Car safety

Seatbelts are a must when it comes to driving or riding in a vehicle. However, what about your furry friend and fellow passenger? You can ensure your dog’s safety while allowing them autonomy in their seat with car safety harnesses, tethers or boosters.

Photo by Michael Bartlett on Unsplash

Choosing a vehicle restraint

Things to consider when choosing the best vehicle restraint option for your dog:

• Car safety harnesses are the safest option for large dogs
• Tethers have a lower price point and are compatible with most harnesses
• Boosters are the safest choice for small dogs under 25 lbs. and are compatible with most harnesses
• Tethers and boosters should NEVER be attached to a collar

Hard No’s

Here are some things you should never allow your dog to do in the car while you’re driving – even if it’s cute!

• Sitting on your lap. Needless to say, this is not safe, and you could get a ticket!
• Jumping from the front to back and back to front. This is super distracting and dangerous for both of you.
• Placing front paws on the dashboard in the front passenger seat. Any sudden stop and your pup could be kissing the windshield.
• Sitting in the middle console in the front of the car. This is not a seat.
• Hanging out of the window. We know it’s cute and they seem to love it, but sudden movements could cause them to fall out or they could be hit by road debris

The most important thing is that you and your dog arrive at your destination safely! Send us your questions, or feel free to ask one of our trainers the next time you’re at Fitdog on how to keep your pup safe in the car.