If your dog is anything like mine, transporting them is almost always a nightmare.
From barking at every car that passes us to trying to get onto your lap whilst driving, like his life depends on it. It is truly a pain and a safety issue.
In addition to the safety issue you might end up facing a hefty fine of up to £2500 and possibly could lose your license.
Thankfully there are dog car harnesses that aren’t only affordable but also readily available here in the UK.
These harnesses usually function both as a dog seat belt and as a dog car harness.
However, with so many options out there, which one is the best for your pooch?
Don’t worry, we did the research and scoured the web for the best products for the benefit of your ever so excited pup.
In this article, we cover top 5 best dog car harnesses in the UK and provide you with the knowledge on what to watch out for when making your purchase.
Don’t have the time to read the whole guide? No worries. Here are the top 3 car harnesses for dogs our experts choose:
Our top picks
Best Dog Car Harnesses and Seat Belts
Before we dive into the details of why you need a car harness for your dog and what to watch out for, we present you our top 5:
The Kurgo Dog Car Harness is a crash test certified 2-piece system which is rated for dogs up to 75 lbs, following child car seat standards.
The harness also features solid steel buckles with 5 points for adjustment ensuring the best fit for your dog, making it one of the best dog seat belts in the market today.
These buckles also function as a quick release and will enable the owner to easily remove the harness. Additionally, a no-pull ‘D’ ring is attached at the front enables it to function as a no pull dog harness.
The Kurgo harness is an extremely well-crafted product with good stitching all around and made with a durable nylon material. To put on the harness, you need to slip it first around the dogs head before securing it at the torso.
Although designed as a dog safety harness, some readers report success using it as a walking harness as well.
The added strap is a 10-inch seat belt tether which has a carabiner on one end and will fit any car seat belt system. The carabiner is made of steel and is crash tested as well!
Features
- Crash tested
- Excellent build
- Great price for the quality
- Easy adjustment
What we liked
- Made of good and durable material
- 5-point adjustment which ensures a good fit
- No pull ‘D’ ring included
- Can also be used as a walking harness
Didn't like
- Short and might restrict movement too much
The SlowTon dog car harness seatbelt set features a 2 part system. The leash is made of durable nylon with an elastic bungee system at one end and a car belt buckle on the other.
The car buckle is made to fit most common cars, however it’s worth checking the details when you make a purchase just to be sure.
The elastic bungee system allows some movement but not so much that your pooch is able to roam free in the car. The bungee system also allows provides some protection against pain caused by sudden jerks or breaks.
The harness features nylon straps with quick release clips and 2 metal ‘D’ rings to ensure maximum strength in the event of an unfortunate accident.
The straps are adjustable to ensure a secure and snug fit for your dog.
The bottom chest piece is made from a breathable mesh material which will absorb sweat and is designed in a way that relieves pressure. It is just wide enough to properly secure your dog while not rubbing or causing abrasions on your dog’s legs.
The harness is designed to be body hugging to ensure maximum security and comfort. It has enough room and putting it on as well as taking it off will be a breeze.
This car harness is not just for dogs, it can also be used for cats and kittens alike. We suggest you check the detailed sizing chart to ensure that you get the right size for your pooch.
Features
- Easy to put on and take off due to quick release
- Comfortable mesh material
What we liked
- Comes in a variety of sizes and colours
- Elastic bungee system which is also adjustable
- Well made with quality materials
Didn't like
- Clips made of plastic, might not be very durable
- Metal ‘D’ rings can bend if your dog is strong
- Nylon straps might fray after prolonged use
The Pawaboo Dog Safety Vest Harness features a 2 part system.
The first part of this product features a tether with a car seat belt buckle on one end and with a spring-loaded clip on the other.
This tether, however, doesn’t feature a bungee system. It is made of high-quality nylon and is adjustable.
Should the buckle not fit your car, the Pawaboo Dog Safety Vest Harness also features ways to fasten the straps to your existing cars seat belt.
The harness is made of comfortable oxford fabric ensuring the comfort of your dog and features industry standard stainless-steel snap hooks.
The chest piece is made of soft air mesh padding on one side and oxford fabric on the other. It features adjustable length to ensure the best possible fit for your dog. The quick release clips aids in the ease of putting and taking off the harness.
The wide chest piece ensures pressure relief in the case of an accident. As a further benefit, it functions as a regular walking harness with the ‘D’ ring attaching to your walking leash.
Features
- Easy to put on and take off
- Sturdy build
- High quality quick release clips
What we liked
- Good fit on most dogs
- Can be used as a walking harness also
- Durable
- Easy to use
Didn't like
- No elastic bungee to reduce shock
- Car buckle only fits some cars
- Single ‘D’ ring
This product features a 1 piece system to use with your existing harnesses. Made from high quality nylon and an elastic bungee system, this strap is a simple yet highly functional product.
The car buckles and spring-loaded snaps are made from high quality zinc alloy, ensuring a secure and strong link between your dog’s harness and the car.
The strap itself has an adjustable length of 53 -74 cm. Their elastic bungee system coined “elastic buffer”, protects your pets from sudden jerks and sharp turns. The elastic bungee is also not too short, so that your pooch can position itself in a comfortable way.
The strap itself is very well made and features high visibility markings that run down the centre. This ensures that the leash is visible under most low light conditions, adding yet another safety buffer.
The plastic clips for the adjustable length are also made of durable plastic, ensuring the longevity of the product. It comes in a set of 2, so its great value for money!
Features
- Long elastic bungee
- Excellent build
- Fits all harnesses
What we liked
- High quality material
- High visibility markings
- Multiple colours available
- Value for money
Didn't like
- Car clip does not fit all cars
- Bungee might be too long for smaller cars
Much like the third product in this article, this product is also a single piece system.
However, what’s different about it is that instead of featuring a car seat belt buckle on one end, it features a loop which goes around the headrest of your car. It’s a good option for attaching the harness if you worry about the compatibility of the seat belt buckle.
The loop features a well-built plastic quick release clip and an adjustable strap to ensure the most secure fit around your car’s headrest.
It seems to be a very simple product, yet some of the best dog harnesses in UK also have the exact same features.
The main strap features elastic bungee which will prevent sudden jerks. It is made of a durable nylon material with high visibility markings running down the centre.
The strap is also adjustable from 60 cm to 72 cm in length. It is also important to note that you should only attach this to your dog’s harness and NOT for your dog’s collar.
Features
- Will fit any car headrest
- Long elastic bungee
- Adjustable length
What we liked
- Durable material
- Elastic bungee
- Headrest mount to fit every car
- High visibility markings
Didn't like
- Bungee might be too long for smaller cars
Why Your Dog Needs One
There are multiple reasons why you should get a car harness for your dog.
They range from safety to legal obligations and potentially to prevent you hurting physically and financially.
Your Dog’s Safety
Driving with your dog unrestrained is risky business. While there are some dogs which can sit comfortably without much prompting, a good majority just cannot sit still.
It is important to note that making an investment on a good dog car seat belt isn’t only safer for your dog during an accident, but also safer for you as a driver.
Your Safety
I’ve lost count of the number of times my dog has excitedly tried to climb onto me while driving or tries to bring the entire neighbourhood down with her bark.
That said, a good car harness (might not be able to stop your pooch from a high baritone barking), will give you a peace of mind and let you focus on the road ahead.
The Law Says So
Beyond the common-sense issues of safety for your and your pooch’s well-being, you’re obligated by law to use some sort of restraining.
It could be a dog crate or carrier. The benefit of a good dog seat belt is it allows a certain degree of movement for your pooch, so they’re not totally caged.
Invalidates Your Car Insurance
Car insurance providers might reserve the right to invalidate your policy if you’re involved in an unfortunate accident with an unrestrained pet.
How To Choose The Best One
There are many different variations of such dog car harnesses which can be confusing however, they all serve the same purpose which is restraining your pooch to keep them safe.
Is it the right size?
With hundreds of variations in the market, it can get confusing when making your purchase.
I had my fair share of purchases which didn’t fit my pup or the car at the end.
Most good retailers will provide a sizing chart with exact measurements for your dog. So be sure to follow the steps provided and take a good measurement of your dog before making your purchase.
Are peripheral features essential?
Some dog car harnesses come with many features.
While these features may look enticing, most peripheral features are redundant and are rarely used.
Remember, we’re not looking for a Swiss army knife, we’re looking for a good and reliable dog car seat belt.
Choose safer materials
Most of the best dog harnesses are made from material that doesn’t compromise safety.
For example, cotton is a very comfortable material however might not be the safest option for a restraint device. Look for a good balance in strength, durability and comfort.
Safety Tips For Travelling With Your Dog
Do
- Secure your dog with a car harness, crate or carrier
- Prefer the back seat for your dog to travel for safety
- If your dog is travelling in the front seat, switch off the passenger airbag and pull back the seat as far as possible
- Bring along sufficient water to keep your dog cool
- Take regular stops on long journeys
Don't
- Don't allow your pup to put their head out of an open window
- Don’t ever leave your dog in a car
- Don't position your pet right behind the driver seat. They might pull clothing etc. and distract you
FAQ
It depends on the unique design of the harness.
It can be secured by passing the seat belt through a loop in the harness to secure to the buckle. Some harnesses come with a strap that can be directly inserted into the buckle without using car seat-belts.
In an unfortunate accident or a sharp stop, the harness should spread out the force along your dog’s chest and back.
If you're using a car harness, back seats are ideally safer for your dog and you. It can help prevent them from distracting you.
Your dog can travel in the front of the car. However, you must switch off the passenger-side airbag. Also, pull back the seat as far as possible.
If you're not using a car harness, you must use a pet carrier, dog cage or a dog guard to sufficiently restrain your pet.
Final Verdict
Out of the 5 top harnesses that we’ve mentioned above, our favourite has got to be the Kurgo Dog Car Harness.
Here are several reasons why we love it.
Build Quality
The harness and tether are not just made of excellent material, but also crafted very well. This is a crucial factor for us because we want something that can withstand not just the test of time, but also the strength of our dogs!
Crash Tested
Being crash tested means that in the event of an accident, the chances of my dog being flung to the dashboard due to mechanical failure of the strap/harness are much lower than other conventional straps.
Comfort
While being made of excellent industrial standard material, the harness is also comfortable and breathable. This ensures that my dog doesn’t get restless even on the longest journey.
Haven't decided yet? Here is our top 5:
Our Top Picks
- Crash tested certified: Most broadly sold crash tested harness; crash...
- Adjustable and comfortable everyday harness: Ideal everything harness for...
- Dog seat belt tether included: Dog tether (seat belt loop with attached...
- New Match and Well Made ---Breathable Mesh Chest Vest Harness Strap: it’s...
- Suitable and Humanized Design --- Breathable mesh chest vest harness would...
- Keeping Safe and Comfortable --- The harness wraps around dog's body and...
- 【Driving Safety Comes First】: It prevents dogs from jumping out of the...
- 【Easy to Use & Wide Compatibility】: (If our seatbelt does not fit your...
- 【Detachable Seat Belt for Different Usages】: Since the seat belt is...
- 【HIGH QUALITY SEAT BELT】 The Made of high quality nylon fabric to...
- 【ADJUSTABLE LENGTH】 Dogs come in different sizes and weights. The Just...
- 【ELASTIC BUFFER DESIGN】 With elastic buffer design, Just Pet Zone dog...
✅【Safely Seated 】 Pets need...
✅【Full-Motion Snap...
✅【Secure &...
Which one is your favourite?
Wow! You're pawsome. Thank you for reading all the way here and taking care of your pooch today. If you decided the car harness for your dog, why not share with us in the comments section below.
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