Every dog owner knows how challenging car journeys can be. Whether you have a nervous pooch or an excitable puppy that likes to jump onto the front seat, it can often feel like a mission getting everyone in and out of the car. The solution? A dog seat belt or harness.
Designed to ensure your dog is comfortable and safe during car journeys, a dog seat belt or harness will limit distractions and reduce the risk of injury, whether you’re heading to the vet or out for walkies. From legal requirements to expert tips on travelling with your pooch, find out everything you need to know below.
Do dogs legally have to wear a seat belt?
It’s not a legal requirement for dogs to wear a seat belt but it is strongly advised, as dogs must be restrained in a moving vehicle. According to Rule 57 of The Highway Code: “When in a vehicle make sure dogs or other animals are suitably restrained so they cannot distract you while you are driving or injure you, or themselves if you stop quickly. A seat belt, harness, pet carrier, dog cage or dog guard are ways of restraining animals in cars”.
Is it a good idea to buy my dog a seat belt?
A dog seat belt is a great way to ensure your pooch is safely restrained during car journeys to minimise distraction, reduce the risk of an accident, and comply with Rule 57 of The Highway Code. We spoke to PDSA Vet Nurse Nina Downing for advice. “A pet seatbelt or carrier can stop dogs from moving around in the car, keeping them safely restrained and also minimising how much they can distract owners whilst driving,” Downing says.
Dog seat belts are designed to fasten to the D-ring on your dog’s harness, can be adjusted as necessary, and will fit most cars. It’s strongly recommended that you safely secure the seat belt to a harness, not a collar, and secure your dog in the back seat. It’s also advised that you keep your dog’s lead on during the journey in case of an emergency. Ideally, puppies should be transported in a dog bed or crate until six months old. Never leave your dog in the car unattended.
What type of dog seat belt is safest?
Unlike human safety devices, there is no legal requirement for dog seat belts to be crash-tested so it can be difficult to know how much protection they will provide. “Some companies advertise that their products have been crash-tested,” Downing says. “It’s recommended to research where this testing has taken place and if a reputable company has tested them. Crash-tested products may provide extra peace of mind when travelling with your dog in the car.”
What should I look for in a dog seat belt or harness?
With lots of different options on the market, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed. However, according to Downing, there are certain boxes to tick when shopping for a dog seat belt or harness.
“When buying a dog seat belt, choose one that is perfectly suited to the size and weight of your dog, whilst also considering where and how you need it to attach to your pet. Be careful when buying an extendable seat belt or one that has elasticated ‘give’ in the belt, as it may not protect your pet in the event of an accident if it extends too far. We recommend owners attach the belt to a well-fitted harness and not the collar, as the large surface area will help to distribute the mass of your dog during an emergency or any sudden stops.”
When it comes to harnesses, Downing recommends one that has “soft, cushioned, and breathable layers” so that your dog is comfortable during the journey. A harness can be attached to your car’s seatbelt system.
How can I help my anxious dog to feel more comfortable in the car?
Not every dog looks forward to car journeys. Whether they shake with fear or are prone to car sickness, we asked Downing for her top tips on helping your dog feel more comfortable in the car.
“We recommend feeding your dog at least two to three hours before travel, combined with taking regular breaks on journeys, where your dog can get out of the car and stretch their legs,” she says. “It’s always good to walk your dog before a longer journey, so they don’t have any pent-up energy that will make them feel restless in the car. It’s also important to keep your dog cool, so the air doesn’t feel stuffy.”
If your dog still struggles with car journeys after taking these precautions, Downing recommends short-term anti-anxiety or anti-sickness medicines prescribed by your vet. There are also pheromone collars, calming supplements, and compression coats that may help your dog feel more at ease in the car.
Expert tips for helping your dog feel more comfortable in the car:
- Start by taking your dog to the car at times they don’t need to travel. Reward them with a treat or a toy for being near the car.
- Once your dog is happy to approach and stand next to the car, start encouraging them into the vehicle with all the doors open and the engine off.
- Once they are happy going inside the car, try closing the doors or putting the engine on, remember to reward them for doing so.
- Next, get your dog used to their restraint. If your dog already has a restraint, you might want to try a new one. For example, switching from a harness to a crate or vice versa.
- Once your dog is relaxed inside the car with the engine on, try driving for one to two minutes but stop and walk home if they start to get worked up. Make sure your dog is happy on a few journeys before increasing the length.
- Build the journeys up a few minutes at a time from her and hopefully, once your dog has had a few good experiences in the car, they’ll be happy to take longer journeys. Don’t forget to monitor them for any signs they’re feeling sick or anxious and take regular breaks.
How ES Best tested the dog seat belts and harnesses
The below dog seat belts and harnesses comply with Rule 57 of The Highway Code and have been chosen based on research and reviews. I tested the seat belts and harnesses on my two dogs, both Maltipoos, but it is worth noting that every dog is different. These opinions are my own. In the event of an accident, a seat belt may not prevent injury to a dog. Do not use a dog seat belt if it is damaged and remember to regularly check the sizing as your dog grows.
Whether you have a nervous puppy new to long car journeys or a curious pooch that loves to jump onto fellow passengers, shop the best dog car seat belts in the UK to suit all tastes, requirements, and budgets below.
Best dog seat belts in the UK at a glance
- Best for large dogs:3 Peaks Crash Impact Tested Dog Harness - from £22.50, Pets At Home
- Best for the safety-conscious: CarSafe Crash Tested Harness - £29.99, Amazon
- Best for minimal distraction: Kurgo Seat Belt Tether - £9.99, Amazon
- Best for small dogs: EzyDog Dog Seat Belt Restraint - £9.99, Amazon
- Best for a budget option: Snootiful Hound Car Seat Belt - £5.49, Snootiful Hound
Shop now
3 Peaks Crash Impact Tested Dog Harness
Best for: Large dogs
The 3 Peaks Crash Impact Tested Harness is one of the only options on the market that meets FMVSS 213 child restraint systems standards. This is a harness that will keep your pooch comfortably restrained with a direct seat belt connection.
I tested the harness on my six-year-old Maltipoo. I was impressed by how strong the harness feels and a size small fit my 6kg pooch well. Although it’s robust, the harness boasts padded breathable layers on the chest panel with a soft neck strap for comfort. There are front and back D-rings for your lead so you can have control when needed.
The 3 Peaks Crash Impact Tested Harness is available in three sizes and has been crash-test certified up to 32 kgs. According to Pets at Home, it’s designed to reduce driver distraction and minimise your risk of invalidated insurance. I recommend this harness for large dog breeds that won’t sit still in the car.
- Suitable for: Dogs up to 32kgs
- Size: Small, medium, large
- Style: Harness for your car seat belt system
Buy now £22.50, Pets at Home
CarSafe Crash Tested Dog Harness
Best for: The safety-conscious
One for safety-conscious dog owners, the CarSafe Crash Tested Dog Harness has been crash-test certified up to 32kg at an Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance (OVSC) registered laboratory facility. According to Company of Animals, the lightweight harness prioritises safety and strength and its unique design took over two years to develop. The harness attaches directly to your car’s seat belt system. Crafted from a strong seat belt material, the harness can also be used for walking your dog on arrival with front and back D-rings for control at all times.
I tried a size small CarSafe Crash Tested Dog Harness on my six-year-old Maltipoo (6kg), and it was easy to put on and remove thanks to its simple click fastenings. My dog was comfortable for the duration of the journey and had limited movement. What I particularly like about this harness is that it has hi-vis reflective panels to keep your dog safe on evening car rides and walks.
There are four sizes available with helpful information on how to safely use the harness available on the website. I’d recommend this for safety-conscious dog owners, as the harness is designed to keep active dogs settled and is a good investment for years to come. This harness is recommended for use after six months old.
- Suitable for: Large dog breeds
- Size: Extra small, small, medium, large
- Style: Harness designed for your car seat belt system
Buy now £21.19, Amazon
Kurgo Seat Belt Tether
Best for: Minimal distraction
The Kurgo Seat Belt Tether is designed to limit distractions and prevent injuries in the car. Made to slot into your seat belt holder, the Kurgo Seat Belt Tether is a simple click-and-go design, so you don’t have to undo the seat belt every time your dog gets into the car. The Kurgo Seat Belt Tether offers freedom of movement as it can be extended from 38cm to 56cm depending on the size of your dog. It can be attached to your dog’s harness or used in conjunction with the Halfords Dog Harness.
I tried the Kurgo Seat Belt Tether on my six-year-old Maltipoo. The design is robust and easy to slot into the seatbelt holder. It kept my dog safely restrained during the car journey and I like that you can adjust the size accordingly. However, one element to consider is the large, bulky metal buckle that I do not think is suitable for small dogs or puppies. I would recommend this design for larger breeds.
The Kurgo Seat Belt Tether has received 4.5 out of 5 stars on the website with glowing reviews from customers. One reads: “Sturdy, well-made, and inexpensive. Much cheaper than purchasing a cage for the back of the car. Our dog can sit on the back seats and be a part of the family, rather than stuffed away in the boot!” Another happy customer adds, “Got this for my Jack Russell, who likes to pounce into the front seat whilst I’m driving. Great quality, strong, and expandable.”
Please note: The Kurgo Seat Belt Tether will fit most car models but is not compatible with Volvos or Ford trucks. This seat belt has not been crash-tested and can hold up to 386kg-426kg of force before breaking.
- Suitable for: Large dog breeds
- Size: One size can be extended from 38cm to 56cm
- Style: Seat belt, recommended for use with own harness or the Halfords Dog Car Harness
Buy now £9.99, Amazon
EzyDog Dog Seat Belt Restraint
Best for: Small dogs
The EzyDog Seat Belt Restraint is designed to keep your dog safe and secure in the car. It can be used in conjunction with any harness and enables your pooch to sit comfortably. Unlike other options on the market, it’s a small attachment that slots onto your seat belt and attaches securely to the D-ring on your dog’s harness.
I tested the EzyDog Seat Belt Restraint on my 10-month-old Maltipoo. The attachment was easy to slot onto the seat belt and can be left on to save time before journeys. It's one of the smallest seat belt attachments on the market and offers limited movement therefore reducing the risk of your dog getting tangled.
Its small size worked well for my puppy, as she suffers from travel sickness. Its length also makes the EzyDog Seat Belt Restraint a good choice for active dogs who often climb over passengers, as it will keep them tightly restrained.
You do not need to buy a separate seat belt or harness to use the Ezydog Seat Belt Restraint and can get your dog ready to go in the car in under five minutes. However, it is worth noting the EzyDog Seat Belt Restraint might not be suitable for large dogs due to its size and limited range of movement.
- Suitable for: Small and medium dog breeds
- Size: One size
- Style: Attachment for your car seat belt system
Buy now £9.99, Amazon
Snootiful Hound Car Seat Belt
Best for: A budget option
The Snootiful Hound Car Seat Belt is one of the UK's most affordable dog seat belts and doesn’t compromise comfort or style. A no-brainer for dog owners, it’s available in a range of colours and is easy to extend as you wish. The Snootiful Hound Car Seat Belt is designed to fit UK seat belt slots, all you need to do is plug the seat belt in and clip the strap to your dog’s harness.
I tried a sample of the product on my 10-month-old Maltipoo. I like that you can leave the seat belt in your car to minimise faff each time, while its sleek design means it looks good when travelling sans dogs. This seat belt is robust, lightweight, and easy to use.
The Snootiful Hound Car Seat Belt might not be as fancy as other designs on the market, but it does the job well. For a more luxurious design, the brand also sells a Greyhound and Whippet Lead with soft internal padding for a more comfortable journey. Consider this a great opportunity to support a small business.
- Suitable for: All dog breeds
- Size: One size, adjustable
- Style: Seat belt, recommended for use with a harness
Buy now £5.49, Snootiful Hound
Verdict
I considered three key factors during the review process: safety, comfort, and durability. The Snootiful Hound Car Seat Belt is undoubtedly the most aesthetic design and I would recommend this as a gift for dog lovers. Available in a range of vibrant colours, it’s designed to last for years to come - and let’s be honest, will look good in the car. Meanwhile, the EzyDog Seat Belt Restraint is a great option for small, restless dogs.
My top pick? The 3 Peaks Crash-Tested Car Harness. It’s undeniably one of the most robust designs on the market and meets FMVSS 213 child restraint systems standards. A more secure alternative to the classic seat belt, the harness is strong, high quality, and can be used on walkies too. All in all, an excellent investment for your pooch.
