you shop on Amazon and will give you peace of mind that your dog is safe and sound whenever you take them for a drive. 

• Dimensions: 16″ (medium size)
• Design: Harness
• Belt Adjustability: Yes

Dog Seat Belt FAQs

Dog seat belts are a safe way to travel with your pet, and no matter their size or the type of car you have, you’ll be able to find one that’s the perfect fit.

We’ve answered some commonly asked questions that pet owners have about these unique seat belts and harnesses, so you can see what they’re all about.

Where Should A Dog Sit In A Car?

The safest place for a dog to sit in the car is in the back seat or the cargo area behind the back seats. Always use a dog seat belt or harness made for this purpose and keep them secured so they can’t move around.

You should never travel with a dog in the front seat as it’s dangerous for both the dog and the driver, especially if there’s an accident.

Why Do Some Dogs Hate Car Rides?

Dogs react just like humans to car rides, with some of them enjoying being in the car and others hating it.

If your dog doesn’t like going for a drive, it could be because they’re experiencing anxiety or feeling motion sickness, just as some people do. Using a dog harness can help them feel protected and secure in the car, so it’s worth trying if you have a pet who usually dislikes travel.

How Do You Seatbelt A Dog?

All dog seatbelts are made differently, so for the best instructions, you should follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.

Some work as a harness that clips into the seat belt or hooks and latches of the car and others are a strap you can connect to their lead, preventing them from walking around the car as you drive.

Are Seat Belts For Dogs Safe?

Choose a dog seat belt that’s been rated for safety to ensure you have the best one.

A dog seat belt has certain standards they have to meet as well, just as a human car seat or belt does, so read the fine print when choosing one. The that they’re fitted and used can also affect how safe they are for your dog, so make sure you do it correctly.

The Key to Safe Travels With Your Dog

There’s nothing better than taking your dog along for a drive to the beach or the local park, but when you spend the journey worrying about them falling over or jumping into the front seat to be near you, it gets dangerous.

A simple dog seat belt or harness can put an end to this unease and help both of you enjoy the journey better.

We’ve showcased a range of different dog seat belts to suit pets and owners of all shapes and sizes, so you should have no problem finding the perfect match. With a properly fitted seat belt for your canine friend, they’ll never have to miss a car ride again, and you’ll be able to drive with the peace of mind that they’re safeguarded.