Chances are, you buckle up when youre on the road but think nothing of leaving your dog untethered. If so, join the crowd—84 percent of pet owners dont restrain their dogs on car trips, according to a survey done by the AAA along with Kurgo, a pet company, in 2011. Even if youve got the chillest dog on the planet and see no reason to confine her (as 42 percent of survey respondents believed) or youre just going on a quick drive, the short answer for “does your dog need a seat belt” is: Yes they do, says Lindsey A. Wolko, founder of the Center for Pet Safety (CPS), a nonprofit research and consumer advocacy organization.
Is driving without a dog seat belt dangerous?
A loose dog flying through the windshield or hitting the humans in the front seats during a collision poses only part of the problem. Although it is obviously a severe hazard.
Volvo’s recent study reveals that unsafe driving habits more than doubled in drivers with unrestrained dogs versus those who restrained their dog with a crate or doggy seat belt.
Owners driving with their dogs freely moving about the vehicle sometimes had their dogs on their laps or hanging out of the car window.
This kind of behavior has had tragic consequences, as in the case of the 8-month-old Bullmastiff puppy, Mastis.
In 2015, Mastis leaped into the front seat, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle in Santa Ana, California. The car flipped and was engulfed in flames. Luckily, both the owner and puppy survived.
Furthermore, while dogs do love to hang their heads out the window, they are at serious risk of injury doing so. Flying objects like pebbles that can crack a windshield might strike your dog’s face.
Another potential catastrophe is a dog leaping from a moving vehicle or jumping out of an opening door when it isn’t safe to do so. A secured dog can be held in place until the owner decides it is safe for them to get out.
In the event of a car crash, a restrained dog can also save lives. A traumatized and protective dog may block emergency services from reaching its owner. For example, in Brazil, a dog leaped into a stretcher and tried to prevent his injured owner from reaching an ambulance.
Equally upsetting are the cases where dogs run away from a collision site and may be lost.
The Volvo study also showed that drivers with unrestrained dogs were distracted more than 10% of the total driving time.
Over a total period of 30 hours, owners who had loose dogs took their eyes off the road for an average of 3.39 hours. Meanwhile, owners with restrained dogs were only distracted for only 1.39 hours, less than half the time.
As with young Mastis the Bullmastiff, distractions caused by dogs on the road can have drastic consequences.
A famous example took place in 1999 when writer Stephen King was struck by a driver who claimed he was distracted by his dog and veered off the road. King was hit and sustained severe injuries.
Another study conducted in 2015 focused on the risk posed to older drivers. It showed that pet owners above the age of 70 who routinely drove with their pets had a much higher motor vehicle collision rate.
Even if there is no collision, driving with your dog loose in the car is stressful for both dog and driver. Volvo found that both dogs and drivers had lower heart rates when the dog was properly buckled in.
Does your state require dogs be harnessed in the car?
Yes
This state has a law enacted which prohibits driving with an unrestrained dog in your vehicle.
No
This state does not have any law enacted which prohibits driving with an unrestrained dog in your vehicle.
Ambiguous
There is some language in this states laws which indicates you should not drive with an unrestrained dog in your car, but it is not specific enough to determine if you can be penalized.
Defeated
A law prohibiting driving with an unrestrained dog in the vehicle had been proposed but defeated. No new law had been introduced. This is currently a “no law” state but is labeled to indicate legislation had been considered.
Proposed
There was a law currently proposed in this state to prohibit driving with an unrestrained dog in the vehicle. This is currently a “no law” state but is labeled to indicate legislation is being considered.
While Alabama does not currently have a law requiring dogs to wear seat belts or be secured during transportation in a vehicle, animal cruelty laws may be invoked if a police officer determines the manner of transportation may violate animal welfare laws or endanger the dog. – Resource 1
There is no law on the books requiring dogs to wear a seatbelt, however, the Alaska Driver Manual published by the Alaska DMV lists 10 ways to minimize distracted driving, including the recommendation to “Always secure your pets properly before you start to drive.” However, individual cities may have their own animal control laws regarding unrestrained dogs, pets, or livestock in open pickup truck beds. Homer city council banned the practice in 2016 under Ordinance 16-38(S), and included restrictions on animals loose in the vehicle cab or on the drivers lap. – Resource 1
Arizona does not currently have a law specifically requiring dogs to wear seat belts. However, drivers may be charged under existing distracted driving laws if they drive with an animal in their lap, or if a police officer determines the transportation method creates an unsafe situation. In January 2018, SB1116—a bill prohibiting dogs or other animals from riding in the drivers lap with a penalty of a $100 fine—was introduced by Arizona Senator John Kavanagh. The bill did not pass and was held in committee in January 2018.
There is no law in Arkansas which requires a dog to wear a seat belt or be contained in a crate during transport. However, if a police officer deems the transportation of an animal to be cruel or unsafe, they may choose to ticket the driver. – Resource 1
While California does not currently have a law requiring dogs to wear seat belts or be secured within the enclosed space of a vehicle during transportation, dogs riding in the bed of a truck must be cross tethered to the vehicle or secured in a crate or cage to prevent injury from falling, jumping, or being thrown from the vehicle per Vehicle Code section 23117. Though the Governor vetoed CA A 2233 making it illegal to drive with a pet in the lap or arms and no official law has passed regarding dogs riding in laps, the LAPD will issue a ticket for driving at an unsafe speed to people driving with dogs on their laps as no speed is safe with a pet in your lap. – Resource 1
There is no law in Colorado requiring dogs to wear seat belts while in a vehicle, however, an anti-distracted driving campaign lists looking after pets as a distraction while driving. – Resource 1
While Connecticut does not currently have a law requiring dogs to be restrained or secured while riding inside a vehicle, drivers may be charged under existing distracted-driving laws if they drive with a pet in their lap. Dogs being transported in an open truck bed must be in a crate or cage, or must be secured to prevent them from falling, jumping, or being thrown from the vehicle. – Resource 1
There is no law in Washington, D.C. which requires a dog to wear a seat belt or be contained in a crate during transport. – Resource 1
Though there is no law requiring dogs to wear seat belts in Washington, D.C., the district’s distracted “Distracted Driving Safety Act of 2004” mentions ‘interacting with pets’ as a type of distracted driving, which is prohibited under § 50–1731.03. – Resource 1
There is no law in Florida which requires a dog to wear a seat belt or be contained in a crate during transport, though the distracted driving campaign provides a list of common distractions, including unsecured pets: “tending to kids or passengers in the back seat, eating, watching an event outside of the vehicle, interacting with passengers, unsecured pets, putting on makeup or grooming, adjusting radio or climate controls, checking your GPS app or system and even daydreaming.” SB 320 was introduced by Florida senator Steube in 2017 to place restrictions on transporting dogs in truck beds without a crate or proper restraint, but the bill was withdrawn from consideration. – Resource 1
There is no law in Georgia which requires a dog to wear a seat belt or be contained in a crate during transport. – Resource 1
While Hawaii does not currently have a seat belt law for dogs, driving with a pet in your lap violates laws regarding obstruction to drivers view or driving mechanism. Hawaii Statutes, Section 291C-124 states “While operating a motor vehicle, no person shall hold in the persons lap, or allow to be in the drivers immediate area, any person, animal, or object which interferes with the drivers control over the driving mechanism of the vehicle.” – Resource 1
There is no law in Idaho which requires a dog to wear a seat belt or be contained in a crate during transport. – Resource 1
There is no law in Illinois which requires a dog to wear a seat belt or be contained in a crate during transport. In 2012, State Sen. Martin Sandoval filed a bill to ban dogs from drivers laps. This bill failed to pass the Senate. Afterward, Representative Daniel Burke introduced the “Safe Driving With Pets Task Force” which was also defeated in 2012. The task force would have recommended legislation regarding protecting drivers, passengers, animals, and more. – Resource 1
In January 2017, Senator Dennis Kruse introduced SB 32, a bill making it illegal to drive with a dog in your lap or in a manner that the pet would obstruct the drivers view. The bill was referred to Committee on Homeland Security and Transportation but is no longer active. However, there is no law in Indiana which requires a dog to wear a seat belt or be contained in a crate during transport. – Resource 1
There is no law in Iowa which requires a dog to wear a seat belt or be contained in a crate during transport. However, Iowa code 321.363 states that driving with an obstructed view is an operating violation that may carry a fine. Though this is not an animal-specific restriction, an unrestrained dog—especially riding in the drivers lap—could fall under this code at the discretion of law enforcement. – Resource 1
There is no law in Kansas which requires a dog to wear a seat belt or be contained in a crate during transport. – Resource 1
There is no law in Kentucky which requires a dog to wear a seat belt or be contained in a crate during transport. – Resource 1
There is no law in Louisiana which requires a dog to wear a seat belt or be contained in a crate during transport. The bill HB1091 was introduced by Representative Tom Willmott and would have allowed the transportation of dogs in pickup truck beds only if the dogs were properly restrained. The bill was vetoed by the Governor in 2014. – Resource 1
While Maine does not currently have a law requiring dogs to wear seat belts or be secured during transportation within an enclosed section of a vehicle, Rep. Jim Handy sponsored H.P. 440 in 2017, a bill to prohibit dogs from riding on laps or sticking their head out the window. This bill has since been withdrawn. Maine state law dictates that a person driving a pickup truck, convertible, or other open vehiclemay not transport a dog in the open portion of that vehicle on a public way unless the dog is protected in a manner that prevents the dog from falling or jumping or being thrown from the vehicle.” Additionally, drivers with pets on their laps can be charged under the existing distracted driving law. – Resource 1
Senator Johnny Ray Salling sponsored SB1211 which prohibits the operation of a vehicle with a dog on the drivers seat. As of August 2018, the bill has not yet passed. If the bill becomes law, it will be effective October 1, 2018. While Maryland does not currently have a law requiring dogs to wear seat belts or be secured during transportation, the 2013 Maryland Transportation Code Section 21-1104 states “a person may not drive a vehicle on a highway with any object, material, or obstruction so located in or on the vehicle as to interfere with the clear view of the driver through the windshield.” This could apply to dogs riding in the drivers lap, though it does not explicitly state this restriction. – Resource 1
While Massachusetts does not currently have a law requiring dogs to wear seat belts when riding inside a vehicle, dogs being transported in the bed of a truck must be properly restrained. In addition to requiring the sides and tailgate of the vehicle to reach a certain height, dogs must must be secured within a crate or cage, or properly cross tethered to the vehicle to comply with the transportation law in Chapter 90, Section 22H, Safe transportation of animals. Further, though the language does not explicitly require dogs wear a seat belt, Chapter 90, Section 13 could prevent a dog from riding in the drivers lap or front seat, or even unrestrained in the vehicle; “No person, when operating a motor vehicle, shall permit to be on or in the vehicle or on or about his person anything which may interfere with or impede the proper operation of the vehicle or any equipment by which the vehicle is operator or controlled.” Additionally, cruelty to animals laws state that any person who “carries it or causes it to be carried in or upon a vehicle, or otherwise, in an unnecessarily cruel or inhumane manner or in a way and manner which might endanger the animal carried thereon” could be required to pay a fine or face jail time. The law does not state what would make transportation “inhumane.” – Resource 1
Rep. LaTanya Garrett introduced House Bill 5277—prohibiting the operation of a vehicle with a dog in the drivers lap—in November 2017. The bill was referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure but did not become law. The only restrictions on dog transportation in Michigan are related to wolf-dog hybrids. The law states that any wolf-dog hybrid must be transported in compliance with the International Air Transport Associations Live Animal Regulations for Dogs. – Resource 1 – Resource 2
While Minnesota does not currently have a law requiring dogs to wear seat belts or be secured within the cab of a vehicle during transportation, the law does mention requirements while transporting animals in the open area of a truck. If suitable crates or other restraint is not provided, as stated in 343.24 of the 2016 Minnesota Statutes, an owner can be found guilty of a misdemeanor. – Resource 1
While Mississippi does not currently have a law requiring dogs to wear seat belts or be secured during transportation, the Mississippi Dog and Cat Pet Protection Law of 2011, MS Code Section 97-41-16, makes it a misdemeanor to “carry or confine in a cruel manner,” which could apply to transporting a dog without proper attention to safety. – Resource 1
There is no law in Missouri which requires a dog to wear a seat belt or be contained in a crate during transportation. – Resource 1
There is no law in Montana which requires a dog to wear a seat belt or be contained in a crate during transportation. – Resource 1
There is no law in Nebraska which requires a dog to wear a seat belt or be contained in a crate during transportation. – Resource 1
There is no law in Nevada which requires a dog to wear a seat belt or be contained in a crate during transportation, however, the statute NRS 574.190 bans “cruel and inhumane” methods of transporting animals. – Resource 1
There is no law in New Hampshire which requires a dog to wear a seat belt or be contained in a crate during transportation within the cab of a vehicle, however, dogs being transported in the bed of a truck must be properly restrained. In addition to requiring the sides and tailgate of the vehicle reach a certain height, dogs must be secured within a crate or cage, or properly cross tethered to the vehicle to comply with the law. – Resource 1
New Jersey does not currently have a law that specifically requires seat belts for dogs, but a law does state that carrying an animal in a cruel or inhumane manner can result in a disorderly offense as stated in R.S.4:22-17. Violations may carry a fine, and if found guilty of cruelty to animals the driver may be fined between $250-$1,000 for each offense. In 2012, Assemblywoman L. Grace Spencer proposed the law require dogs to wear a safety restraint or ride in a crate while in a vehicle. The suggestion was met with much debate—and a promise of a veto from the Governor. The bill failed. – Resource 1
There is no law in New Mexico which requires a dog to wear a seat belt or be contained in a crate during transportation. – Resource 1
The bill A4541 was introduced in 2013 and would have prohibited the operation of a motor vehicle with an animal in the front seat or an unrestrained animal in the vehicle. This bill did not pass. – Resource 1
Under North Carolinas current cruelty to animals laws, Section 14-363 states that carrying any animal in a cruel or inhumane manner is considered a Class 1 misdemeanor. In February 2017, Rep. Garland Pierce introduced House Bill 73 that would prohibit the operation of a vehicle with an animal in the drivers lap. The bill has not passed. – Resource 1 – Resource 2
North Dakotas previous law, 36-21.1-03 Cruelty in transportation was repealed Aug. 1, 2013. It had stated: No person may carry, or cause to be carried, any live animals upon any vehicle or otherwise, without providing suitable racks, cars, crates, or cages, or other proper carrying container, nor may he carry an animal, or cause an animal to be carried, in any other cruel manner. – Resource 1
Though there is no law in Ohio that specifically requires a dog to wear a seat belt or be contained in a crate during transportation, Ohios current cruelty to animals laws state that no person shall carry or convey an animal in a cruel or inhumane manner. – Resource 1
Though there is no law in Oklahoma that specifically requires a dog to wear a seat belt or be contained in a crate during transportation, Oklahomas current cruelty to animals statutes state that it is a misdemeanor to carry an animal in a vehicle in a cruel or inhumane manner. – Resource 1
In 2015, ORS 811.200 addressed the proper transportation of a dog on the external part of a vehicle (such as the bed of a truck). This law requires a dog riding outside of a vehicles cab be secured by a framework, carrier or another device sufficient to keep it from falling from the vehicle. Laws proposed in 2018 and 2019 aimed to create stricter transportation requirements for dogs, but neither passed. – Resource 1 – Resource 2
Though it was not enacted, a bill proposed in Pennsylvania in 2005 would have required pets being transported in a vehicle to be secured in a crate, cage, dog seat belt system, or with a pet gate to keep the dog out of the drivers space and prevent distraction to the driver, as well as injuries in the event of a crash. This bill also would have required the dogs head and body to remain inside the window at all times. – Resource 1
As of 2012, Rhode Island requires dogs being transported in a vehicle to be in an enclosed area and either secured within a crate, restrained with a harness or pet seat belt designed for use in a vehicle, or under the physical control of a person other than the driver of the vehicle. Violation of the law carries a fine of up to $200 depending on the number of offenses. A bill introduced in 2013 would have made it illegal to allow a dog to ride in the drivers lap, but this bill has not been enacted. – Resource 1
As of August 2018, there is no law in South Carolina which requires a dog to wear a seat belt or be contained in a crate during transportation. However, you can be ticketed for negligence or another offense while driving with your pet in your lap if an officer considers the situation unsafe, such as if the drivers view is obstructed or if something interferes with the drivers control of the vehicle. – Resource 1
There is no law in South Dakota which requires a dog to wear a seat belt or be contained in a crate during transport. – Resource 1
There is no law in Tennessee which requires a dog to wear a seat belt or be contained in a crate during transportation, however, current cruelty to animals statues make it illegal to transport or confine an animal in a cruel manner. Tennessee bill TN H 2998 proposed to make it illegal to drive with an animal in the drivers lap or between the driver and drivers door. This bill was defeated. TN H 212 would have required animals to be restrained while riding in the interior of a vehicle; this bill was also defeated. – Resource 1
There is no law in Texas which requires a dog to wear a seat belt or be contained in a crate during transportation. However, current disorderly conduct laws state that it is an offense to transport or confine an animal in a cruel manner. – Resource 1
There is no law in Utah which requires a dog to wear a seat belt or be contained in a crate during transportation. However, current anti-cruelty provisions state that it is illegal to transport or confine an animal in a cruel manner. – Resource 1
There is no law in Vermont which requires a dog to wear a seat belt or be contained in a crate during transportation. However, Vermonts animal health regulations and animal transportation rules stipulate that “no person shall transport any animal… in a cruel or inhumane manner.” – Resource 1
There is no law in Virginia which requires a dog to wear a seat belt or be contained in a crate during transportation. However, Virginias dog laws require that owners provide adequate care for companion animals during transportation. The Virginia DMV website list unrestrained pets as a distraction and recommends all pets be secured while driving and recommends seat belt harnesses, dog car seats, and pet crates as options. – Resource 1
There is no law in Washington which requires a dog to wear a seat belt or be contained in a crate during transportation. However, Washingtons prevention of cruelty to animals laws state that it is a misdemeanor to transport animals in a way that would pose a risk to the animal or public safety. There is a penalty for transporting or confining a companion animal in an unsafe manner. Additionally, a distracted driving law went into effect in July 2017. Unrestrained pets arent specifically listed as a violation, but lawmakers and police officers have mentioned having a loose pet or dog riding on the drivers lap as a potential distraction—one that may be considered a secondary violation if a driver is pulled over for erratic driving or running a red light—but would not be enough to initiate a traffic stop. – Resource 1
There is no law in West Virginia requiring dogs to wear seat belts or be secured within a crate or cage while being transported in a vehicle. – Resource 1
There is no law in Wisconsin requiring dogs to wear seat belts or be secured within a crate or cage while being transported in a vehicle, however, Wisconsins crimes against animals statutes state that it is illegal to transport an animal in or on a vehicle in a cruel manner. Drivers with a dog in their lap can be cited for inattentive driving under Wisconsin Statute 346.89, which states: No person while driving a motor vehicle may be engaged or occupied with an activity, other than driving the vehicle, that interferes or reasonably appears to interfere with the persons ability to drive the vehicle safely. – Resource 1
There is no law in Wyoming requiring dogs to wear seat belts or be secured within a crate or cage while being transported in a vehicle. – Resource 1
FOUR Reasons Why Your Dog Should Wear A Seatbelt
Does the thought of seeing a dog with their head hanging out of a driving car make you cringe? It should. Having a pup unrestrained in the car â whether in your lap or curled up in the back seat â can cause them (and you) serious injuries. In some states, itâs illegal to drive with your dog unrestrained in the car. Yet, according to an American Automobile Association (AAA) study, only 16% of pet parents say they use some kind of seat belt or restraint in their car.
Christina Selter, a nationally recognized pet safety expert, is all too familiar with the dangers and distractions posed by dogs who arenât buckled up when riding in a vehicle. âUnrestrained pets can cause accidents,â says Selter, founder of the California-based educational group Bark Buckle UP. âI can think of two accidents that were caused by [unrestrained] dogs in the front seat. In one, the owner looked over at her dog and, in a split second, hit a driver in another lane.â
Georgia coroner Vernon Collins canât shake the s of a head-on collision that claimed the lives of two women and a dog. Collins says that one of the drivers, who was apparently distracted by the Chihuahua-mix on her lap, swerved and crashed into a car in the other lane. The margin for error is indeed very very small. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, drivers who take their eyes off the road for just two seconds double their risk of becoming involved in an accident.Related article
A survey by AAA and Kurgo products reveals that pet parents nationwide are often distracted by their four-legged pals. One in five reported taking their hands off the steering wheel to prevent a pup from climbing into the front seat. In the survey of 1,000 pet parents, 31 percent admitted to being distracted by their pet while driving. It also uncovered other behaviors that increase a driverâs risk of crashing, including:
Nearly all the dog parents surveyed in the AAA study â a whopping 83 percent â acknowledged that unrestrained dogs in moving vehicles are dangerous. In 2020, distracted drivers, including those interacting with their pets, caused 2,880 fatal crashes, according to police and government statistics.
That statistic worries Katherine Miller, the ASPCAâs applied science and research director. âA large percentage of dogs are traveling unrestrained in cars,â she observes. âUnrestrained pets are hugely distracting, particularly if theyâre in the front seat. They can hit the dashboard or the windshield in an accident; if the airbag deploys, a dog in the front seat can be crushed.â And the risks donât stop there.