The 4 Best Car Harnesses For Dogs
Taking dogs in the car is risky. They can jump around and distract you, or even obstruct your driving. They can jump out of the window or into your lap. A dog car harness can solve this problem. It's essentially a seat belt for a dog. But it gives the dog a little freedom to move around so they are comfortable. The most important criteria for a dog car harness is its safety features. It has to keep your dog safe while you encounter different road and traffic conditions, and execute different moves, like sharp turns or stopping short. It is also important that the harness is comfortable for your dog. Otherwise, it is unlikely to last as a long term solution. And lastly, it needs to be easy-to-use. You don't want to spend a bunch of time getting your dog in and out of the harness. We reviewed a number of harnesses to match the above criteria. Read on for our reviews of the 4 Best Car Harnesses for Dogs.
Vastar Adjustable Dog Car Harness
Strong and Dependable Car Harness
Vastar has made an excellent dog car harness that will keep your dog safe in the backseat during car trips. It is made of high density nylon that will hold your dog on the seat and will remain intact for a long time. If you have to stop short, your dog won’t slide off the seat or even to the front of the seat. This harness is really strong and effective. The rust proof aluminum buckle is both durable and adjustable, so you can make it the proper length for your dog. The seatbelt clip is easy to use and fits most cars. This comes in a convenient 2 pack so you can have one in both cars, and you don’t have to keep switching it back and forth. This is a superior dog harness that you can count on.
Pros
- Made of strong high-density nylon
- Adjustable rust-proof aluminum buckle
Cons
- There are a few car models that the seat belt clip doesn’t fit into
PAWABOO Dog Car Harness
Comfort And Safety
For those dog owners who have dogs that get itchy or uncomfortable when put them in harnesses, this is the car harness for you. Pawaboo has designed a vest that won’t irritate even the most irritable dogs. It’s made of oxford polyester in an air mesh padding that is soft, lightweight, and breathable, ensuring maximum comfort for your dog. The electroplated stainless steel snap hook will weather any amount of force and abuse and keep your dog buckled in. This harness is really quick and easy to put on and take off, due to its dual fast-release buckle design. If you want, you can actually leave the vest on when you get out of the car and attach it to a regular leash for walking. This is good, because the vest is so comfortable, your dog is not going to want to take it off.
Pros
- Soft, light breathable vest
- Doubles as a leash harness for walks
Cons
- Not as good for really big dogs
URPOWER Upgraded Dog Seat Belt
Genius Design
For dogs that like to move around and dog owners who want to give their dogs that freedom while keeping them safe, URPOWER has come up with an ingenious design for a dog car harness. Other dog harnesses have non-elastic straps, which can hurt a dog when you stop short. This harness’s straps have an elastic buffer so there’s a little give, and it isn’t so harsh on your dog’s body when you stop short. The 360-degree swivel snap allows your dog a full range of motion in the backseat. The adjustable buckle system is easy to use and anti-slip, keeping your dog secure for the whole trip.
Pros
- Elastic buffer design
- 360-degree swivel snap
Cons
- May not tighten enough for really tiny dogs
BWOGUE Dog Safety Seat Belt
More Range, Less Tangling
For dogs that have issues with car harnesses that attach to the bottom seat belt clip, this is a great option from BWOGUE. With dog harnesses that connect to the bottom seat belt clip, it is easier for some dogs to get tangled in the belt. Also, some dogs, especially bigger ones, are bothered by the belt clip when they try to sit down. This agitation can increase over the length of a car ride and prove to be quite a problem for you when you need to get your unhappy dog out of the car. This harness attaches to the top head rest and stays out of your dog’s way, making for less squirming and whining. The strong nylon belt and hard metal buckles will keep your dog in the seat but are very easy to undo when you want to take your dog out.
Pros
- Belt attaches to top head rest
- Less tangling
Cons
- Heavy chewers might chew through it
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I attached the belt to my dog’s collar?
Please don’t. Attaching the belt to the dog’s collar instead of the harness is very dangerous for your dog. The dog can slip out when you stop short or get choked by the collar pulling on their neck. Only use the included harness.
Will the harness protect my dog in the event of a car crash?
A car harness for a dog is akin to a seat belt for a human. It will prevent the dog from flying forward into the back of the front seat or through the windshield. However, it is just a belt. It’s not a force field. So obviously in more serious crashes, it’s not going to completely protect your dog.
Will the buckle insert at the end of the belt fit in my car’s seat belt clip?
For harnesses with belts that attach to seat belt clips, the inserts are designed to be universal for all cars. However, we have found there to be exceptions to this rule. So check the product page before you order, as they typically list the vehicles that aren’t compatible. If you have one of these vehicles, there is the option of a belt that attaches to the top head rest.
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