Best Car Harnesses for Dogs – Fully Reviewed With A Complete Buyer’s Guide
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We’re dog owners—we get it. You want to take your best friend with you everywhere. Unfortunately, in a moving vehicle that can be problematic if your dog wants in your lap, won’t sit still, or decides windows are an exit.
Even if you have a dog with a chill attitude, just as you would by securing your child with a car seat, it is also a good idea to secure your dog with a car safety harness.
The American Humane Society reports that an estimated 100,000 dogs die from riding in the beds of trucks each year. This figure increases if you count unsecured dogs who sustain trauma during a collision or those that jump out of open car windows as the cars are moving.
So, what features should you look for when buying a safety harness for your dog?
We have researched and reviewed the best dog car harness choices on the market, focusing on fit, size, padding, and design. We’ve also considered real user opinions, as well as our personal experience before settling on these top choices.
Table of Contents
Our Top Pick
Our top pick is the Kurgo Dog Harness. This dog car harness is a durable harness that is backed by a lifetime warranty. It is comfortable, safe and adjustable to fit dogs of any size. Go from riding in the car to walking your dog with ease.
This large dog safety car harness comes in black and fits dogs with a circumference of 16 – 24 inches. It has a quick one-time fit, and an ergonomic, molded chest plate.
Key Features
Padded chest plate
Available in small, medium, and large sizes
Crash tested
Weight: 5.6 oz.
What We Liked
We loved the range of fits, sizes, and colors available. This harness will snugly fit all manner of dogs but does particularly well with medium to large dogs. It has double-D rings to ensure a secure latch, while an instant fit closure system will keep your dog snug and safe.
What We Didn’t Like
This car harness is quite stiff and a bit on the bulky side. It may not be suitable for a dog that likes to lay down on the back seat as you drive.
Pros
Easy to use and put on
Easy to maintain and keep clean
Heavy-duty, durable straps
Can double up as a walking harness
Cons
Some users found it bulky and stiff
Works best when your dog is in a seated position
Although this padded car harness comes in small, medium, and large fits, it fits large dogs particularly well. It's of excellent quality and made with durable, easy to clean materials.
Kurgo is a well-known name when it comes to dog car harnesses. Their dual-strap model is sturdy and safe and has been certified safe for dogs weighing up to 75 lbs.
Key Features
Comes in x-small, small, medium, large, and x-large
Crash tested
Adjustable and comfortable harness
Padded chest plate
Weight: 13.6 oz.
What We Liked
This harness combines safety and comfort very well. Five adjustment points make this harness very easy to fit, and it comes with a unique fastener that suits all seatbelts in most cars. The padded chest provides extra protection for your pet, and peace of mind for you.
What We Didn’t Like
The front latch should be fitted tighter. Should it come off mid-drive, the consequences would not be good.
Pros
Durable and sturdy
Comfortable and safe with an ample padded chest
Comes with five adjustment points for the perfect fit
Doubles up as a walking harness
Cons
The interior stitching was sharp in places and could be uncomfortable
The front snap can undo itself on occasion
If you’re looking for durability and adjustability, as well as safety and comfort, this Kurgo Dog car harness has it all.
Sleepy Dog Click It Safety Harness is built for comfort, but more importantly for safety. The chest area is wide and amply padded, to absorb crash forces efficiently.
Key Features
Wide padded chest covering
Two loops that aid seat belt attachment
Comes in small, medium, large, and x-large
Tough nylon exterior
Weight: 8 oz.
What We Liked
The construction and protection offer this harness are superb. Although it is not suitable for long-bodied dogs, for other breeds it is a top-notch choice. The three-point design is perfect for use in the back seat of your car, and the quick connection and release mechanism makes it easy to fit onto your dog.
You'll need to tighten the straps very well, or your dog could easily wiggle out of it. It’s also not suitable for Whippets, Greyhounds, Afghan hounds, Salukis, and Borzois.
Pros
Easy to maintain and keep clean
Fits very well and snugly – even nervous dogs can wear these
Heavy-duty and durable
Reflective strips make them visible at night
Crash tested
Cons
Not suitable for all dog breeds
This dog car harness is well-built and well-padded in the chest area affording your dog maximum protection in case of a collision. Although some dog breeds can’t use this model, for those that can, it’s especially useful if your dog is of a nervous temperament.
This Easy Rider dog car harness keeps dogs safe and secure while riding in the car but can also double up as a walking harness.
Key Features
16- to 24-inch girth
Padded chest with secure metal hardware
Comes in x-small, small, medium, large, and x-large
Easily connects to the front or rear standard seatbelts
Weight: 15.8 oz.
What We Liked
This harness has passed all the safety standards in the industry, including the USA standard FMVSS 213, which adds much-needed peace of mind for every dog owner. The Easy Rider also features durable metal hardware at strategic stress points that keep it in place in case of a collision.
It has passed independent safety crash testing to further add to its credibility and attest to its quality.
What We Didn’t Like
This harness is bulky and stiff and takes considerable time to soften. Also, the part that hooks the leash to the harness is thick and rigid and hard to fix.
Pros
The chest plate is flexible yet sturdy and molds to your dog's body
Well-constructed and durable
Clips are durable and latch onto place easily
Crash tested for added peace of mind
Cons
It is stiff and needs to be broken in
May be too heavy for smaller dogs
The padding on this harness is superior. As it comes in five sizes to fit most dogs, so you won't have trouble installing this harness on small, medium, and large dog breeds. It's a perfect all-rounder.
Overall Rating - 4.7/5
Ruffwear Load Up – Best Dog Car Harness with Seatbelt Attachment
This seatbelt compatible harness is well constructed to keep your dog restrained and secure during a collision. It is crash tested and certified according to USA FMVSS 216 standards.
Key Features
Comes in five sizes – xx-small, x-small, medium, large, x-large
Comfortable construction
Strong materials with durable meta hardware built-in
Weight: 12.8 oz.
What We Liked
It's a pretty rigid harness. The seatbelt attachment allows for the seatbelt threading through the harness, so that in case of an impact, the seatbelt will not slip. If you’re going on a long journey, this car harness is one of the best choices to keep your dog snug and comfortable. Additionally, it attaches quickly to and off car seat belts adding to the protection of your furry friend.
What We Didn’t Like
We didn't like the price. You'll have to dig into your pocket, but it's worth it. We also wish it was chew-proof. While you shouldn’t be leaving your dog unattended, you do have to watch the road, which could allow a particularly destructive dog enough time to have some fun.
Pros
Crash tested
Excellent fit that keeps dogs calm and comfortable
High-quality harness with durable materials
Allows the dog to lay down comfortably
Cons
These harnesses are not chew-proof
More expensive than similar harnesses
This harness is one of the best out there for safety. The seatbelt weaves through the harness and amps up the protective and crash-resistant factors.
Mighty Paw is a well-known dog accessories brand. Their car harnesses are well made and certainly don’t disappoint.
Key Features
Comes in four sizes-small, medium, large, and x-large
Top-quality metal hardware that provides lasting protection
Reflective stitching in-built
Weight: 5 oz.
What We Liked
We loved the tri-glide attachments. This feature makes it easy to fit onto your dog and is especially suitable for nervous dogs. It has two leash attachment points and four tri-glide attachments for the perfect fit.
Reflective stitching is also in-built for low-light or night visibility, and the soft chest padding is breathable, keeping your pooch comfortable on those long or hot journeys.
What We Didn’t Like
It is not chew-proof. If you have a pup that chews, you could lose this investment much faster than planned.
Pros
Easy to use for nervous dogs – place over your dog's head and fit
Durable and comfortable
Has high night visibility from the reflective stitching
Doubles up as a walking harness
Cons
The size chart is inaccurate—double-check with your dog's actual measurements
Not chew-proof
This multi-purpose, breathable harness is safe for those long car journeys, as well as for walks or runs. Place it over your dog and fit in snugly to keep even the most nervous dogs protected.
This harness is compatible with most cars, pointing to its versatility. The Oxford polyester fabric adds to its durability as well, and the padded chest plate protects your dog from the toughest of crash forces.
What We Didn’t Like
We do see some safety issues with this option as it tends to get looser with time. You will need to readjust it to fit your dog pretty regularly, which could become rather tedious.
Pros
Light-weight and comfortable
Strong materials and durable
Suitable for small to medium dogs
Stylish and well-constructed
Cons
Some dogs have managed to wiggle out of them
Sometimes the harness turns sideways, which can allow the dog to shake out of the restraint.
This is a well-made and durable harness that is perfect for small to medium dog breeds. The polyester Oxford fabric makes this a very durable harness that will last you a while.
The DexDog Chest Plate harness is just as pretty as it is functional. These harnesses come in six colors and sizes to fit a myriad of dogs.
Key Features
Comes in six colors and sizes
The breathable fabric used to construct the chest plate
Adjustable harness
Reflective stitching
Weight: 4.3 oz.
What We Liked
There’s very little material on this harness to cause friction, allowing your dog a full range of movement. The vest is also well made from breathable material that makes those long or hot car journeys bearable for your pooch. Reflective stitching is weaved into the harness for low-light or night-time visibility, too.
What We Didn’t Like
Unfortunately, this harness does not come with a seatbelt attachment, which has to be purchased separately, and although this harness has a snug fit, it can still shift, even with very little pressure so watch out for this while the harness is on your dog.
Pros
Comes with a 1-year money-back guarantee
Reflective stitching gives low-light or night-time visibility
Suitable for small dogs like Yorkies, Chihuahuas and Shih Tzus, as well as large dogs like Boxers and Pitbulls
Provides a full range of movement
Cons
Can chaff if not fitted to your dog carefully
Does not come with a seatbelt attachment
Choose this dog car harness if you're planning a long journey or traveling in hot weather. It allows your dog to breathe and is light-weight and easy to put on.
This well-fitting dog car harness can also double up as a convenient walking harness. It comes with all-steel buckles, seat belt attachment, and a D-ring leash attachment for when you’re out walking.
Key Features
Comes in five sizes – x-small, small, medium, large, x-large
Crash tested
Adjustable harness with a no-pull D-ring
Dog seat belt tether included
Weight: 12.8 oz.
What We Liked
With five adjustment sizes, this harness is incredibly adaptable, comfortable, and flexible. For small dog breeds, this is a vital feature to ensure they fit snugly, and tightly providing the ultimate full-body protection.
What We Didn’t Like
We would like this harness more if the clip that attaches the lanyard of the leash to the harness had a swivel. That feature would make it much easier to handle.
Doubles up as a walking harness, with a D-ring for training
Affordably priced
Comes with a lifetime warranty against manufacturer defects
Cons
Very small dogs have been known to easily slip out of this harness so keep an eye out for this
The buckle is too slim, which means it can open with minimal effort, exposing your dog to danger in case of a collision
If you have a puppy or a small dog like a Yorkie or Chihuahua, this harness is the one to choose. It is easy to put on, and your dog will have no problems lying down due to their flexibility and safety.
Overall Rating - 4.8/5
Buying Guide - All You Need to Know About Dog Car Harnesses
Dog car harnesses, unlike child safety seats, are not regulated under federal safety standards. Any tests done to determine if a dog harness is fit for market are conducted by manufacturers or independent bodies such as the Center for Pet Safety.
You must, therefore, exercise your judgment as only you know your dog. However, while searching for the best dog harness for cars, there are several considerations to bear in mind that will help you make an informed choice.
In this best buy guide, we cover these features to ensure that you get only the best product.
What Is a Dog Car Harness?
A dog car harness is a unique piece of gear that restrains your dog as you in the car as you drive. They help to keep your furry friend safe and secure and are much easier to use and cheaper compared to similar restraint options.
They secure your dog's sternum and chest area and withstand any collision forces by distributing the crash force and thus helping to prevent injury. Most harnesses are used with a seat belt.
Dogs need car harnesses much for the same reason we need seatbelts. They enhance the safety of your dog as you drive, preventing them from jumping up on you and distracting you or trying to jump from your vehicle.
Car safety harnesses also increase the chances of your dog surviving in case of an accident. For the sake of everyone on the road, a dog car harness is an essential piece of kit to have.
Can a Dog Ride in the Front Seat?
It's not illegal, but it isn't safe either. You don't want your dog to wander onto the driver's seat area, and distract you, causing an accident. As much as possible, have your dog in the back seat or boot area of the car if it's big enough—and remember, ideally they should be restrained.
Does The Law Require the Use of Dog Car Harnesses?
This requirement, unfortunately, varies according to your particular state. Only eight states in the US— New Hampshire, New Jersey, Maine, Minnesota, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Hawaii—require that your dog wear a car harness by law.
Other states have distracted driving laws in place. These laws could garner you a fine from law enforcement if your dog is found riding on your lap or distracting you while you’re on the road.
What to Look for in the Best Dog Car Harness
Crash-Test Certified
The best dog car harness should be one that has undergone crash testing by the manufacturer or safety independent bodies. This testing should include rigorous tensile testing to make sure that they are sturdy enough to stand up to collision forces.
The Center for Pet Safety has crash-test certified only a few dog car harnesses. These certified dog car harnesses have the added benefit of giving owners extra peace of mind, but they usually come with a more expensive price tag.
Size
Dogs come in various sizes, and so do their car harnesses.
Make sure you get the correct size dog car harness to fit your four-legged friend. Check measuring guides to learn how to measure your dog. Confirm sizes based on your dog’s neck, chest, and length measurements, rather than weight, to make sure the harness is a good fit.
Adjustability
It’s essential to have a harness that can adjust to fit your dog perfectly. Your chosen harness should have a few adjustment points that have sturdy hooks, which are easy to hook and unhook.
Different breeds fit differently into harnesses, so look out for this when buying one for your dog.
Comfort and Construction
You would not want your dog to be uncomfortable in their harness; they’ll come to hate car rides otherwise.
While safety is essential, comfort is a close second. Look for wide, padded straps when choosing your harness. These straps will spread out the friction and prevent your dog from getting burnt on the chest, as well as chafing.
Check for harnesses that are well-constructed with durable materials and stitching.
Seatbelt Restraints
Some dog harnesses come with seat belt restraints. The seat belt restraint is a vital piece of a good harness that allows you to secure your dog to the car’s seat belt connector.
If your harness doesn’t come one, you will need to buy one.
Ease of Use
Choose a car harness that’s easy to fit onto your dog. Some go over your dog’s head, while others have a step-in design. Some models secure your dog from the side, by buckling them in.
Choose the one that's ideal for your dog's temperament and your car.
Safety
Safety is one of the top considerations when looking for a dog car harness. A harness should give you the ultimate peace of mind, and give you an assurance that your dog is protected.
Ensure that the harness and belt work well together to secure Fido, and restrict their movement.
Color
While color is not an essential feature, it doesn't hurt for your car harness to have some aesthetic appeal. These harnesses come in a range of designs, patterns, and colors, from which you can pick your favorites.
Final Thoughts
We hope our review of the best dog harness for a car has given you ample ideas to choose your dog's next car safety harness. We’ve covered the fit, design, adjustability, and price to help you make your perfect choice.
Expert Tip – Never hook up your harness to your dog’s collar!
Do not under any circumstances hook up your dog’s seat belts to their collar.
In the event of an accident, this set up will become a “hangman’s noose” for your dog, and could easily break their neck or worse.
The best dog car harness is specifically designed to evenly distribute the force of the crash force over your dog’s body. Most safety harnesses can be worn with your dog’s collar, so make sure to hook up the seat belt to the harness and not the collar.
Also, never substitute a traditional walking harness like those usually seen on support dogs for a car harness.
Do you have any other best dog harness for car recommendations? Have we missed out on any worthy mentions? Let us know in the comments below, and happy shopping!
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