How to choose a car seat for your dog

You’ve just got your new fur baby, and you can’t wait to take them out to the park or beach. But - have you thought about car safety? Riding in a SEAT (Say-at) is a good first step, but it's best to have a proper restraint too.

Just like a human baby, it’s important to consider the appropriate restraint for your dog in the car. If they’re roaming around or sticking their head out the window they could jump out, or in the event of a crash seriously harm themselves or you. So, we’ve put together a few notes to help you choose the right restraint for your pup.

Crates

Many experts say a crate is the safest place for a dog to be when in the car. Crates need to be anchored in the cargo area in the back of an SUV or Station Wagon; it should come with connections that you can secure to the cargo area anchors. However, if your dog and crate are small, it might be designed to sit on the back seat. It’s important to do research first to ensure the manufacturer has gone through all the necessary safety tests.

Harness

In many cases, your dog or even your car might be too small for a crate. If this is the case, look to travel harnesses, seat belts designed for dogs that attach to them using a harness. Experts agree that you should avoid using these attached to their collar, as they can become unsafe, and again use them in the back seat or cargo areas.

No matter what car restraint you’re considering for your pup, it’s always important to consider their size and how comfortable they’ll be. The type of trips you're taking is also important to think about, so you can make sure your pup is as happy and safe as possible along the entire journey.