Dog Safety Seat Belt Guide for Safe Road Trips

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Posted Nov 13, 2024

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Dog in Harness
Credit: pexels.com, Dog in Harness

Road trips with your furry friend can be a blast, but safety should always be your top priority. A dog safety seat belt is a must-have to prevent your dog from getting injured or even worse, causing a distraction while driving.

According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), unrestrained dogs can weigh as much as 50 pounds or more, which can cause a significant impact in the event of a sudden stop or crash.

To choose the right dog safety seat belt, consider the size and weight of your dog, as well as the type of vehicle you're driving. A well-fitting seat belt can make all the difference in keeping your dog secure and safe.

Safety Considerations

Dogs can get thrown around the car like a cannonball during an accident, causing critical injuries to both the dog and the people in the car. This is because an unrestrained dog can be projected forward with 1,500 pounds of force in a 35-mph collision.

For your interest: Dog Car Safety

Credit: youtube.com, Best Dog Car Seat Belts to Keep Your Pup Safe On The Road

Using a seat belt dog collar is not safe during a crash, as it puts intense pressure around the dog's neck, similar to wearing a seat belt around your own neck. This can kill your dog in a crash.

Most safety harnesses are crash-tested and DOT-approved, providing the same safety and security as a human seat belt. This minimizes force on the dog's neck and significantly reduces the risk of injury to both the dog and the driver.

A dog can be restrained with a harness that is designed to keep them safe in the car. Some options include a travel-specific crate, a back seat barrier, a leash and zip line, or a pet car seat.

See what others are reading: Do Dog Seat Belts Work

Safety

Safety is a top priority when traveling with your furry friend. A dog car harness can minimize force on the dog's neck in the event of an accident, significantly reducing the risk of injury to both the dog and the driver.

Credit: youtube.com, Workshop Safety - 16 quick tips

Most safety harnesses are crash-tested and DOT-approved, providing the same safety and security as a human seatbelt. This means your dog can enjoy the ride without worrying about their safety.

A pet that weighs 50 pounds, in a 35-mph collision, is projected forward like a cannonball with 1,500 pounds of force, which can cause critical injuries to the folks in the front seat.

A sudden stop can cause serious injury if your pet is not properly secured. Even a dog seat belt can prevent this from happening.

Here are some options to consider:

  • Crate: A travel-specific crate designed to be sturdy and padded, and sometimes strapped to the floor of the trunk or rear seat for added stability.
  • Back Seat Barrier: This barrier blocks the space between the front and back seats which prevents dogs from climbing into the front seat or tumbling forward in a crash.
  • Leash & Zip Line: Attaching to the car's cargo hooks, this will provide security while allowing your dog to move around in the back seat.
  • Pet Car Seat: For smaller dogs or cats, a car seat designed especially for pets can keep your pet in place while still allowing them to see all the wonders racing by out the window.

Remember, a dog seat belt should be a necessity for any dog owner.

Leash Experience

The Leash Boss Dog Car Seat Belt is a great option for pet owners, allowing their furry friends to move around comfortably while still being safely restrained.

Our test dog was kept in place by this tether, though it still had enough range of motion to look out the window or lie down.

The materials used are sturdy, including metal clips and a chew-proof wire.

This clip can be attached to the anchor clip above the headrests or under the seat cushions.

The Leash Boss comes in five lengths ranging from 16.0 to 36.0 inches, making it suitable for most pets.

Laws and Regulations

Credit: youtube.com, The Direct to Seatbelt Swivel Tether | Tangle-free seatbelt for dogs

In 2011, New Jersey made it a violation of its animal cruelty laws to carry your dog unrestrained in your car.

An unrestrained dog is a distraction to the driver and can be a hazard during an accident to auto passengers, putting both the dog and others at risk of harm or death.

People Are Traveling

People are traveling with their dogs, and it's essential to consider their safety. About 80% of dog owners travel with their dogs, which means extra planning and precautions are necessary.

Frequent pit stops and stretches are crucial for dogs on road trips. This helps prevent health issues and keeps them comfortable.

A dog-friendly road trip requires special accommodations, such as pet-friendly hotels and a familiar bed. Health records and your vet's number should also be easily accessible.

Dog safety inside the car is a significant concern. Opening the car door or back gate of a truck can be hazardous, as the American Humane Society estimates that 100,000 dogs die from riding in truck beds each year.

Car accidents happen frequently, with over 6 million occurring in the US each year. It's estimated that at least 2 million of these accidents likely involved a dog.

Laws by State

Close-up on Leash Hooked to Dog Harness
Credit: pexels.com, Close-up on Leash Hooked to Dog Harness

In 2011, New Jersey made it a violation of its animal cruelty laws to carry your dog unrestrained in your car.

An unrestrained dog is a distraction to the driver and can be a risk to the auto passengers and itself during an accident.

New Jersey's law was enacted because unrestrained dogs are a common occurrence in car accidents and can cause harm to both people and animals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best car seat belt for dogs?

For safe and secure car travel, consider the Sleepypod Clickit Sport or Terrain harness, which work with your seat belt to easily restrain your dog. These harnesses offer a range of features to suit your pet's needs.

Should dogs wear seat belts yes or no?

Yes, dogs should wear seat belts to stay safe and prevent distractions while driving.

Sources

  1. This article (gopetfriendly.com)
  2. Shark Tank episode (usatoday.com)
  3. Center for Pet Safety (centerforpetsafety.org)
  4. EzyDog Drive Harness (amzn.to)
  5. Kurgo (kurgo.com)
  6. Ruffwear (ruffwear.com)
  7. Sleepypod (sleepypod.com)
  8. EzyDog (ezydog.com)
  9. Clickit Sport harness (amzn.to)
  10. Ruffwear Doubleback (amzn.to)
  11. Kurgo Tru-Fit (amzn.to)
  12. Leash Boss dog car seat belt (amzn.to)
  13. some harness tests (centerforpetsafety.org)
  14. Center for Pet Safety (centerforpetsafety.org)
  15. crash test results and recommendations (centerforpetsafety.org)
  16. Heavy Duty No-Chew Dog Car Restraint Seat belt (leashboss.com)
  17. Dog Safety Seat Belt with Elastic Bungee Buffer (pelsbarn.org)

Eduardo Toy

Senior Writer

Eduardo Toy is a passionate writer with a knack for storytelling. With a focus on animal-related topics, Eduardo brings a unique voice to the table, drawing from personal experiences and in-depth research. His articles have been featured in various online publications, showcasing his expertise in areas such as dog breeds and pet care.