10 Best Dog Seat Belts : Car Safety For Fur-Babies

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Best Dog Seat Belts
If you’re like our family, you enjoy bringing Fido with you on road trips whenever possible. Whether you’re on your way to the dog park, going camping, or heading out on vacation, it’s important to make sure your dog is safe in the car.
First off, let’s take a look at our top picks for a dog seat belt, including:
Knowing more about car safety will help you understand the value of a dog car seat belt. But how do you know which one meets your needs? We reviewed the best 10 products currently on the market to help you make an informed choice.

#1

PAWABOO Dog Safety Harness, with Car Seat Belt Lead Clip

Our Rating:

4.3/5

Price Range: $$

The PAWABOO safety harness comes in four sizes ranging from small to extra large. You can use this product in the car and on walks. It’s made from durable, Oxford polyester fabric and has a padded chest plate. The vest has a simple design that you can quickly slip on your pup and clip shut. There’s an adjustable, clip belt included with the vest for a complete restraint device. The clip lead works with most cars except for the Kia Niro, 2011 Jeep Wrangler, and Honda Series.

What We Like:

  • It’s simple to put on and use. The clip snaps and releases easily so you don’t have to wrestle with your pal in the car.
  • The strap is easy to adjust. You can move them to better fit your pooch. It also allows room to grow if you’re buying one for a puppy.
  • The construction is very sturdy. The clips are strong, and the straps are made from durable materials similar to seat belts.
  • The way you attach the belt to the harness means the pulling force in a collision is at the chest. It protects the neck and throat from injury.
  • It’s affordable.

what we dont like What We Don’t Like:

  • The adjustable straps can slip and get looser. You’ll have to readjust frequently.
  • The belt clip is thin and can be bent. Some dogs can also pop it out of the buckle with a small amount of effort.
Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What size harness should I get for my dog?
You can refer to the measurement chart to help you select the right size for your pooch. For example, the small harness should fit a dog that weighs 4.4-11 pounds and has a neck size of 8.27-10.63 inches, and a chest size of 15.35-17.72 inches.

Will the seat belt work in my car?
The clip is a standard seat belt clip that works in most vehicles. The exceptions are the Kia Niro, 2011 Jeep Wrangler, and Honda Series cars and SUVs.

How long is the adjustable strap?
The belt length depends on the size of the product: The small length is 8.8-12 inches, the medium is 9.6-16 inches, the large is 11.6-20 inches, and the extra large is 13.5-24 inches.

#2

Vastar Adjustable Pet Car Seat Belt Safety Leads

Best For Budget Pick

Vastar 2 Packs Adjustable Dog Car Seat Belt Safety

Our Rating:

4.6/5

Price Range: $

The Vastar Pet Seat Belt is a nylon strap with a swivel snap on one end and a 2 cm seatbelt clip on the other end. The length is adjustable from 16 to 27 inches. Snap the clip end into your car’s belt buckle and connect the snap to your pup’s travel harness to restrain them in the car. This product will work in most vehicles, but there are some exceptions.

What We Like:

  • The seatbelts are made from sturdy materials. The straps are thick nylon, and the buckle and snap ends are metal. It can hold a large dog.
  • They’re easy to use. You just snap it in the buckle and attach it to the harness.
  • You can adjust the straps to give your pooch freedom to move around and get comfortable.
  • You get two for one low price!

what we dont like What We Don’t Like:

  • The clip can unlatch easily if your dog steps on the buckle.
  • The straps are too long for smaller dogs. They can still move around the car or become tangled in the leash part.
  • The seatbelts are not universal. There are some vehicle models that are not compatible.
Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this product fit my vehicle?
The clip is 2 cm and will fit most cars, but check your buckles to make sure the sizing is right. Based on customer feedback, the product will not work in some Honda and Acura models, earlier models of Ford Ranger and F150, and the 2012 Kia Forte. It will only work in the front seat of the 2012 Toyota Tundra and only in the back seat for some models of Honda CR-V/Odyssey and Acura RDX.

Should I use this if my dog is a chewer?
The nylon will not stand up to chewing. If your pup likes to gnaw on straps, you may have to find another option.

Will this belt work for a small or large dog?
The seat belt can work for many sizes of dog. The strap length is adjustable to allow you to provide your furbaby with enough freedom to be comfortable and still keep them safe. It may be too long for teacup-sized animals or too restrictive for giant breeds like Great Danes or Newfoundlands.

#3

SlowTon Dog Car Harness Plus Connector Strap

Best dog seat belt harness

SlowTon Dog Car Harness Double Breathable Mesh Fabric with Car Vehicle Safety Seat Belt

Our Rating:

4.5/5

Price Range: $$

The SlowTon car harness has a breathable mesh chest plate, polypropylene straps, and two metal rings on the back. You slip the neck piece over the head, take the straps through the legs, and snap the leg straps to the back piece. An elastic, nylon seat belt strap is included when you buy the harness. This product comes in sizes ranging from XXXS to L. Consult the measurement charts to find the right fit for your pooch.

What We Like:

  • It’s easy to use. You don’t have to make your furbaby step into the harness.
  • The materials are sturdy. The metal clip and straps can restrain your dog and help to protect him if you break suddenly or get in an accident.
  • The harness is adjustable. Once you put it on, you can fit it to your furbaby’s body.
  • It’s affordable. You get the harness and seatbelt for one low price.

what we dont like What We Don’t Like:

  • The threads and stitching are not heavy-duty. They can pull apart after a few uses.
  • Dogs can unlock the seat belt by stepping on the buckle.
  • It won’t stand up to chewing. You may not want this for a puppy.
Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What size should I get for my dog?
The seller has a harness size guide to help you select the right one for your pooch. Take measurements of Fido’s neck and girth and check the chart.

Will the belt clip work in my car?
The universal clip works in most cars, but not all. Refer to the Product Description for a list of non-compatible makes and models.

Which ring do I use to attach the leash or seat belt?
It’s best to use both rings at the same time. This provides extra stability for walks or in the car.

#4

Kurgo Seat belt Tether for Dogs

Kurgo Direct to Seatbelt Tether for Dogs

Our Rating:

4.4/5

Price Range: $$

The Kurgo Seat belt Tether has a universal clip for your car’s buckle and a carabiner attachment to connect to Fido’s safety harness. It will fit most vehicles except Volvos, and it is not recommended for Ford Trucks. The strap is adjustable from 15 to 22 inches. This product comes with a lifetime guarantee. The manufacturer also offers a loop tether, swivel seatbelt, and zip line tether to restrain your pooch.

What We Like:

  • It’s heavy-duty. The canvas strap and carabiner are sturdy and made of durable materials.
  • It’s easy to use. Just clip it into the seatbelt in your car and attach the carabiner to your pup’s harness.
  • The adjustable strap allows you to give your pooch room to move around without being able to jump into the front seat.
  • It’s a good value for the quality.

what we dont like What We Don’t Like:

  • Your dog can accidentally step on the seat belt button and release the clip if he moves around a lot.
  • The seat belt clip is thin and can bend easily.
  • Even at full length, the strap is too short for larger dogs, like a Doberman or Greyhound.
Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this keep my dog from jumping out the window?
To keep your dog from jumping out of the window, you should adjust the belt strap until it’s too short for your furbaby to do that. We also recommend using this with a safety harness and not your pal’s collar.

Will the clip work in my car?
The Kurgo Direct to Seatbelt tether fits type A (⅞”) and B (1”) seat belts. It will not work with a Volvo, and it is not recommended for Ford Trucks.

Will this work for all-sized dogs?
Although it’s a one size fits all product, there are some limitations with larger dogs. Very small dogs may also have too much freedom and be at risk of becoming tangled in the strap.

#5

iBuddy Dog Seat Belts for Dogs

iBuddy Dog Seat Belts for Cars

Our Rating:

4.4/5

Price Range: $$

The iBuddy seat belt is a high-density nylon strap with a dual-safe bolt hook attachment for the harness and a universal 0.83-inch clip that should fit most cars. Check your vehicle specifications before purchasing this product. The belt has an elastic buffer design to help absorb the impact of sudden braking. You can adjust the length of the strap from 22 to 29.3 inches. The product has two size options, one for dogs less than 15 pounds, and the other for over 15 pounds.

What We Like:

  • They are well-made and sturdy. The strap is thick, and the metal components are solid.
  • The adjustable length allows you to restrain your dog and still give them the freedom to sit, stand, and lay down.
  • The elastic buffer provides some shock absorption if the car stops suddenly.
  • It’s easy to use. The harness clip snaps right on.
  • It’s very affordable, and you get two for a low price.

what we dont like What We Don’t Like:

  • The clip end of the belt has weak stitching and may not hold up in an accident.
  • Dogs can step on the belt buckle and release the clip.
  • The swivel attachment is on the small side and may not fit over a large dog’s harness ring.
Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the belt fit my car?
The clip width is 0.83 inches, and this is a universal size. It should fit almost any vehicle, but we recommend that you measure your car’s buckles before making a purchase.

Can I use this in the cargo area of a SUV?
If you can access the seat belt buckle from the cargo area you probably could use it. Just make sure the tether is still long enough to be comfortable for your dog.

Can I use this in the front seat?
You can use this in the front seat because it clips into any seat belt. However, we advise against seating your pup in front because to avoid airbag injury in an accident.

#6

Mighty Paw Safety Belt

Our Runner-Up Pick

Mighty Paw Safety Belt

Our Rating:

4.6/5

Price Range: $$

The Mighty Paw Safety Belt has a latch bar attachment on one end and a carabiner on a swivel on the other end. The attachment end is made of aviation-grade aluminum and has a quick-release latch. You can adjust the nylon strap from 16 to 26 inches depending on your dog’s size. Use this product with a safety harness that you purchase separately.

What We Like:

  • The latch bar attachment means dogs can’t step on a button and release the seat belt.
  • The swivel attachment prevents active pups from getting tangled in the strap.
  • It adjusts out far enough to give large dogs enough freedom to be comfortable and calm.
  • The components are all heavy-duty.

what we dont like What We Don’t Like:

  • The materials are not chew-proof. It won’t take long for a dog to gnaw through the strap.
  • The latch bar end is hard to unclip. If your dog steps on it before you hook it in, they could be severely injured.
  • The strap is thin for a large dog and can rip or tear.
Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

For what size dog will the safety belt work?
This safety belt may be too long at it’s shortest adjustment for very small dogs. It is long and sturdy enough for large and giant breeds. The carabiner is rated at 110 pounds. If your pup is larger, consider replacing the carabiner with one that has a higher rating.

Can you use the belt with a collar?
Although you can connect the carabiner to a dog collar, we do not recommend it. Use a harness to prevent choking or neck injuries.

Will this work in the front seat?
This safety belt connects to the latch bar anchor in your back seat.

#7

OMORC Dog Seat Belt

OMorc Dog Seat Belt

Our Rating:

4.6/5

Price Range: $$

The OMORC seat belt for dogs is a nylon strap with a 2 cm clip on one end and a zinc alloy swivel clip attachment on the other end. You can adjust the strap from 19.09 to 27.95 inches. The seat belt clip should be compatible with most vehicles, but there are exceptions. Check the product description before purchasing.

What We Like:

  • The adjustable length allows you to give your pup enough freedom to move around without letting them climb into the front seat.
  • They’re affordable. You get two for one low price.
  • It’s easy to use. Clip it into the belt buckle and attach the other end to Fido’s harness.
  • The materials are durable.

what we dont like What We Don’t Like:

  • The clip is thin and can bend easily.
Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Will, it fit my car’s buckles?
The clip is 2 cm and is compatible with most vehicles. Check your car’s seat belt measurements before buying the product.

Can you attach it to a dog collar?
The swivel clip can attach to a collar, but we do not recommend it. Your dog is at risk of choking or serious neck injury if you use a collar.

Will it work for a very small dog?
The material is lightweight enough to be comfortable for very small dogs. Your pup may have more freedom to roam even on the shortest adjustment due to their size.

#8

URPOWER Dog Seat Belt

URPOWER Dog Seat belt

Our Rating:

4.4/5

Price Range: $$

The URPOWER seat belt is an adjustable nylon strap. There’s a zinc alloy swivel hook that attaches to your pet’s harness on one end and a stainless steel clip on the other end. The clip tab is 0.83 inches and fits most vehicles. The belt can adjust from 24.6 to 31.8 inches, and it includes an elastic buffer to absorb impact in a collision.

What We Like:

  • It’s easy to use. You just clip into the buckle and attach the other end to Fido’s harness.
  • You can adjust the straps to fit your dog’s needs.
  • The elasticity allows your pup freedom to move around and get comfortable.
  • The materials are sturdy and well made.

what we dont like What We Don’t Like:

  • The lead is too long for very small dogs. They can fall off the seat with sudden breaking.
  • Dogs can step on the buckle and unclip the seat belt.
  • The adjustment component is plastic and tends to loosen.
Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the clip compatible with my car?
The clip is a universal size of 0.83 inches. Double-check your car’s seat belts before you purchase.

Can I use the seat belt in the front seat?
It can connect to most buckles in the front or back seat. However, we do not recommend that you let your pup sit in the front seat. If you get into a crash, the airbag can injure or kill a dog.

Will this resist chewing?
The strap is nylon, and the buckle is plastic. If your dog can chew through a leash, he’ll be able to chew through this.

#8

Leash Boss Dog Car Seat Belt Restraint

Best dog seat belt

Leash Boss Dog Car Seat Belt

Our Rating:

4.7/5

Price Range: $$

The Leash Boss dog car seat belt restraint has a metal clip that attaches to the latch bar in your back seat. The other end has a metal swivel clip to connect to your dog’s safety harness. The lead is a vinyl coated steel cable that resists chewing. There are five sizes available ranging from 16 to 36 inches to accommodate your pet’s needs.

What We Like:

  • It’s easy to use. Once you connect the clip to one of the child seat latch bars in the back seat, you can leave it in place. It’s easy to tuck out of the way when your pup isn’t in the car with you.
  • Dogs can’t chew through the metal braid.
  • Dogs can’t step on a button and release themselves.
  • The materials are very strong.
  • It’s a good value for the quality of the product.

what we dont like What We Don’t Like:

  • Dogs can still chew the vinyl coating off the cable. Yuck!
  • There’s no way to adjust for in-between lengths.
Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What size should I get for my dog?
If you’re using it to connect to the latch bar, measure your dog’s height from the attachment point on his harness to the latch bar in your car. Check the length when your pal is standing and when he’s sitting. You can also measure from the harness to the floor at a 45-degree angle. If you’re not sure that will be long enough for comfort, order one size up.

Can I use this in the front seat?
Most cars do not have latch bars in the front seat, and we don’t recommend restraining your dog in the front seat because of the airbags. If your vehicle has a way to disable the passenger seat airbag(like some pickups), then you can try attaching the clip to the headrest or the metal components of your seat belt.

Will the restraint work in the cargo area with the back seat folded up?
Yes, you can attach the clip to the seat bar. Be sure to measure the length from you pal’s harness to the point where you plan to connect the cable to find the best size for your pup.

#9

EzyDog Click - Adjustable Dog Restraint

EzyDog Click Dog Seat Belt

Our Rating:

4.4/5

Price Range: $$

The EzyDog Click is an adjustable nylon belt. It has a metal swivel clip on one end that attaches to your pup’s safety harness. The other end has a universal seat belt clip that should work in most modern vehicles, except Volvos. You can adjust the length from 17.5 to 26 inches.

What We Like:

  • It’s easy to use. The belt clip fits most cars, and the harness attachment snaps on easily.
  • The product is well made and has reinforced stitching.
  • It’s long enough for a dog to sit, stand, turn around, and lay down.
  • You can adjust the length to fit your dog’s needs.

what we dont like What We Don’t Like:

  • It won’t stand up to a dog that chews.
  • Dogs can step on the belt buckle and release the clip.
  • You have to purchase the harness separately.
Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the clips work in my car’s buckles?
The seat belt clip is a universal size and should work in most modern cars. It is not compatible with Volvo brand vehicles.

Will the belt work with a large-size dog?
The belt material is strong enough to restrain dogs of all sizes.

Will this belt work with any harness?
As long as the swivel clip fits on the harness ring, you can use this belt.

Properly restraining your pooch while driving protects everyone’s safety. A loose animal can distract the driver, and be at a higher risk of injury in an accident.

Let’s Talk Numbers

A fact sheet from the American Humane Society states that an estimated 100,000 dogs die each year because they were riding in open truck beds. That number doesn’t include canines that die when they jump out of a car window or those that are unsecured inside a car when it crashes.
According to Pet Auto Safety.com, there are over 6 million auto accidents every year. It’s possible that tens of thousands of these collisions are the result of having a loose pet in the vehicle. In many cases, dogs that were badly injured or killed in an accident could have been saved if they were properly restrained.
Does the law require that you restrain Fido when he’s riding with you in the car? The answer depends on where you live. Most states do not have any laws about safely restraining pets in the car. Since 2012, several states including New Jersey, Maine, New York, and Rhode Island have attempted to enact regulations with limited success. As of August 2018, there are six states that have a statute prohibiting leaving your dog unrestrained in a moving car:
A dog seat belt is a full-body safety harness with a leash attachment that buckles into your car’s seat belt to restrain your pooch. These devices have a heavy-duty design to help keep your pup safer. Fido will have to stay in his seat when he’s wearing one of these products. In an accident, the harness distributes the force on the leash so that there’s less pull on the neck.
Improved Safety – You and your furbaby will benefit from the safety features of a driving harness.
Comfort and Security – Although the harness takes some getting used to, it can help your pooch feel more secure. Some dogs move around the car because they’re feeling anxious. A seat belt restraint can have a calming effect on your pal. In addition, the device will prevent your canine from running away in an accident.
YES! This is a no brainer. An unrestrained dog is more likely to be injured in an accident. What’s more, a loose animal can collide with passengers in the car. According to Paws to Click, a 75-pound dog can exert about 2,250 pounds of force if you’re in a crash at just 30 mph. With proper restraint, however:
Consider the dog seat belt as a travel essential at all times. It makes no difference whether you’re driving to the vet or across the country.
When selecting a seat belt for your pup, focus on the leash attachment. If you invest in a high-quality restraining device, you can save some money on a cheaper harness. Just remember that you need a product that works with your car’s buckles or latches as well as Fido’s harness.

Latch Bar Attachment

One type of seat belt hooks into the latches in your car with an anchor or carabiner clip, much like a child safety seat. The other end connects to the body harness to hold your pal in place. It may take a little longer to secure your furbaby with this option.

Seat Belt Clip Attachment

With a seat belt clip attachment, you can snap the leash into your car’s buckles. Connect the leash part to your pooch’s harness, and you’re ready to go. To ensure that your pup doesn’t release the clip by stepping on the button, consider getting a cover for the buckle.

Tether Attachment

Instead of a clip, this seat belt has a loop that goes around the headrest. Then you can adjust the tether length to ensure your pup is safe and comfortable.

It should be an easy task to pick a seat belt for your pooch, but many products look the same on the surface. To help you make the right choice for Fido, know your needs and priorities. Start by considering these factors:
Safety – Will the harness keep Fido safe while you’re driving? You want to make sure that the harness and belt will do their job and keep your pooch securely in place. One thing you can look for is whether or not the product has a crash test certification from the Center for Pet Safety. There are only a few certified products on the market. As a side note, none of the products that we reviewed are CPS certified.
Easy to Use – You don’t want to take a ton of time wrestling with your furbaby to secure them in place. Look for a harness that’s easy to slip on and attach to the seat belt. Some products remain in the car while others are mobile. Know what you need for your pal.
Adjustability – An adjustable strap allows you to choose how much freedom your pup has. You’ll also be able to fit the length to your dog’s size.
Length – It’s important to have the right fit for your furry friend. If the product isn’t adjustable, make sure you know your dog’s measurements and weight. Then check the manufacturer’s sizing charts to pick the best length.
Durability (especially for larger breeds) – Know your dog when you pick your product. Look for durable materials that are strong enough to hold your dog if you have to break suddenly or if you crash. If you have a chewer, you’ll also want to have something that’s gnaw-proof like flexible, coated steel.
Seat belts are one option for safely restraining your dog while in a moving vehicle. However, not all products are of equal quality. To find an option that keeps your pal secure, look for a harness that has thick straps with padding to help distribute the force your dog feels in a crash. You’ll also want a tether that keeps Fido in his seat but also allows him to sit or lay down comfortably.
CAUTION! Never attach the seat belt part to your dog’s collar. Don’t be tempted to cut corners by not using a harness. Otherwise, in a crash, your furbaby could suffer a broken neck, strangulation, or other serious and potentially life-threatening injuries.
You need both. The harness and seat belt are not two competing products. They work together to restrain your pooch in a moving vehicle. As we mentioned above, the harness helps to spread the force of a collision or sudden stop around Fido’s body. The belt connects to your dog’s harness and to the car either by a clip, latch hook, or tether loop.
Our Verdict

The Final Verdict - Our Top Pick for a Dog Seat Belt

After reviewing the products and comparing them to our criteria, we pick the Leash Boss Dog Car Seat Belt Restraint as our top choice for a dog seat belt. With a good safety harness, this product can help protect your pooch in the car.

Several factors contribute to the safety of this product:

  • This is the only product that’s truly chew-proof.
  • The latch bar hook means that Fido can’t step on a button and release a seat belt clip.
  • The materials are sturdy and durable. It won’t come apart easily under pressure like some of the products could.

Even though this restraint is not adjustable, you can choose from five different lengths to fit your dog’s size. You should be able to find one that works for any size pooch.

It’s easy to use. Once you attach the locking clip to the latch bar, you can leave it in place. No need to remove it when you have human passengers. Just tuck it out of the way. You can put a safety harness on your furbaby before you load in the car. All you’ll have to do is snap the cable to the harness ring, and you’re ready to go.

For my medium and large dogs, I would pick the Leash Boss restraint for the best overall safety. The affordable price is a bonus.

Speedy in Hollywood, LA

One request from Speedy

Dr. Libby Guise put so much effort writing this blog post to provide value to the dog parent community. It’ll be very helpful for me, if you consider sharing it on social media networks.
SHARING IS ♥️

Photo of author
Dr. Libby Guise earned her DVM from the University of Minnesota in 1994. After working in private practice in Wisconsin for two years, she joined the USDA as a Veterinary Medical Officer. In 2011, Libby came home to focus on raising and teaching her adoptive daughter. She lives in Wisconsin with her daughter, husband, and two furbabies: Charis, a lab-mix rescue pup, and Chesed, a Springer Spaniel.

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