The 15 Best Dog Car Harnesses of 2023

If you like traveling with your pooch, you know how annoying and risky it can be if he decides to jump on your lap when driving. Ideally, he should settle in at the back seat, but you know animals; they are uncontrollable. What if we told you there is a way to keep him back there?

Using a dog car harness, it is possible to keep your pet secured to the seat, which will also protect him from injuries in case of an accident. That said, these are the best dog car harnesses to consider buying. Read more!

7 Best Dog Car Harnesses: Review

1. Best Overall: Kurgo K01258

• Size: XS - XL
• Material: Steel
• Available Colors: 2

With its durable, crash-tested design, versatile tether, and multiple adjustment points, Kurgo's K01258 is our best car harness for dogs.

The unit is crash-tested for pets weighing up to 75 lbs. at Calspan's Buffalo, NY crash test facility. It is extremely safe and adds on metal nesting buckles for maximum safety & durability.

To assure you of this reliability, the product is backed by a lifetime warranty. You can ask for a refund or a new harness if it does not meet your expectations.

5 adjustment points are distributed around the harness to customize its fit on all dog sizes. These points are available across all the vest sizes, which means you get a snug fit on 5 to 105-lb dogs.

A seat belt tether is included and it is compatible with all car seat belt systems. What's more, it has a carabiner attached on one end, so you can use it for walking or lead training as well. However, the carabiner does not swivel, which limits movement.

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2. Best Cheap: SlowTon Dog Car Harness

• Size: XXXS - L
• Material: Nylon, Metal
• Available Colors: 18

Dog car harnesses don't have to be expensive. Some like this vest from SlowTon are very affordable. Despite this, it is well-equipped for the job. The unit has a humanized design that is adjustable for perfect fitting and comes with a long seat belt to allow movement.

On top of that, the belt has an elastic bungee band to protect your dog from choking when you brake instantly, while a swiveling clip allows him to toss and turn freely on the back seat.

The mesh chest pad is highly breathable and absorbent to maximize comfort. On the downside, the seat belt is not compatible with all car models because it has a socket/latch plate. This does not fit in some buckles.

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3. Most Breathable: Pawaboo Dog Safety Harness

• Size: S - XL
• Material: Oxford fabric, Stainless Steel
• Available Colors: 10

As the most breathable product in this dog car harness review, Pawaboo's unit is built using high-quality oxford fabric (100% polyester) and a broad sponge chest plate. This plate is highly breathable for maximum comfort.

The rest of the structure is very lightweight and won't place a burden on your pet.

Two quick-release buckles are placed on the sides (one on each side) for easy wearing and removal. You also get a detachable seat belt with a swivel snap hook to allow easy movement.

However, the belt has a latch plate that limits its compatibility. Additionally, it lacks a bungee band to protect your pet from abrupt braking.

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4. Best Soft Padding: Mighty Paw Dog Car Harness

• Size: S - XL
• Material: Metal
• Available Colors: 1

Mighty Paw's dog car harness features a super soft chest padding that is easy on your pet and minimizes any strain. What's more, this part is lightweight and breathable to improve the comfort level.

Another benefit of this product is its multi-purpose use, whereby there are 2 leash attachments. You can use these to attach a belt for walking, running, or hiking, or for safety in your car.

The harness features 4 tri-glade adjustments for perfect fitting. All the hardware is metallic for maximum safety and durability. The only problem is that a seat belt is not included. You have to buy this component separately.

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5. Best for Large Dogs: PetSafe 62406

• Size: S - XL
• Available Colors: 1

As the best car harness for large dogs, this piece is specifically designed for pooches weighing from 45 - 75 lbs. If this is not enough, there is an XL option that can hold up to 120-lb dogs.

Both are crash-test certified and secure your pet by integrating into any vehicle's seat belt system. That said, the tether is tested to withstand up to 2000 lbs. and therefore, it won't snap.

The harness has a fully padded vest area, which helps to distribute any restraining force when braking. Additionally, this part has a breathable liner to keep your canine friend dry and comfortable while on the road.

On the downside, the included seat belt has a non-swiveling carabiner clip, which might limit movement.

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6. Best Universal: Ruffwear 3060

• Size: XXS - S
• Material: Metal
• Available Colors: 1

Ruffwear's 3060 features a universal seat belt strap permanently stitched to the vest, so you don't need an additional fastener. This section offers quick attachment to any car seat belt system while giving your pooch room to sit, stand or lie down.

Other than that, the product is dynamically tested to withstand the sudden stop in crash tests. To achieve this, it has high-strength metal hardware as the connection points between the straps.

As for the vest, it has multiple adjustment points to give a snug fit for comfortable use. What's more, the fabric is comfortably designed for both long & short trips and can be worn during bathroom breaks.

The only issue is the product's high price. It is very expensive.

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7. Safest: Sherpa SPT77733

• Size: S - XL
• Material: Steel
• Available Colors: 1

Most dog car harnesses are crash tested but Sherpa's SPT77733 is examined following children's car seat safety standards at the Transportation Research Institute in the University of Michigan. As such, it is one of the safest dog car harnesses on the market.

Additionally, you get an all-steel nested buckle system that is similar to the one used by mountain climbers. This assures you of maximum strength and safety.

Aside from that, the product features an easy-to-use step-in design with a locking clasp to secure your pet inside and 4 adjustment points for snug-fitting.

Two large handles are fitted on the vest's upper side and these double up as the seat belt slots. The only problem with this design is that it limits movement because the handles don't swivel.

Other Recommended Dog Car Harnesses

8. Lukovee Safety Vest Harness

With its elastic bungee band in the seat belt strap, this vest harness gives your pooch a comfortable time on the backseat when you brake abruptly. This component has reflective stitching, so you can use it to go for walks at night.

As for the vest, it is built using a breathable mesh fabric for maximum comfort. The unit is available in multiple color options to match your car's interior.

Key Features

• Elastic bungee band.
• Reflective stitching for night walks.
• Breathable mesh vest.
• Available in multiple color options.

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9. VavoPaw Safety Vest Harness

VavoPaw's unit features a soft and comfortable vest, which is built using sturdy polyester. This is filled with a soft sponge that is then lined using an elastic mesh cloth. The layers create a very comfortable X-shaped harness.

Aside from that, the product comes with a practical safety belt that has a swivel clip (for unlimited movement) on one end and a safety belt socket on the other end. The socket end also has a carabiner to address compatibility issues. Overall, these features make this one of the best dog car safety harnesses.

Key Features

• Soft and comfortable vest.
• Sturdy polyester construction.
• Swivel clip belt.
• Socket and carabiner for universal compatibility.

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10. Winsee Dog Harness

This dog harness gives you good value for money because it includes a dog collar, which has a D-ring for ID tag attachment. On the other hand, the vest has a breathable mesh lining and thick padding for max comfort.

The harness has multiple uses and you can go for walks at night as it has reflective straps. A sturdy built-in handle gives you control over your pet if he misbehaves when walking. This feature doubles up and the slot that integrates with your car's seat belt system.

Key Features

• Harness and collar set.
• Breathable mesh lining.
• Reflective straps.
• Sturdy built-in handle.

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11. True Love TLH6071

The TLH6071 is characterized by a simple & lightweight design but is still made using a thick & durable material for long-lasting use. It has top and front attachment loops for linking to the leash, while a top sturdy handle gives you room to integrate with your car's safety belt system.

If you like taking your pooch for walks at night, this harness will also come in handy. It is equipped with 3M reflective nylon webbing material for easy visibility. You get an LED light attachment point and 4 adjustment points for snug-fitting.

Key Features

• Simple, lightweight, and durable.
• Top and front loops plus a sturdy top handle.
• 3M reflective stitching.
• LED light attachment point.

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12. EzyDog Dog Car Harness

EzyDog's dog car harness takes safety to the next level as it conforms to all the requirements for the US (FMVSS 213), European (ECE Regulation 21), and Australian (ADR42/04) safety standards.

On top of that, the product is built to last because the tri-glides are made using durable aluminum alloy, while the fabric webbing features crosslink technology for ultimate strength. The chest plate is padded and contoured to fit the dog's shape. This results in a comfortable fit.

Key Features

• Conforms to US, European, and Australian safety standards.
• Aluminum alloy tri-glades.
• Crosslink fabric webbing technology.
• Padded and contoured chest.

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13. Kurgo Dog Car Harness

With its broad and padded chest plate, Kurgo's piece offers extra comfort and safety. This is further enhanced by an all-steel nesting buckle system, which secures the vest around your pooch firmly.

Other than that, the harness is crash-tested for dogs weighing up to 108 lbs. This is done according to the federal motor vehicle safety standards for child restraining systems. That said, the unit is compatible with any car's seat belt system.

Key Features

• Broad and padded chest plate.
• All-steel nesting buckle system.
• Crash tested.
• Compatible with any seat belt system.

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14. Auroth Dog Harness

This piece is one of the best dog seat belt harnesses due to its tactical design. It has dual MOLLE strips, which come in handy when engaging in other activities outside the car. More specifically, they are ideal for transporting gear during training.

Under the strips is a tough 900D nylon construction with sturdy stitching for extra durability. Two metal leash attachment points are fitted on the upper side for linking up to a seat belt. You also get a durable handle, metal adjusting ring, and two plastic buckles.

Key Features

• Dual MOLLE strips.
• Tough 900D nylon construction.
• Two metal leash attachment points.
• Two plastic buckles.

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15. PoyPet Dog Harness

It is important to keep dog car harnesses clean. PoyPet's piece is easy to clean due to its scratch-resistant oxford outer cover. You just have to wipe it clean. What's more, the inner layer is breathable and quick-drying to deal with sweat effectively. This will also dry quickly when washed.

4 adjustment points are built-in for perfect fitting. You also get a chest snap buckle, a top handle, and a reflective trim.

Key Features

• Scratch-resistant oxford outer cover.
• Quick-drying, breathable inner layer.
• 4 adjustment points.
• Reflective trim.

How to Buy the Best Dog Car Harnesses

1. Size

This should be the first thing to consider because the dog car harness should fit for comfortable use. Most units are available in different sizes, ranging from extra-small to extra-large. These have specific neck and chest girth measurements that you must check to compare with your dog's size.

Others even specify the compatible weight range. Be sure to measure all these on your pooch, then look for a fitting vest.

2. Adjustability

As stated earlier, these harnesses have a neck and chest girth range for any size. For snug-fitting, the vest should be adjustable on all sides. Most have 4 adjustment points, but the more they are, the better for perfect fitting.

With that in mind, Kurgo's K01258 has 5 adjustment points, and we highly recommend it.

3. Crash Testing

Accidents may happen and in case you are unfortunate enough to experience this, you want to have a reliable car harness to secure your pet. As such, you should ensure the vest is crash-test certified.

For instance, Sherpa's SPT77733 is tested following the children's car seat safety standards at the Transportation Research Institute at the University of Michigan. This makes it very safe to use.

4. Seat Belt Restraint

Not all dog car harnesses can work in your vehicle. Those with safety belt sockets or latch plates usually have compatibility issues.

Ideally, the best ones are those that can easily integrate into any seat belt system. They have slots where the belt slides through so that you can lock the harness normally using the car's socket and buckle.

5. Functionality

Apart from being designed for restraining purposes, a dog car harness is more practical if it has more functionality. For example, some have MOLLE patches for carrying gear, while others have reflective stitching to enhance visibility when walking at night. The more the functionality, the better.

6. Construction & Comfort

Lastly, comfort is a key factor to consider and your pooch should not feel uneasy during the trip. This is usually determined by the construction material and design, whereby wide chest pads with thick padding are more comfortable to use.

In addition to this, ensure the vest is durably built with features such as all-metal hardware and tough nylon webbing.

Q&A

1. How to Measure a Dog for a Harness?

There are two main parameters to consider. First, you must measure the chest girth, then the neck girth. Some products have an additional dog weight measurement factor, so might have to take all 3 into account before getting a perfect size.

2. Can a Dog Harness Hurt Your Dog?

If it does not fit well, chances are that it will hurt your dog, especially when pulled abruptly during emergency braking. It is important to get the perfect fit to avoid such injuries.

3. Can a Dog Harness Be Worn All the Time?

Yes, but this is not recommended. Dogs have long hair and it is important to let air flow through to the skin. If you are not on the road or out on walks, try to keep the harness off.

Buy on Etsy

IOKHEIRA Dog Seat Belt 3-in-1 Car Harness for Dogs Adjustable Safety Seatbelt for Car - Walmart Link

Seat Belt for Dogs with Elastic Bungee Buffer | Car Travel Accessories for Dogs - Walmart Link

EzyDog Drive Safety Travel Dog Car Harness - Crash Tested US (FMVSS 213) - Premium - Walmart Link

Poodle Pet Easy Click Car Seat Belt for Dogs | Adjustable Length Nylon Strap and Metal - Walmart Link

COOYOO Dog Seat Belt,3 Piece Set Retractable Dog Car Seatbelts Adjustable Pet Seat Belt - Walmart Link

BWOGUE 2 Packs Dog Cat Safety Seat Belt Strap Car Headrest Restraint Adjustable Nylon - Walmart Link

VavoPaw Dog Vehicle Safety Vest Harness, Adjustable Soft Padded Mesh Car Seat Belt Leash - Walmart Link

this vest from SlowTon - Walmart Link

Mighty Paw's dog car harness - Walmart Link

EzyDog's dog car harness - Walmart Link

Buy on eBay

IOKHEIRA Dog Seat Belt 3-in-1 Car Harness for Dogs Adjustable Safety Seatbelt for Car - eBay Link

Seat Belt for Dogs with Elastic Bungee Buffer | Car Travel Accessories for Dogs - eBay Link

EzyDog Drive Safety Travel Dog Car Harness - Crash Tested US (FMVSS 213) - Premium - eBay Link

Poodle Pet Easy Click Car Seat Belt for Dogs | Adjustable Length Nylon Strap and Metal - eBay Link

COOYOO Dog Seat Belt,3 Piece Set Retractable Dog Car Seatbelts Adjustable Pet Seat Belt - eBay Link

BWOGUE 2 Packs Dog Cat Safety Seat Belt Strap Car Headrest Restraint Adjustable Nylon - eBay Link

VavoPaw Dog Vehicle Safety Vest Harness, Adjustable Soft Padded Mesh Car Seat Belt Leash - eBay Link

this vest from SlowTon - eBay Link

Mighty Paw's dog car harness - eBay Link

EzyDog's dog car harness - eBay Link

Conclusion

As you can see, Kurgo's K01258 is the best of the best dog car harness due to its safe crash-tested design, durable metal buckles, and 5 adjustment points for snug-fitting. The product is backed by a lifetime warranty, which gives you a risk-free purchase.

That said, breathability is important for improving comfort, and Pawaboo's harness is designed to do exactly that. It features a broad sponge chest plate sandwiched in oxford material. This design allows as much air as possible to pass through.

If you have a large dog, PetSafe's 62406 is the best option as it is crash-test certified for pooches weighing up to 120 lbs. On top of that, its tether can withstand up to 2000 lbs., which means it will never snap.