by Tom Ken
Dogs love following us everywhere and especially when you get into your car because they like traveling and exploring. However, you can't just let your pet sit loosely in the car. He/she might jump over to the front seat to distract you or get injured in case of an accident or a sudden stop.
This is where dog seat belts come in. The belts help to tie your dog to the set to limit its movement for improved safety. However, these belts come in different types, so we have reviewed the best dog seat belts to help you pick the best one that suits your car and pet.
Contents
IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES |
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1. SlowTon Dog Car Harness (Best Overall) |
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2. Pawaboo FBA_P7823-7407 (Best Budget) |
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3. SlowTon Dog Seat Belt (Best Headrest) |
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4. Mighty Paw Safety Belt (Best Latch Bar) |
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5. Bwogue Seat Belt (Best Adjustable) |
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6. Kurgo 81067 (Best Compatible) |
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7. Blueberry Pet Seat Belt (Best for Small Dogs) |
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The vest harness is made using breathable double mesh fabric that absorbs sweat to keep the dog cool and it has a flannelette edge to keep the mesh fabric from unraveling.
This is attached to four polypropylene straps, which are adjustable and wrap around the dog's neck and ribcage for tight, comfortable fitting. It also has two buckles around the chest for easy removal.
On the other hand, the tether is made using durable nylon material to withstand maximum tension force. In addition to being elastic, this belt is adjustable, which helps you to control your dog's roaming allowance.
More features include D-rings on the harness for attaching the belt or leash and an easily-removable, 360º rotating snap hook for attaching the belt to the vest.
However, the belt's clip is not universally compatible. It cannot fit in various car models such as Honda Civics, Accords, CRVs, etc. This is a common issue though because seat belt buckles are not universal.
Pros:
Cons:
If you are looking for an affordable, high-quality dog seat belt,
The vest is built using breathable oxford fabric and it has soft padding inside that keeps the dog comfortable. It also has a wide design that distributes any damaging force across a wide area on the rib section while a D-ring enables you to attach a leash or a seat belt.
As for the belt, it is easily adjustable to control your dog's roaming allowance and it has an electroplated stainless-steel snap hook that is abrasion-resistant for maximum durability.
However, this section is not elastic to protect your dog from sudden braking and its seat belt clip is incompatible with a few car models.
Pros:
Cons:
For those who prefer tying their dogs to the backseat headrest,
The product comes as a 2-pack set, with each piece having a buckle on the headrest straps for easy installation/removal. This section is also adjustable to fit different headrest sizes and it can be used as a dog leash by adjusting it to fit your hand.
Both pieces have an adjustable elastic belt that is very comfortable because it gives your dog room to roam around. It is adjustable from 20 - 27 inches and stretches for 5 inches to reach a maximum of 32 inches.
This is connected to the headrest strap via a metal ring and it has a 360º rotating snap hook on one end for clipping to the dog's harness.
Other features include durable nylon construction and reflective lines for easy visibility when used as a leash. On the downside, no vest harness is included.
Pros:
Cons:
In addition to this, the unit is built using high-quality weather-proof nylon material that is very durable. A lightweight aviation-grade aluminum carabiner is fitted on one end, and this is sturdy enough to withstand a tension force of almost 882 lbs., making it ideal for heavy dogs.
More features include a quick-release latch bar clip for easy removal and an easily adjustable tri-glade system for 16-26-inch length adjustment. This is meant to fit all dog sizes. However, the belt is not elastic and is quite expensive.
Pros:
Cons:
With an adjustable length of between 18 and 30 inches,
That said, the unit is designed to be tied around the headrest and it has a quick-release buckle on the headrest strap for easy removal. This strap is also adjustable from 13.5-21 inches for easy fitting on differently sized headrests.
Other features include a durable zinc-alloy 360º swivel clip, durable nylon construction, and a 2-piece value pack set. On the downside, the product does not come with a vest harness and it is not elastic.
Pros:
Cons:
Though dog seat belts with buckle clip attachments are known to have compatibility issues,
That said, the tether has a 7/8-inch wide metal tongue, which is only incompatible with Volvo models. It is also not recommended for Ford trucks though you can still use it.
On the other end of the belt is a tangle-free swivel carabiner clip that is very safe to use because it allows your dog to move around without getting tied up. You also get an adjustable belt length, which can go from 15-22 inches to adjust your pet's roaming space.
However, the unit is not flexible and it requires a vest harness to attach to the dog. This is not included in the set.
Pros:
Cons:
With a relatively thin 1-inch thickness, Blueberry Pet's seat belt is the ideal choice for small dog breeds and puppies. This size might not be strong enough for large, heavy dogs. Additionally, if the puppies mess up the belt, it is machine washable for easy maintenance.
Other than that, the belt is available in over 30 color options, which ensure you get a matching one for your car's interior theme color. This colored part is webbed using high-density nylon material that has undergone over 600 tests to ensure maximum durability.
You also get a seat belt attachment clip for inserting to the car's seat belt buckle, and this is only incompatible with Volvo car models. The only problem is that the belt is not elastic and no harness is included for attaching it to your dog.
Pros:
Cons:
The unit also comes with its own vest harness for safely tying your dog around its neck and ribcage. This is fully padded and it has a breathable liner for comfortable use.
Key Features
Other features include a strong carabiner clip for attaching the tether to the vest and a padded chest for comfortable use.
Key Features
If you are on a tight budget,
The tether is also adjustable lengthwise from 18.9-35.8 inches to accommodate different dog sizes and it has a durable anti-rust hook for attaching to your dog via its harness.
Key Features
This product is characterized by a heavy-duty nylon fabric construction, a sturdy stainless-steel tongue clip, and a rust-free hook, making it very durable.
The tether has an elastic buffer design for protecting your pet from sudden braking or sharp turns. This also helps to protect the nylon material from sudden tension, which might cause it to snap.
You also get 2 pieces per set and each belt is adjustable lengthwise from 20.8 to 26.3 inches.
Key Features
This is incorporated in the unit's high-density dual-nylon strap construction, which has an anti-slip and adjustable buckle for varying the tether's length.
More features include a tangle-free 360º swivel snap and a 0.82-inch wide clip that fits in most car seat belt buckles.
Key Features
With an adjustment range of 19.68-32.28 inches,
This strap has a rust-free zinc-alloy swivel snap hook and a 0.83-inch wide seat belt clip that is compatible with most cars. Combined, this design has a maximum tension force of 132 lbs., which makes it ideal for small and medium-breed dogs.
Key Features
Last on the list is
The tethers are adjustable from 20-32 inches to fit different dog sizes and they have durable rust-free zinc alloy snap hooks for holding the dog's harness.
Key Features
Latch Bar Attachment
This type is considered to be one of the most secure ones because it attaches directly to the car's frame via the seat's latch bars. Though it might take a little more time to install, you can be sure that your dog will not be able to untie itself.
Seat Belt Clip Attachment
As the name suggests, seat belt clip attachments are fitted with a clip that plugs into your car's seat belt buckle. This makes it very easy and intuitive to use, which explains why such units are very popular.
However, these belts have one major problem: compatibility. Even if the manufacturer describes it as a universal fitting clip, it is impossible to have one that can be used in all cars.
Headrest Seat Belt
Headrest seat belts address the compatibility issue because they are tied to a car's headrest. They have adjustable loops that can be fitted on almost every headrest size.
However, for this to work, your car must have a head restraint and it should not be fixed; it should be adjustable height-wise.
For a dog seat belt to fit, it should match your dog's length. You should leave enough space for the dog to sit upright and this means measuring its length from the neck to the tail via the back. With this length, look for an adjustable belt whose range covers that length.
That said, these belts have very different designs, so we recommend that you check the manufacturer's size chart to determine the best fit.
As for comfort, some belts come as complete sets with harnesses and with such, ensure they are breathable and well padded. This will prevent excessive heat build-up and internal injuries from sudden braking respectively. For this, be sure to check out
This is a metric that can be used to measure a seat belt's strength. Given in lbs., the higher it is, the stronger the belt. For instance,
Even though dog seat belts are meant for safety, they should also have some safety features and a key one should be elasticity. Elastic tethers help to prevent choking injuries incase you brake suddenly or make sharp turns.
Another feature to consider is a lockable carabiner. This ensures your dog's harness is firmly held and cannot slip away.
Durability is mainly checked in the quality of the belt's construction material. Most are made using nylon but you need to check the material's thickness and stitching quality.
The clips and buckles should also be durably built and we recommend looking for rustproof pieces made of zinc alloy or stainless steel.
This factor is meant to give you versatility, allowing you to fit the belt on different dog sizes. That said, the wider the adjustment range, the better for versatile use. For instance,
Yes, they are. These belts are specifically designed to be used to secure dogs and therefore, they are safe for them. However, you should follow the user manual for proper installation and use.
The most important part to measure is the dog's length from the neck to the tail. With this, get a belt that is adjustable within that length.
If the unit comes with a harness, then you should also measure your dog's neck and ribcage girth. Ensure that the harness is within these measurements for tight, comfortable fitting.
This is okay. Just like the way you would fit 3 passengers at the back, you can fit as many dogs, provided that each has its own seat belt that is attached to its own seat. This will ensure the belts don't get tangled then tie your pets down.
This is quite common, especially if your dog is not used to seat belts. The only solution is to do a slow introduction in a comfortable environment, such as in the house.
Try to put the belt on your dog and if you meet any resistance, give him/her treats so that he/she understands it is a good thing to wear the belt.
COOYOO Dog Seat Belt,3 Piece Set Retractable Dog Car Seatbelts Adjustable Pet Seat Belt - Walmart Link
Active Pets Universal Dog Seatbelt, Dog Seatbelt Tether, Adjustable Dog Car Seat Belt, - Walmart Link
Poodle Pet Easy Click Car Seat Belt for Dogs | Adjustable Length Nylon Strap and Metal - Walmart Link
URPOWER Upgraded Dog Seat Belt 2 Pack Dog Car Seatbelts Adjustable Pet Seat Belt for - Walmart Link
Vastar 2 Packs Adjustable Pet Dog Cat Car Seat Belt Safety Leads Vehicle Seatbelt Harness - Walmart Link
BWOGUE 2 Packs Dog Cat Safety Seat Belt Strap Car Headrest Restraint Adjustable Nylon - Walmart Link
SlowTon's dog car harness - Walmart Link
SlowTon's dog seat belt - Walmart Link
Mighty Paw's safety belt - Walmart Link
Blueberry Pet's seat belt - Walmart Link
COOYOO Dog Seat Belt,3 Piece Set Retractable Dog Car Seatbelts Adjustable Pet Seat Belt - eBay Link
Active Pets Universal Dog Seatbelt, Dog Seatbelt Tether, Adjustable Dog Car Seat Belt, - eBay Link
Poodle Pet Easy Click Car Seat Belt for Dogs | Adjustable Length Nylon Strap and Metal - eBay Link
URPOWER Upgraded Dog Seat Belt 2 Pack Dog Car Seatbelts Adjustable Pet Seat Belt for - eBay Link
Vastar 2 Packs Adjustable Pet Dog Cat Car Seat Belt Safety Leads Vehicle Seatbelt Harness - eBay Link
BWOGUE 2 Packs Dog Cat Safety Seat Belt Strap Car Headrest Restraint Adjustable Nylon - eBay Link
SlowTon's dog car harness - eBay Link
SlowTon's dog seat belt - eBay Link
Mighty Paw's safety belt - eBay Link
Blueberry Pet's seat belt - eBay Link
To sum it up, we recommend
However, if you prefer a headrest seat belt, you should check out
About Tom Ken
Tom has worked with many veterinary surgeons as a nurse at different veterinary clinics throughout his life.
There, he provides care for sick animals; such as: dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, hamsters, guinea pigs, and sometimes reptiles.
He has good work ethics and gentle hands; hence, the doctors as well the pet owners have come to love his presence alot.
With this site, he aims to help the readers ensure their pets' wellbeing, learn how to care, and proivide medical treatment as needed.
Joshua received Veterinary Technician Degree at Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN.
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