Buckle Up, Buddy! Car Safety for Dogs

Why Dogs Need Seat Belts Too

Riding in the car with your dog can be exciting and fun. Many dogs love sticking their heads out the window and feeling the wind on their face. But even though it looks fun, it can be dangerous. Loose dogs in the car are a big risk to both themselves and their humans.

According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), unrestrained pets contribute to over 30,000 crashes every year in the United States. If you're in an accident and your dog isn't secured, they can be thrown forward with a huge amount of force. For example, a 30-pound dog in a 30 mph crash can be launched with the same energy as a 1,200-pound object. That could seriously hurt your pet or other passengers.

What the Law Says (2025 Update)

There are no national seat belt laws for dogs yet, but more and more states are recognizing the importance of pet safety in vehicles. Here are a few examples:

New Jersey – Pet owners can be fined up to $1,000 if their dog is not properly secured in the car.
Rhode Island – Requires dogs to be in a crate or wear a harness that attaches to the seatbelt.
Hawaii – It’s illegal for dogs to ride on the driver’s lap.
Connecticut & Maine – Dogs in open pickup beds must be secured with a crate or harness.
Massachusetts – While not a law yet, there are strong recommendations for dogs to be restrained, and laws may soon follow.

Always check your own state's current rules before traveling with your pet. Even if it’s not the law, buckling up your buddy is the smart thing to do.

Great Products to Keep Your Dog Safe

There are lots of safe and comfy products to help keep dogs secure in the car. Here are some top picks that are crash-tested and approved by pet safety groups:

Sleepypod Clickit Sport – Crash-tested, allows sitting or lying down.
Kurgo Enhanced Strength Harness – Strong steel buckles, doubles as a walking harness.
Ruffwear Load Up Harness – Durable option for adventure dogs.
Gunner G1 Crate – Crash-tested crate for crate-trained dogs.
Small Dog Booster Seats – Lets little dogs see out the window safely.

Why Dogs on Laps Are a Big No-No

Seeing a dog on the driver’s lap might seem cute, but it’s incredibly dangerous. Dogs can block your view, bump the gear shift, or even interfere with the brakes. If an airbag deploys with your dog on your lap, it can cause serious harm or even death.

Instead of letting your pup ride loose, give them their own safe spot. It's just like using a car seat for a child. Your dog deserves the same protection.

How to Prepare Your Dog for a Safe Ride

Training your dog to enjoy safe car rides can take a little time, but it’s worth it. Below is a list of helpful tips to train your dog for safe, enjoyable car rides:

Practice at home – Let your dog get used to their harness or crate while parked in the driveway.
Start slow – Take short trips at first, then work up to longer drives.
Use positive reinforcement – Reward your pup with treats or praise when they sit calmly in their seat.
Pick the right gear – Use harnesses made specifically for cars. Never attach a regular leash to a seatbelt—it can snap in a crash.
Plan ahead – Bring a water bottle, collapsible bowl, poop bags, and a comfort item like a favorite toy or blanket.
Use window shades – They help keep your dog cool and prevent sunburn on long trips.

Extra Safety Reminders

Here are a few final tips to make sure your dog stays safe every time you hit the road:

Keep dogs in the back seat. It’s the safest place for them in case of an accident.
Never let dogs ride with their head out the window. It can lead to eye injuries, ear damage, or worse.
Use child safety locks so curious paws don’t open doors or windows mid-drive.
Never leave your dog alone in a parked car. Even on a cool day, temperatures can rise quickly and become deadly.
Take breaks on long trips for potty time and to stretch your dog’s legs.

Conclusion

Your dog depends on you for safety and love—and that includes car rides. Just like you buckle your own seatbelt, you should buckle up your dog, too. With so many great harnesses, crates, and travel tools available today, keeping your pup safe has never been easier.

So next time your dog jumps in the car, make it a happy, secure, tail-wagging adventure. Safety first—for you and your four-legged co-pilot!

Buckle Up, Buddy! Car Safety for Dogs - Dog Blog | PetCurious