Pets, dog seat belts, cars, travel, safety. Strap in ready for a safe walk through of the do's and don'ts of dogs and car seat belts.

Starting with some stats:

Every year, thousands of auto accidents are caused by loose pets in a vehicle.

An unrestrained 10-pound dog in a 50 mph car crash exerts 500 pounds of force. That is half a French bulldog in size exerting the force of two heavy fully grown men. 

Travelling typically requires a form of transport and with over 33 million cars on the road in the UK alone, driving is currently one of the most popular methods of transport to use. Times have changed and many people opt to have their dog in the car with them but where do they go? Front, back, boot, on the roof and on top of this, should dogs wear seat belts? 

Should a Dog Seat Belt be Used?

A dog seat belt should be used to ensure you adhere to Rule 57 of the Highway Code "animals should be suitably restrained". No dog seat belt means the driver risks breaking the law and both dog and driver could be severely injured.

What Is a Dog Seat Belt?

A seat belt is a vehicle safety device used to secure a person against harmful, sudden movement during a collision or sudden stop. 

A dog seat belt can come in several forms and be attached in different ways. it is fundamentally the same restraint which will hold your dog in place during any impact or collision with another vehicle or object. 

Should Dogs Wear a Dog Seat Belt?

Dogs should absolutely wear a dog seat belt. Why?

Financial Penalty

Thousands of drivers could be breaking the law and if you do not restrain your pets you could be joining them and may receive an on-the-spot penalty fine.

Serious Injury to your Dog

If they are not restrained in the back with a seat belt and you just have them in the front seat belt or not, they will face the risk of being crushed by your air bag if it is not disabled. This very easily could kill or at the least severely injure your dog. 

Dangerous Projectile 

The dangers of a loose dog in the backseat during a collision can include them becoming a dangerous projectile no matter what size they are. This could severely injure you and them or worse. 

Panic and Driver Distraction 

Any sudden jerks, breaking or acceleration could cause a dog to panic in a vehicle. If the dog distracts the driver this could cause a car accident and on top of the injuries this isn't going to look too good to your insurance company during the investigation. 

Attempting an Escape on a Busy Road

it happens more often than you may think. Dog is not restrained, owner opens the door to welcome them out and your dog pounces out of the car into an oncoming car. 

EzyDog Seat Belt Restraint 

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The EzyDog seat belt restraint attaches to the seatbelt in your car and is designed to keep your dog secure whilst travelling in a vehicle. Simply slide your car seat belt through the restraint and then clip the restraint to the D-ring on your dog's harness.

The restraint is able to move along the seat belt slightly, thus ensuring your dog can sit or lie down comfortably and prevents them from climbing over passengers. 

Here are some images of how this dog seat belt restraint works?

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Keep reading to see other dog seat belt restraints

Here are some images of how this dog seat belt restraint works?

Durable Comfort and Support Dog Harness

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The EzyDog Car Harness has been carefully designed to mould to the shape of a dog's chest and distribute the load evenly across their body. Combined with other durable safety features it makes for a great in car and walking dog harness. Use this in conjunction with the EzyDog seat belt restraint.

Here are some images of how this dog seat belt restraint & harness works?

Sharples Car Safety Belt for Dogs

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By using this Sharples car safety belt for dogs, you can ensure that your pet is optimally secured when travelling in a vehicle in case of sudden braking, swerving or collision.

It further helps to improve safety by keeping pets secured in place, allowing for limited freedom of movement around the vehicle, causing fewer distractions to the driver. A must have for those who travel with pets in their vehicle.

Here is how this dog car safety belt looks

Isofix Seatbelt For Dogs

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The Paws on Tour Isofix Seatbelt simply attaches to your dog's harness and plugs straight into your car's Isofix anchor point, simply click and clip.

This keeps your dog safe and secure in the back seat of your car, whilst still allowing room for other passengers in the back to use the standard seat belt clips.

There is enough length on the adjustable dog seatbelt to allow a little room for your dog to stretch out and relax on the seat or sit out and watch the open road! 

Here are some images of how this dog seat belt restraint & harness works?

Ezydog Car Harness

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Looking for the best dog harness for car travel?

The Ezy Dog Drive Harness is a dog safety harness that will secure your pet whilst in transit.
The Drive Car Harness has been designed to safely secure your dog whilst travelling in a vehicle and ensures you comply with rule 57 of the UK highway code. 

Here are some images of how this dog seat belt restraint & harness works?

What is the Safest Dog Seat Belt?

The safest seat belt is one your dog will be happy with and sit or lay comfortably in. Even though seat belts can protect us and dogs they are never guaranteed to save our lives however they will certainly increase the chances of survival. 

Finding a dog seat belt which is secure, easy to fit and keeps your dog comfortable will be the best dog seat belt. This will ensure you continue to use it consistently. If you don't, you know the one time you skip it could be the one time an accident occurs. So choose the one that is practical and convenient for everyday use. 

Which Dog Seat Belt is Best?

The best dog seat belt is the EzyDog seat belt restraint used with EzyDog crash tested harness. 

Do You Need a Harness for a Dog Seat Belt?

Absolutely not, but a specially designed car harness with dog seat belt will provide a solid all round restraint if ever an accident does occur. 

What is the Safest Way for a Dog to Travel in a Car?

The safest way for a dog to travel in the car is in a fixed aluminium transport box which can be fitted in the boot of the car or the alternative is to have them well restrained in the back of the car using a harness and seat belt restraint together. The worst idea is placing them in the front of the car especially if they are unrestrained. 

Where Should a Dog Sit in the Car?

 They should sit in the boot or rear seats but ideally not in the front and they should always be restrained. 

In Conclusion

To conclude, dogs should wear a seat belt in the car to keep themselves and you protected. A seat belt restraint will prevent them from distracting the driver and from being flung across the car in an accident. 

Happy Travfurling!