7 Ways To Restrain A Dog In A Car (Options For All Breeds)

The best ways to restrain a dog in a car is to use either a dog back seat hammock, a dog seat belt and car harness, a dog car booster seat, a zip-line harness, a dog travel crate, a dog boot guard or a back seat barrier. Even though there are not many rules surrounding restraining dogs in cars, it is best practice to do so. You want to give your dog the highest level of safety while travelling in a car, just like any of your family members or friends.

Table of Contents

1. Dog Hammock Back Seat Cover

A dog back seat cover (also known as a dog hammock) is a very popular dog car restraint option as it gives your dog a good level of safety and also protect’s your car’s upholstery.

A Dog Car Hammock Is Suited To…

Tiny dog breeds
Small dog breeds
Medium dog breeds
Large dog breeds
Giant dog breeds
Older dogs who like to lie down

Pros & Cons Of A Dog Car Hammock

Advantages	Disadvantages
Dogs can lie down in the car. This can reduce motion sickness your dog might suffer from.	Can be slippery if there is no non-slip material or gripping on the underside of the hammock
Protects car upholstery from shedded fur and scratches	Reduces the amount of people who can travel in your car unless you can a half size hammock.
Stops dogs from climbing to the front of the car	Dog can still walk around the back seat. To fully protect dog you should use the hammock with a dog seat belt
Protects dog from falling off the seat

My Top Recommendations

2. Dog Seat Belt + Car Harness

A dog seat belt is a medium length adjustable strap that clips into the seat belt plugs that are already located in your car. The other end has a hook or clip that attached to the back of a dog harness. It should never be clipped to a dog collar.

A Dog Seat Belt & Harness Is Suited To…

Tiny dog breeds (if you can find a small enough harness)
Small dog breeds
Medium dog breeds
Large dog breeds
Giant dog breeds
Well behaved dogs who won’t chew the seatbelt or harness

Pros & Cons Of A Dog Seat Belt & Harness

Advantages	Disadvantages
A dog seat belt is compatible with the majority of car models. It simply clips into the seat belt plug.	A dog seat belt must be attached to a harness. If it is attached to a collar your dog could be choked
The set up is small so you can still have many passengers in your car. With a smaller dog, they can sit on your lap during the car ride with a dog seat belt on.	Some dogs start to chew through their seatbelt or harness during the road trip if they get bored. Read this article on How To Keep Your Dog Occupied In The Car!
Stops dogs from climbing to the front of the car	You need to purchase two pieces of equipment – a dog harness and a dog seat belt
Protects dog from falling off the seat if seat belt is adjusted to a short length

My Top Recommendations

1. Petmate Ultimate Travel Harness

Find Out The Current Price On PetMate Here

2. Kurgo Car Harness for Dogs

Find Out The Current Price On Amazon Here

3. Dog Car Booster Seat

adult black and white collie sitting at the back of car

A dog car booster seat is a mini lined bucket or basket that sits or is suspended on one of the backseats of your car. It is the most beneficial for tiny or small dog breeds as it gives them extra height, allowing them to look out of the window. Most dog car booster seats have a small dog seat belt located inside which you can clip to your dog’s harness.

A Dog Car Booster Seat Is Suited To…

Tiny dog breeds
Small dog breeds
Medium dog breeds
Well behaved dogs who won’t try to jump out of the booster seat

Pros & Cons Of A Dog Car Booster Seat

Advantages	Disadvantages
Gives tiny and small dog breeds a boost so they can see out of the window.	Many dogs will not like to sit in a small confined space like a dog booster seat for long period of time. It is most suited to calm, well behaved dogs.
Very comfortable as they are often lined with a soft or fluffy material and have cushioning at the bottom.	Needs to be used with a dog harness. You should never attach the seatbelt located in the box to your dog’s collar.
Only tiny, small and medium dog breeds can use a dog booster seat
Protects car upholstery as dog is fully contained

My Top Recommendations

1. Gen7Pets Snuggle Pocket Vehicle Booster Seat

Find Out The Current Price On PetMate Here

2. K&H PET PRODUCTS Bucket Booster Pet Seat

Find Out The Current Price On Amazon Here

4. Zipline + Car Harness

A zip-line and car harness restraint is very similar to a seat belt and harness set up however it allows your dog move freedom to walk around your backseat. It is a great product for young or active dogs who struggle to settle down in the car.

A Dog Zipline & Harness Is Suited To…

Tiny dog breeds (if you can find a small enough harness)
Small dog breeds
Medium dog breeds
Large dog breeds
Giant dog breeds
Very active dogs
Young dogs/puppies
Well behaved dogs who won’t chew the zipline or harness

Pros & Cons Of A Dog Zipline & Harness

Advantages	Disadvantages
Allows your dog to walk around. This is especially good for dogs who can’t settle down, won’t sit still or won’t lie down in a car.	There is a higher chance your dog will scratch your upholstery as they can walk around the back seat.
Protects dog from falling off the seat if straps are adjusted to a short length	You need to purchase two pieces of equipment – a dog harness and a dog car zip line.
A zip-line can be set up in any car that has seatbelts.	The zip-line stretches across the whole length of a backseat. This makes it uncomfortable for other passengers to get there.
Stops dogs from climbing to the front of the car	It must be attached to a harness. If it is attached to a collar your dog could be choked

My Top Recommendations

1. Kurgo Direct to Seatbelt Tether for Dogs

Find Out The Current Price On Amazon Here

5. Dog Travel Crate

A dog travel create is either a plastic or fabric based box that have ventilation holes. It is one of the most secure ways to restrain your dog in the car however it allows your dog to have limited mobility and freedom.

A Dog Travel Crate Is Suited To…

Tiny dog breeds
Small dog breeds
Medium dog breeds
Calm/relaxed dogs
Young dogs/puppies
Crate trained dogs

Pros & Cons Of A Dog Travel Crate

Advantages	Disadvantages
Can be placed on back seat, front seat or car boot (only SUVs or cars with open boots that have good ventilation).	Not suited to all dog breeds. Only works for small breeds and dogs that have been crate trained otherwise it can be anxiety inducing.
Confines your dog to a small space so they are very secure.	Dog crates are one of the most expensive car restraint options.
Dog travel crates can be used as an indoor dog kennel or as a sleeping area at home or when travelling	Takes up a lot of space in the car
Protects your car upholestry

My Top Recommendations

1. Gen7Pets Snuggle Pocket Vehicle Booster Seat

Find Out The Current Price On PetMate Here

6. Dog Boot Guard

If you prefer to put your dog in the boot of your car, you should consider getting a dog boot guard. One of these prevents your dog from being thrown forward during a car accident, protecting you and your dog. You should only ever put a dog in the boot if your car boot is an open design meaning that your dog can get oxygen and be able to see you.

A Dog Boot Guard Is Suited To…

Medium dog breeds
Large dog breeds
Giant dog breeds
Very active dogs

Pros & Cons Of A Dog Boot Guard

Advantages	Disadvantages
Allows your dog to walk around the boot of your car more safely	Only an option in large cars e.g. SUVs
Protects dog from being thrown into the cabin of your car if you slam on the brakes or are in an accident.	They can be knocked down by very active dogs
Avoids getting shedded fur on car seats	It isn’t very suitable to put tiny or small breeds into the boot of your car

My Top Recommendations

1. Precision Pet Universal 6-Bar Vehicle Pet Barrier

Find Out The Current Price On PetMate Here

7. Back Seat Barrier

The final option for restraining your dog in your car is to use a back seat barrier. This is a fantastic option if your dog likes to try to climb to the front seat of your car. It also protects your dog from flying forward if you have to suddenly put on the brakes. One of these can be used in conjunction with a dog car seat belt.

A Dog Back Seat Barrier Is Suited To…

Medium dog breeds
Large dog breeds
Giant dog breeds
Very active dogs
Young dogs/puppies

Pros & Cons Of Dog Back Seat Barriers

Advantages	Disadvantages
Prevents dog from flying into the front section of your car if you have to suddenly put on the brakes	Not suitable for tiny and small breeds as it doesn’t prevent them from falling off the back seat into the footwell
Prevents dogs from climbing into the front of your car and distracting you from driving	Should be used with a dog seat belt which is an additional cost
Allows your dog to walk around. This is especially good for dogs who can’t settle down, won’t sit still or won’t lie down in a car.