Chances are, your pup loves going to the park, the pet store, or their friends’ houses. But before reaching your destination, you may need to take them on a car ride. To keep dogs safe and secure in the car, get the proper equipment, know how to strap them in, and follow car safety best practices.
Kathryn Dench, holistic veterinarian and chief science advisor at Paw Origins, says keeping a dog physically and emotionally comfortable can make the trip better for both of you.
Below, learn how to keep your dog safe and happy in the car. Plus, get insight on how to drive your dog to the vet in an emergency.
What Car Safety Equipment Do You Need?
We always buckle our seatbelts when in the car; dogs need similar safety measures when going on trips.
A dog roaming around freely in the car can distract the driver. A 2019 study by Volvo Car USA and The Harris Poll found that driving with an unrestrained dog more than doubles your risk of distracted driving.
So, it’s best to use a harness, crate, or carrier when transporting a pet in the car, says Lindsey A. Wolko, founder of the Center for Pet Safety (CPS).
1. Car harnesses
Your car’s seatbelts are designed for human passengers, but you can adapt them for your dog with a dog car harness. These harnesses differ from regular walking harnesses since they strap buckles into the seatbelt and restrain your dog. Think of these harnesses as a dog seatbelt.
Your dog can sit up, lie down, and move around a little in these harnesses. Also, a travel harness may be thicker and more padded than a regular harness for extra security and comfort.
Not every dog harness goes through crash testing from the manufacturer. So, Wolko recommends looking for a brand and model CPS-certified for crash safety, like the SleepyPod Clickit Sport and Terrain harnesses.
2. Travel crates
You can also transport a dog in a travel crate or carrier. But just like harnesses, they should be specially designed for car travel to ensure safety. CPS-Approved travel crates include the Lucky Kennel models, the Diggs Passenger Carrier, and the Away Pet Carrier.
Remember, bigger is not always better when picking car travel crates. Wolko says if the crate is too large, it can increase the risk of injury. She recommends measuring your dog from nose to tail and adding six inches to find the right carrier size.
Additionally, CPS suggests putting a carrier on the floor instead of buckling it into the back seat (unless the carrier manufacturer provides a crash video of the crate buckled into the seat).
3. Car seats
Some dogs may feel more comfortable traveling in a booster seat. This special car seat allows smaller dogs to look out the window while keeping them snugly secured—like a middle ground between a carrier and a harness.
That said, no dog car seats have earned a CPS seal of approval to date. So, if you’re using a booster seat, Wolko recommends strapping your dog into a CPS-approved travel harness instead of using the booster seat’s built-in straps. She also recommends looking for a booster seat that connects to the car’s LATCH/ISOFIX anchors (the ones you use for a child’s car seat.)
Which One is Right For My Dog?
Alex Crow, a licensed veterinarian and owner of PetHealthGuru.com, says crates are best suited for dogs weighing 20 pounds or less; meanwhile, harnesses are typically a better fit for dogs weighing more than 20 pounds. But other factors can influence your decision too.
For example, Dr. Crow adds that anxious dogs or dogs who easily get motion sick may prefer the added security of a crate, even if they’re bigger.
How Do You Prepare Your Dog for Car Travel?
Dogs may need time to acclimate to their new car safety device, especially if the restraints are new.
“Start with short rides and gradually increase the duration to help reduce anxiety,” Dr. Dench says. Reward them with lots of pets and tasty treats for a job well done!
What Are the 5 Best Practices for Dog Car Safety?
After getting your dog used to their new safety device, follow these tips to set up your doggie road trips for success.
1. Keep them in the backseat
While it might seem fun to have your buddy riding up front, the back of the car is the safest spot for dogs. So, always secure them in the back seat or floor, depending on whether you choose a harness, crate, car seat, or combination.
Generally, dogs shouldn’t ride in the tailgate of a pickup truck. But if that’s your only option, you can tie down a hard-sided travel carrier to the bed, like the CPS-approved Cabelas Gun Dog Kennel.
2. Don’t leave your dog alone
While leaving your dog in the car for a few minutes on a balmy day may seem OK, your car can heat up faster than you think. The inside of a car can heat up to 104℉ after just 30 minutes on a 70℉ day.
Additionally, it’s illegal to leave dogs unattended in cars in some places. So, if you need to leave the car for a few minutes, err on the safe side and take your pup with you.
3. Stop for breaks
On longer road trips, your dog will also want a chance to stretch their legs and use the bathroom. So, when you hit a rest stop, give your dog a potty break, snacks, water, a quick walk, or anything else they might need.
Dr. Crow recommends stopping for breaks every few hours.
4. Bring safe entertainment
While it might look cute, don’t let your dog stick their head out the window. They can get road debris in their eyes, among other dangers.
Instead, keep your dog occupied by bringing along a toy, like a puzzle or lick toy. Dr. Crow says these toys and games help reduce your dog’s travel anxiety or stress.
5. Stick to snacks
“To prevent motion sickness, avoid feeding your dog a large meal right before traveling,” Dr. Dench says. Instead, she says to stick to smaller snacks given over longer periods.
What To Do If An Emergency Happens
Of course, you may not always have time to prepare for a car ride, especially if your dog needs emergency treatment for an illness or injury.
When transporting a pet in an emergency situation, they may be scared or in pain, so it’s important to keep them and yourself safe, says Katie Osekavage, veterinarian and Medical Director at Veterinary Emergency Group, Greenville.
Use the following tips to transport your pet when time is of the essence safely.
1. Use a board for larger dogs
If your dog is too big to lift or can’t get inside their carrier without injuring themselves, you can gently tie them to a broad, flat surface, like an ironing board or piece of plywood, as a makeshift stretcher.
“Only put your pet in a crate if you can do so safely and if you can move the crate without risking injury to yourself or your pet,” Dr. Osekavage says.
2. Handle with care
Try to move your dog as gently as possible, as rough handling can worsen some injuries. Dr. Osekavage says to avoid getting up close and personal with a dog in pain since they may try to bite.
3. Minimize head movements
Keep your dog’s head aligned with their body-it shouldn’t flex at an unnatural angle up or down. If your dog might vomit, keep their head below their heart so they won’t choke.
4. Recruit a friend
If you have someone nearby, ask them to drive while you sit with your dog in the back. This way, your dog can feel safer with you close by, and you won’t need to drive when your emotions are riding high.
If no one is around to drive, stay calm and drive safely. After all, you don’t want to lose precious time pulling over for a ticket – or end up with injuries. “Maintaining a calm and focused mindset is key to handling the situation effectively,” Dr. Osekavage adds.
5. Call ahead
“You can always call ahead to the emergency hospital [for] advice on how to move your pet safely,” Dr. Osekavage says. Calling ahead can also give your vet a heads-up of what to expect so they can help your dog faster.
