Seat belts for dogs are a must when carrying our dog with us in the car if we want all the occupants of the vehicle to be safe and avoid scares and accidents.
In this article we show you a selection with the most recommended that we have found and also We talk to you in depth about this fundamental element for safety, for example, exposing the dangers of carrying a dog in the car, briefly commenting on the regulations... and we also recommend that you read this related article on how to take the dog in the car.
best seat belt for dogs
Harness with belt included
This harness is undoubtedly one of the most complete purchases you can make on Amazon if you are looking for a belt. As we have said, in addition to the belt, which you can attach to the harness and to the “human” pin on the vehicle's belt, the product includes a very comfortable and breathable harness, which is also available in many different colors and sizes. The comments point out that the belt is also very resistant, fastens very easily and is a bit elastic.
However, We recommend that before buying it you take a look, in the product sheet, at the car brands in which it is compatible, since it cannot be used in all.
Adjustable belt with clip
In case a harness does not interest you and you simply want the strap of the belt, this option from Kurgo is not only simple, with a reasonable price and resistant, is also available in three colors, gray, blue and orange. Thanks to a buckle, the belt can be adjusted so that the dog has more or less room to move, making it very comfortable. As if that were not enough, you also have two lengths to choose the one that best suits what you need.
Finally, Please note that while it is compatible with most vehicles, the belt cannot be used in Volvo and Ford vans.
Harness with simple belt
Another model of harness, very comfortable and in the shape of an X, which also includes a belt that you can use in the car. In this case, it is a simpler but also very interesting product that has a practical adjustable strap so that your dog is as comfortable as possible in the back seat. Remember, as happens with all models, check that it is compatible with your car before buying it.
Two elastic belts
Ideal for those who have more than one pet or more than one car to carry it in, this pack contains two belts to be able to safely carry your pet in the back seat. As usual in these products, it has an elastic part and can be adjusted by means of a strap so that your dog is comfortable and safe. In addition, it is compatible with a large number of cars, it is available in various colors, it has a very firm carabiner and reflective strips so that you do not lose sight of your pet when it gets dark.
Zip line belt hook
An alternative to the dog seat belts we've seen so far is this zip-line version. It consists of a rope that you can hook to the upper fasteners or to the belt and to which a leash is attached so that the dog can move more freely while remaining safe. However, it is not highly recommended if the dog is very nervous, since according to some comments, if it moves a lot, the leash can get involved.
small dog belt
Another model, more classic, with a belt clip compatible with most vehicles. It has an elastic part to absorb the impact of braking, as well as reflective strips and an adjustable strap. However, it must be taken into account that some comments say that it is not very resistant, so it is only recommended for small dogs that weigh little.
Double dog seat belt
Finally, the last product that we will present today is a double belt for dogs, so if you have two pets it is ideal to take them in the car without the straps getting confused. The material is particularly resistant and has a metal hook for the harness, as well as reflective strips, an elastic part and a single hook for the belt, which is also compatible with most vehicles.
How to take your dog in the car
Although the regulations change from country to country, the truth is that both for the safety of our dog and for ours, it is best to carry it well secured in the vehicle. In fact, according to the DGT, more than half of the drivers who are accompanied by their pets in the car live in risky situations because they are not properly restrained. That is why it is highly recommended, and in some countries mandatory:
- Carry your dog in the back of the car, behind the front seats. If you have a carrier, it will have to be placed perpendicular to the front seat be it big or small.
- Equally, as the regulations establish that the dog cannot bother the driver while he or she is driving, it is highly recommended to wear it tied to the belt with a special harness or place a mesh between the front and rear of the car.
- In addition, the dog (or the carrier in which we carry it) it also has to be attached to the seat by means of a space harness or some hook like the ones we have just seen so that in the event of a sudden stop or an accident it does not go off and hurt itself.
- Although none of these recommendations is mandatory, the DGT can fine you if it sees that your dog can pose a danger, so it is not superfluous (in addition to the safety of both) take precautions.
Why can't the carrier go on top of the seat?
As we said above, the carrier cannot go on top of the seat, neither in the back nor in the front, but on the ground, transversely to the direction of travel. Putting the carrier on the seat attached to the belt is very dangerous, because if there is a sudden stop or jolt, the force causes the belt to break the plastic of the carrier into pieces, which can cause very serious injuries to your poor dog, as well as to the other occupants.
Why dog seat belts are useful
There are many reasons to secure our pet with dog seat belts. (or even better, with a carrier) is an excellent idea to improve the safety of all vehicle occupants:
- Highly nervous dogs can cause accidents easier if the front and rear of the car are not separated by a safety grille.
- Nor should we let the dog stick his head out the window or it can be hurt by branches or other objects from outside.
- In addition, if the dog is loose, as we have already said, it can be projected in case of sudden braking or an accident and hurt yourself, as well as the other occupants of the car.
- A loose dog is also more likely to distract the driver moving around a lot, barking or even avoiding proper visibility of the road.
- It is also not a good idea to tie it with a leash that is not specially designed to be used in the car or you may hurt your neck.
- Finally, one of the reasons why you should not take the dog in the front seat, in addition to being a distraction for the driver, is that if the airbag is activated it can cause very, very serious injuries.
where to buy seat belts for dogs
You can find quite a few different types of dog seat belts in a number of specialty stores. In contrast, don't expect to find this product in more general places like department stores:
- The first place where you can find this type of products for dogs is Amazon, where, as you have already seen above, they have a lot of different models so you can choose the one that best suits your needs and those of your pet.
- Furthermore, in specialized online stores like TiendaAnimal or Kiwoko there are also quite a few types of belts to choose from, so they can be a great option to consider if you don't find anything that convinces you.
- Finally, you can also find this type of pet products in the pet shops lifelong. Although they may not have as much variety as online, the truth is that personalized treatment can make your life easier and make a difference when it comes to finding what you are looking for.
Seat belts for dogs are a must to carry our pet safely in the car, right? Tell us, have you had any experience with this type of product? What do you use to take your dog by car? Do you think we have stopped recommending a particular model?
Sources: Rover, TourismCanine