What is the safest dog seat belt? Let’s Explore

Editorial Picks Best Overall Best Overall

The SleepyPod Clickit Sport harness is one of few crash-tested (up to 90 pounds) and safety-rated harnesses available. It’s constructed from durable ballistic nylon and features a broad, cushioned vest. The unique, three-point Infinity Loop design evenly distributes pressure in the event of an accident. Designed to attach directly to a rear passenger seat belt, the harness allows for dogs to adjust their position as desired.

  • Certified by the Center for Pet Safety
  • Doubles as a walking harness
  • Available in a wide range of colors
  • Expensive
  • Not recommended for Whippet, Greyhound, Saluki, Afghan Hound, Borzoi or other deep-chested dog breeds
  • Straps can be difficult to adjust
  • Best Flexibility For Installation Best Flexibility For Installation

    The VavoPaw features a carabiner attachment that resolves most vehicle compatibly issues. It’s designed to loop through a seat belt or clip to your car’s headrest rod or latch bar. The harness is made from Oxford fabric, padded with soft sponge, and includes breathable mesh lining to keep dogs comfortable and cool.

  • Can be used when there’s no rear seat belt or seat belts aren’t a universal size
  • Belt adjusts to four different lengths
  • Harness boasts four points of adjustability
  • Seatbelt may not be long enough for very large breeds
  • Plastic buckles lack long-term durability
  • Best for Larger Breeds Best for Larger Breeds

    This dog seat belt harness is built to last, with all-metal nesting buckles designed similarly to mountain-climbing harnesses. When used for walking, front and back D-ring attachment points serve as effective training tools. The included dog tether makes it compatible with most car seat belt systems and doubles as a lead.

  • Crash-tested at a university testing facility following child car seat standards up to 75 pounds
  • Five adjustment points for a snug fit
  • Lifetime warranty
  • Nesting buckles can be hard to adjust
  • Too bulky for smaller breeds
  • Best for Smaller Breeds Best for Smaller Breeds

    The Lukovee harness sports a breathable mesh chest designed to keep dogs cool while traveling. The smallest size fits dogs with 11-13 inch chest girths. Some users report the harness is also suitable for securing cats. An included elastic bungee tether prevents jerking during sudden stops and provides for greater freedom of movement than static alternatives.

  • Affordable
  • Available in six sizes, including XXXS
  • Four adjustment points provide for a secure fit
  • Over the head, slip-on design is not suitable for all dogs
  • Woven mesh construction and stitching lack durability
  • Some users said the sizing chart is inaccurate
  • Best Value Best Value

    The Kurgo Direct is a tether that attaches to a dog’s existing harness and clips directly into a seat belt buckle. It’s an ideal alternative to a seat belt harness when traveling with different size dogs or a growing puppy. The tether is easy to use but not suited for vehicles lacking access to rear seat belts.

  • Lifetime warranty
  • One size fits most dogs
  • Bungee design allows for greater freedom of movement
  • Not crash-tested
  • Not compatible with all vehicles (e.g. Volvos, Ford trucks)
  • Requires available rear passenger seat belt
  • #5 Best Tether: Leash Boss Dog Car Seat Belt

    The Leash Boss dog car seat belt is not a harness like the other dog seat belts we recommend. Rather, this seat belt clip hooks onto a dog harness and buckles directly into the car’s seat belt. The Leash Boss tether has not been crash-tested. While we are uncertain if this device would protect your pet after a high-speed crash, it is useful for keeping your pet settled in the back seat and should offer some protection during a low-speed collision.

    Cost: Around $15

    This tether can be attached to an existing dog harness and so can accommodate most any pet. It comes in five lengths ranging from 16.0 to 36.0 inches. Our test dog was kept in place by this tether, though still had enough range of motion to look out the window or lie down.

    The materials 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.

    Overall Rating 4.2 out of 5
    Material Quality 4 out of 5
    Adjustability 4.5 out of 5
    Dog Comfort 4 out of 5

    Amazon Review Score: 4.7 out of 5 based on over 3,400 ratings

    The most frequent comment is that this tether is thick and robust. The clips are made of durable metal, and the strap is totally chew-proof. Most feel confident that this tether will not fail even in a crash. However, the safety of your pet also depends on the harness. Many pair this tether with a crash-tested harness like the Kurgo Tru-Fit.

    The Vastar 2 Pack Dog Seat Belt will keep your dog safely restrained in your car for nearly half the price of other teth…

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    Instead of clipping in via the seat belt, the Mighty Paw Safety Belt has a latch bar attachment similar to how you would…

    The Vastar 2 Pack Dog Seat Belt will keep your dog safely restrained in your car for nearly half the price of other tethers. The belt itself is made of a sturdy nylon material with an alloy swivel snap. The seat belt clip measures two centimeters, so check your cars buckle to make sure this will be compatible. Amazon reviewers note that although the Vastar…

    Instead of connecting the seat belt to your dogs harness and then clipping into the actual car seat belt, the BWOGUE 2 Pack Dog Seat Belt loops around the rear headrest, so theres no clipping involved. The seat belt is adjustable and will go from 18-to-30 inches, so this will be able to secure your dog no matter how high your seat backs are. Itll also all…

    Best Seat Belt for Dogs Comparison

    Every pet owner loves taking their dog for a ride. In most situations, your dog loves it, too. When in the vehicle, however, it is up to us, as owners, to ensure our pet’s safety. This is why it is so important to choose the best dog seat belt. Our reviews of the top 10 dog seat belts will help you determine which one is ideal for your pet. Read on below and grab a safety device and hit the open road with your dog.