Picture a quick stop at a red light. A loose dog, however sweet, can fly forward, and that’s dangerous for everyone in the car. So how do you keep your dog safe and clean in the car? Restrain your dog with a crash-rated harness or secured crate, protect your seats with a waterproof cover and never let your dog ride with their head out of the window.
Let’s go through the safest setups for dogs of every size, plus ways to keep your car from smelling like wet dog.
Why an unrestrained dog is a risk
Besides the danger in a crash, a roaming dog can distract the driver, jump into the front seat or bolt out an open door. Many places also have laws about animals in vehicles, so check your local rules.
Airbags are another reason to keep dogs in the back. They’re designed for adults, and they can seriously injure a dog sitting up front.
Choosing the safest way to restrain your dog
There are three main setups. Each one works for different dogs and vehicles.
- Crash-tested harness and seat belt tether. Good for medium and large dogs on the back seat. Use a harness made for cars, not a walking harness, and clip it to the seat belt system.
- Secured travel crate. Works for dogs of any size when anchored so it can’t slide. Choose a crate that fits your dog and fits your vehicle. Our guide on what size dog crate to buy explains the sizing.
- Cargo area with a barrier. In an SUV or wagon, a barrier keeps your dog in the back. Pair it with a crate for more protection.
Never attach a leash to a collar for a seat belt tether, since a sudden stop could injure the neck. And a small dog sitting on a lap isn’t safe either.
Keep your seats clean with a good cover
Dogs bring in mud, hair, drool and the occasional accident. A seat cover saves a lot of scrubbing. Look for a waterproof layer, a non-slip bottom, and openings for seat belt buckles. A hammock-style cover also keeps paws off the doors.
If you’d like to see what’s available, our roundup of the best dog car seat covers waterproof shows the features that matter. Shake it out often and wash it as the label says.
Make the ride comfortable
A comfortable dog is a calmer dog. Bring a familiar blanket, and for older or large dogs, a supportive pad helps stiff joints on long trips. Our guide on whether dogs need orthopedic beds explains who benefits most. Keep a water bowl handy, and stop every couple of hours for a bathroom break and a stretch.
The best orthopedic dog beds for large breeds list can help if your big dog rides a lot, as long as the bed fits and is secured so it can’t slide.
Never do these things
- Leave your dog alone in a parked car. Temperatures climb fast, even on mild days, and this can be fatal.
- Let your dog ride in the open bed of a pickup truck.
- Allow your dog’s head out of the window, where debris can hurt their eyes.
- Feed a big meal right before driving. Carsick dogs are no fun.
Plan for long trips and daily errands
Short daily rides and road trips need slightly different prep. For quick errands, a harness and a seat cover are usually enough. For long drives, pack a small kit: water and a bowl, a few treats, waste bags, a spare towel and your dog’s vaccination records if you’re crossing borders or boarding.
Let your dog get used to the car before the big day. Start by sitting in the parked car with treats, then try a short drive around the block. Dogs that link the car with fun places, like the park, usually travel much more calmly than those that only ride to the vet.
Finally, keep your dog’s ID tag and microchip details current. If your dog slips away at a rest stop, that tag is how you get them back.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe for a dog to ride in the front seat?
It’s safer in the back. Front airbags can injure a dog, and a dog up front can distract you.
How do I stop my dog getting carsick?
Try short trips first, face your dog forward and keep the car cool. If it continues, ask your vet for advice.
Do small dogs need restraints too?
Yes. A small dog can be thrown in a crash. Use a secured carrier or a small car harness.
The bottom line
Keeping your dog safe and clean in the car comes down to three things: restrain, protect and plan. Choose a proper restraint, cover your seats, and build in breaks on long drives.