Our furry four-legged friends are our best friends. We take them for walks with us, play outside with them, and of course, we like to take them for car-rides with us when we are able to. But in order to do so, we want them to be safe, just like any other passenger in our vehicles. Thus, a dog seat belt will restrain them and keep them safe while they are riding along in our car with us, even if it is just a trip to the grocery store and back.
Seat belts are super important for humans to wear, and they are equally important for our dogs to wear as well. We reviewed dozens of dog seat belts in order to identify the best of the best. We took various things into consideration including how well it holds your dog, safety and more.
The clear winner is the BWOGUE Safety Seat Belt. It safely goes around your car’s headrest and buckles into a pet harness. It is adjustable and can accommodate dogs of different weights and sizes with ease.
In This Article
The 5 Top-Rated Dog Seat Belts
| Editor's Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Dog Seatbelt Overall | BWOGUE Safety Seatbelt | 4.6 |
| Best Heavy Duty Dog Seatbelt | Mighty Paw Safety Belt | 4.6 |
| Best Budget Dog Seatbelt | DUKE DIXIE PET Dog Seat Belt | 4.7 |
| Best Large Dog Seatbelt | Fashion&cool Heavy Duty Dog Seat Belt | 4.5 |
| Best Small Dog Seatbelt | Didog Dog Vehicle Car Harness | 4.5 |
*Ratings are from Amazon and may change over time.
Best Dog Seat Belt Overall: BWOGUE Safety Seat Belt
When choosing a dog seat belt, the BWOGUE Safety Seat Belt stood out among the rest. This seat belt is fully adjustable and can be accommodated to fit your dog, depending on their size. It can go from 18 inches to 30 inches. It is made of durable and high-quality nylon fabric to ensure your pet’s safety every time that you drive. The straps are tangle-free, so you will not have to worry about fiddling with them when you are trying to get your dog into your car.
The best thing about this seat belt is that not only can it be used to keep your dog safe in the car, but you can also take it out of the car anytime and use it as a regular old leash as well, which is also great when you are traveling with your dog. It also features a premium zinc alloy swivel strap that allows your dog to move and look around at their surroundings without them getting tangled up. If you have to brake suddenly or immediately turn your vehicle, this seat belt will be sure to keep your pup in place. Whether you have a small dog or a large one, this seat belt is the perfect choice for taking them along on your car rides.
BWOGUE Safety Seat Belt Key Features:
- Fully adjustable
- Tangle-free straps
- Zinc-alloy swivel strap
- Turns into a regular leash
Best Large Dog Seat Belt: Mighty Paw Safety Belt
This dog seat belt is designed to be the safest that it can possibly be for your dog. The Mighty Paw Safety Belt hooks directly into your car’s frame using latch bars. Because other seat belts can be accidentally unbuckled by your dog if they step on the latch, the design behind this seat belt is not possible. A heavy-duty carabiner is used to quickly unbuckle your dog in case there is an emergency. The carabiner itself is made of aviation aluminum, but it is very lightweight. This aluminum is the kind that is used in rock-climbing, so you know it is heavy-duty and safe.
The seat belt itself can be expanded from 16 to 26 inches, depending on the size of your dog. It is also tangle-free, so your dog is free to roam around the backseat and look out the windows at their leisure without getting tangled. The seat belt is made of durable and high-quality nylon that will hold up for years to come. Because the leash locks into your vehicle’s latch bar, Mighty Paw believes that if it is good enough for humans, then it should be safe for our pets, too.
Mighty Paw Safety Belt Key Features:
- Hooks directly into vehicle’s latch bar
- Carabiner made of high-quality aluminum
- Expands from 16 to 26 inches
- Tangle-free
Best Budget Dog Seat belt: DUKE DIXIE PET Dog Seat Belt
The DUKE DIXIE PET Dog Seat Belt is extremely easy to use. You can buckle these seat belts into your existing seat belt slot and simply attach the clip to your dog’s harness. The great thing about this seat belt is that it fits all vehicle makes and models, so you do not have to worry about whether or not this seat belt will work in your existing vehicle. The seat belt has a universal fit and an adjustable fit, going from 20 to 32.5 inches. Created with high-quality nylon straps and zinc alloy buckles, this seat belt can restrain even the largest of dogs.
You can also use these seat belts as a leash connector as well, which again, makes for great travel. The strap is made of zinc alloy, making it easy for your furry friend to look at the scenery without compromising their safety. It is a safe and effective leash if you have to make a sudden stop or swerve, keeping your dog safe and sound and in place. These come in a pack of two, so you can buckle your dog in with one, and use the other one as a leash!
DUKE DIXIE PET Dog Seat Belt Key Features:
- Restrains even large dogs
- Adjustable fit
- Zinc alloy buckles
- Leash connector
Best Large Dog Seat Belt: Fashion&cool Heavy Duty Dog Seat Belt
This dog seat belt also attaches to your existing latch in your vehicle. Fashion&cool Heavy Duty Dog Seat Belt is fully adjustable and can be used on large dogs. It also has a dual-swivel carabiner hook. The seat belt is made with top-quality nylon, which is strong. It is adjustable from 28 to 33 inches. In the case there was an accident, your dog will be safe, and will not break away from their seat belt. In addition, it has reflective material that is sewn in, which makes for good night visibility.
The seat belt is also made of bungee material, giving your dog the freedom to roam around the backseat, but still, be tethered to something secure and safe. It also prevents your dog from choking. It will work in any car, even SUVs, trucks, sports cars, sedans and more. Your dog can come with you anytime you want them to, and they can be safe while doing it. You receive two seat belts in this pack, so if you have more than one dog, you can take them both along with you!
Fashion&cool Heavy Duty Dog Seat Belt Key Features:
- Reflective material is sewn in for night visibility
- Uses car latches
- Has bungee material
- Dual-swivel carabiner
Best Small Dog Seat Belt: Didog Dog Vehicle Car Harness
The Didog Dog Vehicle Car Harness is great to use for your smaller breed of dog. It comes in three different colors, so you can choose what you want for your female or male pup. It has a quick-release buckle, so, in case of an accident, you can release them from the harness easily. It is adjustable from 17 to 31 inches, making it a great choice for your small to medium size dogs. The high-quality nylon that it is made of will assure that your dog stays put should you have to stop short.
This seat belt can even be used in the front seat of your car with ease. It also can double as a leash. It is made with thick alloy metal, with a clip that can swivel a full 360 degrees. It also has reflective material sewn into it so it is ensured that your dog will be seen during the nighttime. Not only can this be used in a car, but if you are in a position where you need to secure your dog to something else, like a tree or post so they don’t run away, you can do that with this seat belt.
Didog Dog Vehicle Car Harness Key Features:
- Doubles as a leash
- Made of heavy-duty nylon
- Clip swivels 360 degrees
- Can be used in front seat
Who Should Buy a Dog Seat Belt
If you travel a lot, investing in a dog seat belt is a great idea. This way you can bring your fuzzy best friend along with you, and you do not have to worry about them getting harmed if there should be an accident. That, and if you do not like your dog to roam around your car from front to back, especially while you are driving, you can secure them safely with a seat belt. That way they still get to see the scenery, but it is a lot more safe for both of you.
Alternatively, if your dog has separation anxiety, and they have to come with you (when they can), a dog seat belt is a good idea to have. They will be happier and you will feel better knowing that they are safe each time that they ride in your car.
To make sure they’re comfortable at home, too, check out The Best Dog Beds.
Important Features To Consider
A dog seat belt should be made of high-quality material, allow your dog to move to a certain extent, breakaway easily, and of course, be safe for your dog. Here’s what to consider when selecting a dog seat belt for your dog.
- Material. It is very important that when you choose a dog seat belt that is made with high-quality and durable material. This is to ensure that the fabric will not tear in the case of an accident. Many dog seat belts are made of high-quality nylon that can withstand up to years of usage without breaking or tearing. By purchasing a seat belt that is made with such material, your dog is also able to move around and not be choked by the seat belt either.
- Easy breakaway. This is especially important. In the event of an accident and you need to get yourself, your passengers and your dog out of your car, you want to look for a dog seat belt that will allow an easy breakaway for quick removal from the vehicle. However, you want to make sure that your dog cannot accidentally unbuckle themselves from the seat belt while you are driving.
- Movement. Dogs naturally want to move. It’s their instinct to explore their surroundings, especially when those surroundings are zooming past them when they are in your car. A good dog seat belt will allow them to move around in the back of your car but will restrict their movement enough to keep them safe. Quite a few dog seat belts are made with bungee cord built into them to allow free movement of your dog.
- Safety. Obviously, this is the most important feature to look for when you are searching for a good dog seat belt. You can decide how you would like your dog secured in your vehicle, whether that is using the existing latch system in your car, or a buckle that snaps right into your existing seat belt slot. Both are equally safe methods, but it is your choice which one you decide is best for you and your dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a dog seat belt and how does it work?
A dog seat belt is a device that locks into your existing latch or seat belt of your car that keeps your dog safe and secure while you are driving. If the seat belt is a well-fitted one, it will restrict sudden movements in the case of a short stop or an accident. It works by attaching to your dog’s existing harness by using a clip. Dogs can be injured heavily if they are not properly buckled into your vehicle.
How do you put a seat belt on a dog?
To begin, your dog needs a harness that you can attach a clip to. After they have their harness securely put on, you can begin to put a seat belt on them and secure them into your car. Many dog seat belts can fit around the headrests in the backseat of your car. They are typically adjustable and you can figure out what is the best adjustment for the size of your dog. After putting it over the back of the headrest, dog seat belts have a clip (it usually swivels) that will clip right on to the back of their harness. Alternatively, there are also dog seat belts that click right into the existing seat belts in your car. They use the same mechanism of hooking to a metal loop on the back of a harness on your dog.
Do dogs have to wear seat belts?
There is no specific law that states that dogs need to wear seat belts, as pet owners we want our dogs to be safe when they are traveling with us, each time, every time. However, drivers may be charged under obstruction to driver’s view or driving mechanism laws if a dog rides in your lap while you are driving. Nothing can be foreseen, and thus so, even if you are the most careful driver, an accident can still happen, which means if your dog is not properly secured inside your car, they can sustain life-threatening injuries.
Where should a dog sit in the car?
Dogs should not ride in the front seat. The safest place for them to be belted in is in the back of the car in the cargo space or in the backseat of the vehicle.
Other Dog Seat Belts We Reviewed
We looked at 20 other dog seat belts. Even though they didn’t make our 5 best dog seat belts list, they’re the best of the rest and each is still a great option for your dog. The information you’ll need to compare each one is included with the listing.
Dog Seat Belt With Harness
AutoWT Dog Safety Vest Harness
This dog harness seat belt comes in four sizes, including extra small for your small-breed dog. It is adjustable so you are able to find the perfect fit for your dog.
Key Features:
- The harness wraps around your dog’s whole body
- Fits in your existing seat belt slot
- D-ring hook
Cost: $13
Fooubaby Versatile Dog Safety Harness
This is the perfect safety harness seat belt for medium to large-sized dogs. It has reflective stitching for superior night vision.
Key Features:
- Padded chest plate
- Wide adjustable straps
- Four sizes to choose from
Cost: $13
Kurgo Dog Harness and Seat Belt Tether
This harness and seat belt tether are super comfortable for your dog. It has been crash tested and certified.
Key Features:
- Five adjustment points for a customizable fit
- Padded chest plate
- For dogs up to 75 pounds
Cost: $40
Lukovee Dog Safety Vest Harness with Seat belt
This harness and seat belt is breathable and comfortable for your dog. It has an elastic safety seat belt made of durable nylon fabric.
Key Features:
- Quick and easy release
- Has reflective fabric sewn in for night visibility
- Easy on-off buckle
Cost: $12
Musonic Dog Safety Vest Harness with Safety Belt
The straps on this seat belt harness tighten securely so your dog will be safe. The fully padded vest can protect your dog should a sudden stop occur.
Key Features:
- Great for large dogs
- Quick-release
- Adjustable from 19 to 30 inches
Cost: $11
Pawaboo Dog Safety Vest Harness
This seat belt harness comes in sizes small to extra-large to accommodate your dog. It has fast-release buckles on both sides in the event of an accident.
Key Features:
- Lightweight and comfortable for your dog
- Sponge-padded chest plate
- Buckle clip design
Cost: $11
PetSafe Deluxe Car Safety Dog Harness
This is a crash-tested and certified safety car harness seat belt. It has a fully padded chest area.
Key Features:
- Fits all vehicles
- Uses vehicles existing seat belt system
- Locks during sudden stops
Cost: $26
SlowTon Dog Car Harness Plus Connector Strap
This car harness and connector features a breathable mesh chest harness. The straps secure tightly for safety.
Key Features:
- Plugs into your vehicles existing seat belt slot
- Quick-release
- Ranges in size from XXS-XL
Cost: $11
VavoPaw Dog Vehicle Safety Vest Harness
This seat belt harness is comfortable for your dog, made of soft polyester. It has a padded chest for safety.
Key Features:
- Adjustable seat belt
- 4-point adjustability
- Can clip into seat belt or use carabiner to attach to latches
Cost: $10
Yizhet Dog Seat Belt Dog Harness
Breathable chest mesh relieves pressure. It is completely adjustable and fits into your car’s seat belt.
Key Features:
- Two buckles on the chest part
- Four adjustable buttons on harness strap
- Suitable for small, medium and large dogs
Dog Seat Belts For Puppies
This seat belt is compatible with all car makes and models. It is totally adjustable.
Key Features:
- Designed with your dog’s comfort in mind
- Extends from 21 to 31 inches
- Made with durable nylon
Cost: $8
This seat belt is made from premium rubber bands and is great for puppies. It attaches to your car’s existing safety latch bar.
Key Features:
- Cannot be accidentally unclipped
- Elastic material prevents harm from sudden stops
- Fits most vehicles
Cost: $10
Made with durable nylon, this seat belt will last for years. It can be adjusted from 16.4 inches to 26.5 inches.
Key Features:
- Durable zinc alloy buckles
- Connects to collar
- Easy to use
Cost: $6
EUREKAPETS Dog Seat Belt Leash
This seat belt features comfortable dual handles. It also has highly reflective threads.
Key Features:
- Easily fasten your dog in
- Made of durable nylon
- Perfect for puppies
Cost: $15
Made with flexible nylon fabric, this seat belt is comfortable for your pup. It will fit most cars.
Key Features:
- Keeps your dog from jumping into the front seat
- Adjustable from 23 to 30 inches
- Great for small and large dogs
Cost: $6
INVENHO Mesh Harness with Padded Vest for Puppy
This leash is made of high-quality breathable mesh. It keeps them nice and cool while staying safe.
Key Features:
- Easy to remove
- Great for puppies
- No-choke design
Cost: $14
This dog harness was crash-tested. It is built for safety and comfort for your pup.
Key Features:
- Lightweight weighs less than a pound
- Suitable size for puppies
- Broad padded chest plate
Cost: $76
This seat belt attaches easily to a harness or collar. It features heavy-duty nylon.
Key Features:
- Adjusts from 18 to 29 inches
- Comes in a variety of colors
- Fits any vehicle
Cost: $7
PLUTUS PET Adjustable Dog Seat Belt
The nylon bungee material absorbs any sudden braking. It is made of high-quality nylon.
Key Features:
- Easily adjustable straps
- Latches into the car easily
- Adjusts from 24.5 to 31.5 inches
Cost: $11
SÄKER All Metal Car Dog Tether
This works as a normal seat belt or in the back of your car. It also functions as a leash if needed.
Key Features:
- Emergency release
- Adjustable up to 42 inches
- Made of ultra-resistant nylon
Cost: $19
