I have two dogs, one golden retriever and a Labrador, and I like taking them along with me on a ride. However, both are mischievous and cannot sit still even during the car ride, which can become a safety risk for them and me too.
While the laws in our country vary from state to state, one that remains consistent throughout the country is that driving with your pet in your lap is illegal. Also, if you compromise with the safety of your dog, then you might get fined for it.
Using a dog car harness or seat is the safest option for securing them in place while driving so that they do not cause any distractions and remain safe in case the car gets into an accident. I used a seat with both my dogs when they were puppies, and now that they are all grown up, a harness is a better-suited option.
I have also come across dogs that get very anxious while riding in a car. Using the right car harness may make them feel more secure if balanced and comfortable.
But choosing a car harness or seat was not an easy task for me as there were a lot of factors that I needed to consider. The harness should be a perfect fit so that my doggos cannot squirm or manage to slip out of it. Always look for the sizing chart before making your purchase. In my experience, if your dog is in between sizes, then it is better to choose the large size.
The harness should be easy to use with clear directions and an adjustable strap to secure your dog properly. Also, the harness should not be close to their throat or apply too much pressure anywhere.
Based on my own experience with dog car harnesses and seats, I have compiled a list of the six best products that worked like a charm for me. Let us take a look at them one by one.
Best Dog Harnesses to Buy
Whether you need a dog car harness or seat to keep your dog from jumping on your lap, or to help feel comfortable to an anxious dog, I have got you covered.
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
 | BEAU Pets Dog Seat Belt Car Harness Restraint Large | • Five different sizes. • Versatile. • Chest padding | Check Price |
 | All For Paws (AFP) Travel Dog Booster Seat Small | • Height lift. • All car compatibility • Storage pocket. | Check Price |
 | BEAU PETS DOG SEAT BELT CAR HARNESS RESTRAINT MEDIUM | • Multipurpose • Gentle on skin • Padded chest support | Check Price |
 | MASTERPET CAR HARNESS LARGE | • Adjustable • Can be used by dogs with neck injuries • Built-in double D-rings | Check Price |
1. BEAU Pets Dog Seat Belt Car Harness Restraint Large
Beau is an Australian company that is known for making high-quality products. With more than 60 years, Beau is one of the best manufacturers of pet accessories.
I don’t have to worry about my dogs jumping out the window or into my lap while driving using this dog harness. The car harness is comfortable enough for them to move in the backseat freely without being anxious about falling.
With 5 different sizes, this product is meant to fit dogs of all breeds and sizes. Let us look at some of the other features that make it one of the best dog car harnesses.
Adjustable
The dog car harness is adjustable to make it a perfect fit for your dog. Once I put the harness on my dogs, I adjust it so that the chest padding lies comfortably against their body and does not pressure them.
Comfortable
I found that my dogs don’t feel uncomfortable using this car harness. When I secured around their neck and girth, it had a balanced pressure on their chest and not around their neck.
Even when my dogs were tugging onto the harness in an attempt to get free, there was no pressure on their neck that could hurt them. The seatbelt length was enough for them to move in the backseat and lay down whenever they felt sleepy.
Multiple Sizes
One of the best features of this product is the five size options: extra small, small, medium, large and extra-large. While both my dogs are on the medium to large size, I feel that having multiple size options is great for pets on the smaller and bigger size.
Easy to Use
Another thing I find useful is the ease of using this car in my car. I clipped the harness directly onto the seat belt attachment while travelling with my dogs, and when we got out of the car, I clipped the harness on a leash. The harness’s versatility also makes it a great choice for me.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- It is easy to use.
- It is available in 5 different sizes.
- You can clip this harness in an existing seatbelt.
- It is adjustable to offer the perfect fit for your dog.
- You can use this as a travel and regular harness.
Cons
- I didn’t find any issues with this product.
2. All For Paws (AFP) Travel Dog Booster Seat Small
One of the only dog car seats on my list is from the brand All For Paws. They specialise in creating high-quality products for pets. They offer free shipping in Australia with great customer service if you have any problems.
This car seat for dogs is great for small height dogs or puppies. The seat gives a height boost for your dogs to let them enjoy the view out the window.
While I could not use this car seat with my grown-up dogs, it sure worked like a charm when I had to help a friend out with their chihuahua. Let us take a look at some of its features.
Height Lift
One of the main features of this dog car seat is the instant height lift it provides. One of the main problems with travelling with small dogs is that they want to use your lap as a desk to look out the window and create an unnecessary distraction for you. This seat comes with a cushion that gives them a height lift to watch the view out the window.
Comfortable
This car seat makes the car ride as comfortable as it gets for your dogs. The cushion at the bottom of the seat and soft materials allows your dogs to enjoy their car rides without any problem. Also, since they don’t have to be secured using a harness, there is no pressure around their neck or chest in case of sudden movement.
Easy to Use
This car seat is compatible with all the cars, and I found no trouble using it on my car. It clips directly onto the seat belt clip and stays in place during your whole ride. You can also put the safety leash or straps around the seat’s headrest to ensure added security of your pet while riding.
Storage
While travelling with dogs, we have to carry some of their belongings, like treats and toys. This car seat for dogs comes with a front pocket that can hold some of those items. Also, the bottom of the seat has a compartment that I used to store the inflated cushion while it was not in use.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- It is made of soft and comfortable material.
- The seat offers an instant height lift for small dogs.
- It is compatible with all cars.
- It is easy to use.
- It comes with an inflated cushion.
- It has storage pockets.
Cons
- It is not suitable for fussy dogs.
- Since the size is small, it is not suitable for large dogs.
3. BEAU PETS DOG SEAT BELT CAR HARNESS RESTRAINT MEDIUM
The Beau Pets Dog Seat Belt Car Harness Restraint is one of the best options to consider if you’re looking for a unique harness that can secure your pet during travel. This product is especially useful if your dog is fond of jumping out of the windows or pacing around the car while you’re driving.
Easy to Use
The Beau Pets harness comes with built-in design clips to help restrain your dog to the car seat. These clips can be easily tethered to your car’s seat belt buckle, thus keeping your canine companion secure throughout the ride.
Durable
Durability is a choice feature every buyer keeps a lookout for. This product is made of high-quality, durable nylon, which will not wear off at the slightest strain and will hence last you for quite a while.
Available in a Wide Range of Sizes
The Beau Pets Harness also comes in sizes ranging from small, medium, large and extra large and can accommodate dogs weighing up to 30kg with a chest size up to 135cm. Make sure to check out their sizing chart to find the perfect fit for your canine companion.
Gentle on Skin
This harness features strong hooks that ensure safety and security during long drives. However, although strong, these hooks do not cause any irritation or rashes on your dog’s skin and can hence be used comfortably by your furry friend.
Padded Chest Support
This product also features padded chest support to provide your dog with extra comfort during their long expeditions. This chest support helps reduce the extra burden on their body and prevent strain and joint aches.
Multipurpose
This seat belt restraint can also be used in many other ways. After usage, you can easily unclip the hooks from the car seat belt, and this product can be used as a walking harness or for training purposes. This saves you the hassle of changing harnesses, especially if your dog is not very fond of them.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Easy to use
- Durable
- Available in a wide range of sizes
- Gentle on skin
- Padded support
- Multipurpose
Cons
- It cannot be used by dogs over 30kg in weight and 135cm in chest size.
4. MASTERPET CAR HARNESS LARGE
The Masterpet car harness is another great product in the market worth considering and is also the best to consider if your pet has any neck injuries. This product is well appreciated worldwide and is worth applause attributing to its unique features.
Multipurpose
The Masterpet car harness can be used to safely secure and restrain your pet during long drives, thus preventing injuries and mishaps. This harness can also easily be detached and used as a walking or training harness as it easily attaches to every lead.
Easy to Use
This product is also incredibly easy to use as it attaches securely to your car seat. It can also be easily detached from the seat and used as a walking harness too.
Comfortable
The Masterpet car harness is lightweight and made of very soft materials that are gentle on your dog’s skin. This gives an added sense of comfort even if your dog doesn’t enjoy being put into it.
Adjustable
This harness is also fully adjustable and can easily be modified to fit your pet’s body snugly. This prevents the harness from slipping out while your dog plays and also avoids choking and rashes from a tight harness.
Can be Used by Dogs With Neck Injuries
Unlike other harnesses, the Masterpet is also designed to be used by our canine buddies who have suffered neck injuries. This unique design is a godsend for owners who have trouble finding a good harness to support their dog’s neck while in the car.
Built-in Double D-Rings
The Masterpet harness also features Double D-rings that enable you to attach your pet’s ID. This saves you the hassle of adding an additional collar and enables people to contact you in case your pet wanders too far away.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Multipurpose
- Easy to use
- Comfortable
- Adjustable
- Can be used by dogs with neck injuries
- Built-in double D-rings
Cons
- Not very durable
Things to Consider Before Buying Dog Car Harness
Before you come to a conclusion, here are some factors you need to consider while getting your dog the best harness ever made.
1. Size
Ensure your dog is using the proper size harness prior to making your selection. To make sure your pet would feel comfortable wearing the halter, quantify their neck and chest. You can estimate your dog’s neck by wrapping a measuring tape all around the broadest area of the neck.
Use a flexible fabric measuring tape to wrap around the dog’s body and estimate the chest. Proceed up and across the rear of the dog, starting at the bottom of the ribs. Retrace your steps back to the beginning after all this.
2. Weight
One of the most crucial aspects to take into account when choosing a dog harness is weight. If the harness you purchase is not strong enough to support your dog’s weight, it will simply come apart with the smallest tug and push.
3. Buckles
For light-duty and simple dogs who don’t mind wearing a harness, plastic buckles are an excellent option. These fasteners are simple to use and swift to secure. On the other hand, you might need to contemplate using metal buckles for dogs who are more active as well as for their safety in cars.
4. Adjustability
Finding the ideal harness can occasionally be a challenge. It is crucial to take into account purchasing one that can be quickly adjusted at the loose or tight corners encircling your dog. Another benefit of adjustable harnesses is that your dog can outgrow them as they age.
5. Lightweight
Consider purchasing a lightweight harness if your dog is in the smaller-to medium-sized range so that they are not burdened by the excess weight all around them. During extended hikes, a lightweight harness also makes it easy for them to move around.
6. Durability
Before making a purchase, make sure you do your homework on the harness’s durability. Choose one that won’t wear out quickly and is likely to last you a while, particularly if your furry buddy always manages to get through it.
FAQ’s
HOW DO I KNOW IF THE SIZE OF MY HARNESS IS APPROPRIATE?
Let’s be honest. Even after all the trouble of getting measurements, the harness could occasionally still appear a bit off. There are a few indicators; nevertheless, that could help you determine if your harness is the appropriate size.
Your harness may be too tight if you notice any signs of irritation or loose fur in the vicinity of the harness. On the other hand, if your dog is wriggling free or the rear portion of your harness swings to the sides, your harness may be too loose.
WHY SHOULD I PREFER A DOG HARNESS OVER A SIMPLE COLLAR?
The best approach to managing dogs that tug on their leash is using a dog harness. A harness can improve your ability to see your dog’s front and rear ends if you are worried about their safety.
HOW DO I GET MY DOG ACCUSTOMED TO THEIR NEW HARNESS?
The best approach to break in a new harness on your dog is to first let them wear it around the house before attempting the longer walks and gradually working your way through. If you successfully get them through a set amount of time with their harness on, you can also give them treats as a reward.
CAN I USE BOTH A COLLAR AND A HARNESS ON MY DOG AT THE SAME TIME?
While a dog can wear a collar and a harness at the same time, most doctors do not advise this since there is a chance that the two items could become tangled and pose a risk for choking and neck injuries.
Conclusion
Sometimes travelling with my dogs becomes a necessity, whether to take them to visit grandma or a vet examination. Now I like to drive safely, and there is nothing better than a dog harness or seat to keep my fur babies secure.
There are many options for dog harnesses and seats in the market; however, I have personally tried and tested the ones I have discussed above. No one but you know what works best for your pet. If you like, you can use my post as a guide and select the best dog car harness for your pets.