When a driver or passenger is in a car, we’re quite well aware of the importance of the seat belt, as it can mean the difference between life and death! When you’re driving with your dog, ensuring their safety with the use of a device like a harness or safety seat is just as critical.

You want the harness to have passed a crash test to ensure your dog’s safety, but it must also be durable, convenient, and comfortable. So, here are reviews of the top six crash-tested dog harnesses that you can use to keep your dog safe while on the road.

A Quick Look at Our Favorites of 2024

The 6 Best Crash-Tested Dog Harnesses for the Car

1. Sleepypod Clickit Sport Plus Crash-Tested and Safety Certified Harness for Dogs — Best Overall

The Sleepypod Clickit Sport Plus Crash-Tested and Safety Certified Car Seat Belt Harness for Dogs is the best overall crash-tested dog harness for the car. It has undergone extensive testing for U.S., EU, and Canadian child safety standards and has been independently tested by the Center for Pet Safety.

The harness is quite light and padded, providing comfort and additional safety, as it reduces the chance of injury. It can transition easily as a car and walking harness and is simple to put on and take off.

However, there are a few downsides. Although the harness comes in size small, it may not fit small or toy breeds well. The instructions suggest that it’s meant for dogs weighing between 18 and 90 pounds, which isn’t helpful for owners of small breeds. Additionally, the straps can be a bit tricky to adjust.

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2. Kurgo Tru-Fit Enhanced Strength Crash Tested Smart Car Dog Harness — Best Value

The best crash-tested dog harness for the car for the money is Kurgo Tru-Fit Enhanced Strength Crash Tested Smart Car Dog Harness. It has been tested for safety at a facility that adheres to the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 213a, which is designed for child restraint systems, so you know that it’s safe for your dog!

You can keep the harness’s carabiners attached to the seat belt, and when it’s time to take your dog out of the car, you only need to release the straps. The harness itself is adjustable in five different areas, ensuring a proper fit for your dog. It also has leash attachments on the chest and back for various walking styles.

However, once buckled in, the harness is quite restrictive and might feel a bit heavy for small breeds.

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3. EzyDog Drive Safety Travel Dog Car Harness — Premium Choice

The EzyDog Drive Safety Travel Dog Car Harness is our premium choice because it is a safe and substantial harness. It’s been rigorously tested at Australia’s Automotive Safety Engineering facility, which is recognized by European, Australian, and American regulatory agencies for child-restraint standards.

The harness is sturdy and helps keep your dog secure during car rides. Additionally, it has an ergonomic memory foam chest piece designed to fit your dog’s body comfortably, enabling them to step in and out of the harness with ease.

However, it’s worth noting that this harness is relatively expensive and may not fit all dogs perfectly.

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4. CarSafe Crash Tested Back Clip Dog Harness

The CarSafe Crash Tested Back Clip Dog Harness is an affordable option that has received a test certification from an OVSC-registered laboratory facility.

It comes with cushioned and breathable padding that ensures comfort on the chest piece, while being designed to attach to your car’s seatbelts without the need for extra straps. Additionally, it has reflective fabric that enhances visibility during evening walks, making your dog safer.

However, it’s worth noting that the neck of the harness is not adjustable, and the front chest piece can be quite stiff, which may make it uncomfortable for some dogs.

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5. Ruffwear Load Up Dog Harness Strength-Rated Car Safety Harness

Ruffwear Load Up Dog Harness Strength-Rated Car Safety Harness has undergone rigorous testing at an NHTSA facility. This includes static tensile testing of each component of the harness.

It has all-metal hardware and a large belly panel, which should prevent dogs from getting out of the harness. The size can be adjusted at four different points, and Velcro tabs can hold down any excess straps.

Unfortunately, the chest piece might push into some dogs’ abdomens, which can prove uncomfortable. It also doesn’t have a place to attach a leash, and it is a bit of a challenge to get some dogs into it.

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6. Kurgo Car Safety Crash Tested Harness for Dogs

Kurgo Car Safety Crash Tested Harness for Dogs has been tested with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) for child restraint systems. This harness is lightweight and can be easily attached to a seat belt. It is designed to prevent the dog from being thrown forward during a crash and has a padded and broad chest piece for extra protection.

However, the harness can be stiff and tight and may not fit well on deep-chested dogs. Also, if your pup is an escape artist, they may be able to get out of this harness.

Buyer’s Guide: Picking the Best Crash-Tested Dog Harness for the Car

It’s crucial to select the appropriate crash-tested harness for your dog. Several factors must be considered, including safety, ease of use, and your dog’s comfort. We delve into these aspects in more detail here to help you determine the most suitable harness for you and your pet.

The Fit

Customers often complain that they followed the measurements provided in the company’s product description, only to find that the harness still didn’t fit their dog right.

To avoid this issue, measure your dog carefully and accurately, using the parameters provided by the company. Additionally, read the product reviews to better gauge its fit and quality.

If your dog is between sizes, opt for the bigger size, as you should be able to tighten the straps to fit your pet properly. You might need to try out several harnesses until you find the perfect one for your dog.

Safety

Safety is by far the most important feature when shopping for a harness designed to protect your dog in case of an accident. Research the specific harness that you’re interested in by visiting the company’s website. Many companies will provide videos of their crash tests and additional information on certifications.

Wearing the Harness

Before you use the harness in the car, you should get your dog accustomed to wearing it around the house. This will also help you determine the right way to adjust it to ensure a good fit.

Next, buckle your dog into the car for short periods of time while using treats to help them adjust to the feeling of being in the harness. Gradually increase the amount of time that your dog spends in the car while wearing the harness, and try driving short distances, such as around the block.

After these short drives, take your dog to a place that they enjoy, such as a dog park or walking trail. This will help your dog associate being in the car with positive experiences, making it more likely that they will enjoy future car rides while wearing the harness.

Conclusion

We highly recommend the Sleepypod Clickit Sport Plus as the best crash-tested dog harness. It has been tested for safety standards in the U.S., EU, and Canada, making it a reliable choice.

Kurgo’s Tru-Fit Enhanced Strength Dog Harness is an excellent option if you’re on a budget. It has been tested for safety following the FMVSS No. 213a.

For a premium choice, we suggest the EzyDog Drive Safety Travel Dog Car Harness, which has undergone rigorous testing at Australia’s Automotive Safety Engineering facility. It also has an ergonomic memory foam chest piece.

We hope that these reviews have helped you choose a suitable crash-tested dog harness to keep your pet safe in the event of an accident.

• See also: How Many Dogs Die in Car Accidents Each Year? Vet Approved Facts & FAQ

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Featured Image Credit: Aleksey Boyko, Shutterstock