Glossary

Dog car seat and restraint

A booster seat, harness or secured crate that holds a dog in place in a vehicle, protecting both the dog and the people from injury in a sudden stop or crash.

Also called: dog seat belt, dog car harness, crash-tested harness, booster seat, dog car restraint, pet seat belt, dog car seat

A dog should be restrained in a moving car. An unrestrained dog can be thrown in a crash, can injure passengers and may distract the driver. Options include a crash-tested harness that clips into the seat belt, a booster seat that lifts a small dog and has a short tether, and a secured travel crate in the cargo area.

Not every product is tested. The nonprofit Center for Pet Safety runs independent crash tests and publishes results, and manufacturers' claims of strength do not always match them. Use a harness made for cars, not a walking harness, and never attach a seat belt to a collar. Some places have laws on restraint, so check local rules.

The back seat is usually safest, away from the airbag. Fit and weight limits matter, and restraint does not replace rest stops, water and never leaving a dog in a parked car.

Last reviewed November 8, 2026

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Related terms

Travel crate A sturdy, ventilated crate used to carry or secure a dog in a vehicle or for transport, built to stay closed in a collision. Harness vs collar A flat collar holds ID tags, while a harness spreads a leash's pull across a dog's chest and shoulders instead of the neck. Dog crate A box or cage that provides a dog with a safe, enclosed space at home or in a car; it should be large enough to stand, turn and lie down in. Dog stroller A wheeled carrier that lets you push a small, older or injured dog, designed for dogs that cannot walk far, not as a replacement for exercise.