Dog Car Safety: Essential Restraints, Equipment & Comfort Tips

Use a restraint that fits your dog’s size and strength and attach it to anchor points or a seatbelt. Check fit each trip so your dog cannot roll or slip free during sudden braking.

Place larger dogs in a well-secured crate or the boot area behind a sturdy dog guard. Smaller dogs travel best in crash-tested carriers or crates secured with the vehicle seatbelt.

Always load and unload your dog on the pavement side where possible. Keep water and a non-slip mat available and never let your dog sit unrestrained on the driver’s lap.

Crash-tested harnesses offer proven protection in many impacts and reduce injury risk compared with untested harnesses. If you plan regular motorway or long-distance travel, choose a recognised crash-tested model.

For short, low-speed trips a well-fitted non-crash-tested harness is better than no restraint, but it does not guarantee safety in a severe collision. Replace any harness that shows wear after a minor crash.

The Highway Code Rule 57 requires you to suitably restrain animals in vehicles so they cannot distract you or injure you and themselves if you stop quickly. Failing to restrain your dog can lead to fines and possible court action for careless driving.

Police and courts may treat a distracting, unrestrained dog as a factor in driving offences. Insurance firms may refuse claims if an unrestrained pet caused or contributed to an accident.

Acceptable restraints include harnesses secured to seatbelts or ISOFIX anchorages (where supported), purpose-built crates and carriers, and solid boot barriers that prevent access to the front seats. The restraint must be suitable for the dog’s size and the vehicle type.

Make sure crates are fixed so they cannot slide, and harnesses are attached to the car’s proper anchor points. Simple pet lead tethering to headrests or loose belts is not secure enough.

Start with short, gradual trips to build positive association with the car. Provide regular breaks every two hours for water, toilet stops and light exercise.

Avoid feeding within two hours of departure to reduce travel sickness. Use familiar bedding and a favourite toy, and consider speaking with your vet if your dog struggles with anxiety or sickness.

Look for vehicles with flat loading floors, low boot lips and strong anchor points for crates or harnesses. Estate cars, SUVs and some crossovers often give more secure space and easier access for larger dogs.

Features such as rear climate control, easy-clean upholstery and boot tie-downs add comfort and safety. Check that any crate you choose fits the boot dimensions before buying.

It’s usually safer to keep your dog in the rear seat or boot area behind a solid guard. Front passenger airbags can injure a dog in a deployment, even if the dog is restrained.

If you must use the front seat, follow your vehicle manufacturer’s guidance about airbags and seating positions, and ensure the restraint setup does not allow forward movement into the dashboard area.

Use your dog’s girth (around the deepest part of the chest) and weight, then follow the manufacturer’s size chart. A correct fit should be snug but comfortable—you should be able to slide two fingers under the straps.

Re-check fit as your dog’s coat or weight changes, especially for puppies and young dogs.

It’s not recommended. Tethering to a collar can cause serious neck injury in a sudden stop. A harness designed for car travel spreads forces across the chest and shoulders, which is generally safer.

It’s best to avoid it. Temperatures can change quickly, and dogs can suffer in both hot and cold conditions. It may also create legal and welfare risks if the dog is left to suffer.

If you see a dog in distress in a parked vehicle, contact emergency services.