The Best Dog Seat Belts
We would love to take our dogs with us where ever we go, and our dogs would love that, too. Have you ever seen your pooch happier than when their head is poking out the car window, basking in the sun and whipping wind? But most dogs also hate to sit still, which can make car rides dangerous. Left unrestrained in the front or back seat, your furry canine friend can easily distract you from the road and potentially interfere with your driving. To stay as safe as possible during trips to the park or anywhere else, we suggest using a dog seat belt. They attach to a collar or harness and clip right into your car seat, preventing your pet from jumping around and adding a little security in the event of an accident. Our list includes several different options appropriate for vehicles of various makes and models, as well as various dogs.
What to Look For
While you search for the best dog seat belt, we suggest focusing on a few key qualities. For starters, the belt should durable enough to reliably restrain your dog. This also ensures that they can’t easily chew through it. Aside from durability, sizing is also really important. It’s essential that the belt fits your dog correctly or else it won’t be too helpful. But above all else, the most important thing to consider is whether or not the seat belt is compatible with your car. With all this in mind, we rounded up a few of our favorite options. Kurgo’s Tether seat belt is one of the most well-respected options on the market thanks to its high-quality construction and ultra-durable. But if you have two dogs, one belt won’t be enough. That’s why we included Urpower’s budget-priced two-pack on our list. Keep reading to discover the rest of our favorites.
Kurgo Direct to Seatbelt Tether for Dogs
Show some restraint
The Kurgo Tether is a straightforward buckle-to-collar seat belt that will reliably restrain your pup wherever you decide to take them. It’s sturdy and more durably constructed than most other models of this type out there, with tough nylon webbing that is reinforced down the middle with a stylish orange strip. There are two different attachment options available, including a regular carabiner and a swivel clip.
Pros:
- We like that it can extend from 15 to 22 inches to accommodate dogs of various sizes.
- The swivel clip is a nifty design feature. It helps prevent tangles, which aren’t just a hassle to deal with, but also a potential safety hazard.
Cons:
- We wish the carabiner clip was bigger, but you can always replace it with a bigger clip of your own.
Blueberry Pet Essentials Seatbelt
Dapper doggies
Dog seat belts are supposed to be functional, but there’s no reason they can’t add a little style to your pup’s getup, too. The Blueberry Pet Essentials seat belt epitomizes this point, offering an ergonomic safety restraint in over a dozen color options, ensuring there is something to match you and your dog’s taste. It’s also designed to work with virtually every vehicle make and model out there (except Volvo).
Pros:
- If you already have a Blueberry harness, you’ll love that this belt integrates with it seamlessly.
- It’s machine-washable, so if the belt gets dirty, cleaning it is a cinch.
Cons:
- If your dog is large, you’ll probably be better off opting for a more heavy-duty option.
Mighty Paw Chew-Proof Dog Seat Belt
Sink your teeth into this
If your dog has a chewing problem, this seat belt from Mighty Paw is the perfect solution. It’s constructed out of 2.34 mm braided steel wire that is encased in a tough rubber coating, so it’s virtually indestructible, particularly when it comes to pesky canine nibbling. Also, unlike other models out there, it works by attaching to your car seat’s latch bars, leaving your seat belt buckles free for use by other passengers.
Pros:
- The steel wire and rubber coating help make this a truly durable belt. This is especially useful if your dog is an aggressive chewer.
- Though it’s costly, the high quality of the belt and components justifies it. For example, the swivel carabiner is extremely sturdy, so you won’t have to supply your own.
Cons:
- It can’t be adjusted, so be sure you choose the right size for your dog.
PetSafe Solvit Deluxe Car Safety Dog Harness
Be safe, not sorry
There’s no price for safety, which is why dog owners especially concerned for their pet’s security on long car rides need the PetSafe Solvit Deluxe, a full-body harness that integrates easily with your seat belt system thanks to the included tether. The harness itself, which includes a padded chest and shoulder cover made with breathable mesh material for hot days, is crash-tested certified over 3,000 pounds, so you can rest assured it will work in the event of an accident.
Pros:
- This harness fits virtually all vehicles. We appreciate that versatility — especially if you plan on using this harness in various cars.
- It’s available Comes in four sizes from small to extra-large, so you’ll be able to choose the appropriate size.
Cons:
- This isn’t the most affordable pick, but considering the quality, convenience, and the company’s sterling reputation, we think it’s worth it.
Urpower Upgraded Dog Seat Belt (2-Pack)
Unleashed value
For pet owners whose main concern is simply keeping their pup — or pups — still in the car, this two-pack is a fine choice. The tethers aren’t as durable or well-constructed as some other options on this list, but they are plenty functional, featuring a bunging portion that adds some stretch to their length and a clip design that is compatible with most seat belt systems. They also come in a pack of two, making them a great value for anyone on a budget.
Pros:
- Considering the quality of these belts, the cost value here is mighty impressive.
- The metal components are rust-resistant, which is great if you live in a rainy area where your dog might be sitting in the car with a wet coat of fur.
Cons:
- Unfortunately, this belt is not designed to be used with a collar.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a dog seat belt?
As the name suggests, a dog seat belt, much like a regular seat belt, is a tether that keeps your dog restrained in the car. Most models consist of a simple nylon strip of two or three feet, with one end featuring a carabiner or clip that attaches to your dog’s collar or harness, and the other a buckle that integrates with your seat belt system.
Why do I need a dog seat belt?
A dog seat belt is a convenient way to keep your pet restrained during car rides — which is a good idea regardless of what kind of car you drive or pup you have. Most dogs hate to sit still, and they can easily distract you from driving while in the car, which can be dangerous. A dog seat belt will keep them from jumping around, and also add a little extra security in the event of an accident — though it’s important to remember that not all dog seat belts are crash-tested or safety certified, and even for the ones that are, there’s no guarantee they’ll prevent injury altogether.
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