Things to Think About Before Buying a Seatbelt and a Car Harness

Traveling with your dog can be a joyous experience, but it’s crucial to ensure their safety in the car. Before buying a seatbelt and a car harness, there are several factors to consider to ensure you choose the best products for your furry friend. This guide covers what to think about before purchasing, provides product recommendations with reviews, and explores an alternative to using a seatbelt with a harness.

Factors to Consider Before Buying a Dog Seatbelt

1. Compatibility with Your Car:
   • Not all seatbelts fit every car. Check whether the dog seatbelt is compatible with your car’s buckle system or has an option to attach to latch anchors.
   • Recommendation: Kurgo Direct to Seatbelt Tether – This tether is easy to attach to most car seatbelt systems. It’s adjustable, durable, and has a universal clip that fits a wide range of harnesses. However, it’s crucial to pair it with a crash-tested harness for optimal safety.
2. Material and Durability:
   • Choose a seatbelt made from durable, chew-resistant materials. Nylon straps with reinforced stitching tend to last longer.
   • Recommendation: Vastar Adjustable Dog Seatbelt – This seatbelt is budget-friendly and made with strong nylon webbing. It features an elastic nylon bungee buffer for shock attenuation, reducing the impact of sudden stops or jerks. It’s a good option for small to medium dogs but may not withstand heavy chewing.
3. Adjustability:
   • Look for seatbelts with adjustable lengths to allow some freedom of movement while keeping your dog securely restrained.
4. Pairing with a Harness:
   • Ensure the seatbelt is designed to be used with a crash-tested harness. Never attach a seatbelt directly to a collar as it can cause severe injuries in an accident.
5. Crash Testing:
   • Opt for seatbelts that are part of crash-tested systems to ensure your dog’s safety in the event of a collision.

Factors to Consider Before Buying a Car Harness

1. Crash-Tested Models:
   • Always choose a harness certified by reputable organizations like the Center for Pet Safety (CPS). Crash-tested harnesses provide better protection during an accident.
   • Recommendation: Sleepypod Clickit Terrain – This harness is CPS-certified and features a padded design for maximum comfort and safety. It’s particularly suited for large dogs and frequent travelers, but it’s on the pricier side.
2. Size and Fit:
   • Measure your dog’s chest and weight accurately to find the right size. A poorly fitting harness can be uncomfortable and unsafe.
   • Recommendation: Kurgo Impact Dog Harness – This harness is CPS-certified and engineered specifically for car safety. It uses a single-piece tubular webbing design for extra durability and is crash-tested for dogs up to 130 pounds. The Kurgo Impact is designed to integrate with your car’s existing seatbelt system and provides a secure, comfortable fit for various dog sizes.
3. Comfort:
   • Look for padded harnesses with breathable materials to keep your dog comfortable during long rides.
4. Ease of Use:
   • Select a harness that is easy to put on and adjust. Complicated designs can frustrate both you and your dog.
   • Recommendation: Kurgo Tru-Fit Smart Harness – This harness is straightforward to use and comes with a seatbelt tether. While it’s not crash-tested, it’s an affordable choice for short trips.
5. Multipurpose Use:
   • Many car harnesses double as walking harnesses, which can save you money and simplify your dog’s gear.

Best All-in-One Recommendation

If you’re looking for a product that combines all the qualities mentioned—crash testing, durability, comfort, compatibility, and ease of use—consider the following:

Recommendation: Sleepypod Clickit Sport

• Why It’s Great: This harness is CPS-certified, ensuring crash-tested safety. It features durable materials, a padded chest plate for comfort, and is easy to put on and adjust. The Clickit Sport also doubles as a walking harness, making it a versatile and reliable option. Its design includes multiple points of attachment for stability and security.
• Review: Users praise the Sleepypod Clickit Sport for its excellent safety features and comfort. While it’s more expensive than some options, its combination of quality and versatility makes it worth the investment. It’s especially ideal for frequent travelers and medium to large dogs.

Why Buy a Car Harness with the Seatbelt?

A car harness is essential when using a seatbelt. The harness provides even weight distribution across your dog’s chest and shoulders, reducing the risk of injury in an accident. Using a seatbelt without a harness—especially attaching it to a collar—can cause severe neck injuries or even strangulation during sudden stops or collisions.

By combining a crash-tested harness with a seatbelt, you create a secure system that minimizes risks and maximizes comfort for your dog.

Alternative to a Seatbelt: Dog Travel Crates

If your dog dislikes wearing a harness or seatbelt, a dog travel crate is an excellent alternative. Travel crates provide a secure, confined space for your pet and prevent them from moving around the car.

Benefits of Dog Travel Crates:

• Crash Protection: High-quality, crash-tested crates offer superior protection in accidents.
• Calming Effect: Enclosed spaces can make nervous dogs feel safer during car rides.
• Prevents Distractions: Your dog stays in one place, reducing the risk of them interfering with the driver.

Drawbacks:

• Space Requirements: Crates can take up a significant amount of room in your vehicle.
• Cost: High-quality crash-tested crates are often more expensive than seatbelt and harness systems.

Recommendation: Petmate Vari Kennel :

1. Comfort: Includes a comfortable floor for your dog, keeping them protected from bumps during travel.
2. Durable Construction: Made from heavy-duty plastic, designed to withstand the rigors of travel and rough handling.
3. Ventilation: Ample ventilation on all sides ensures good air circulation.
4. Safety & Security: Features secure door latches and tie-down holes, keeping your pet safe.
5. Ease of Use: Easy to assemble with simple snap-locks, making it a convenient choice for both travel and everyday use.

Conclusion

Before buying a seatbelt and a car harness, consider factors like compatibility, durability, and safety certifications. Always pair a seatbelt with a crash-tested harness to provide the best protection for your dog. Alternatively, a travel crate can be a viable option for dogs who don’t tolerate seatbelt systems. Whatever you choose, prioritize your dog’s safety and comfort to ensure stress-free and secure travels for both of you.