Mabel the Rescue Dog

3 min read (Articles narrated by Mabel)

When humans hop in the car, it is normal to make sure everyone has a seat belt on before driving. So, why isn’t this behavior also common for dogs? It is a little thing that many dog parents don’t even think about, but it could be a matter of life or death for your dog.

I’m not trying to be dramatic, but dog seat belts should become the norm. So, what do you need to know about restraining your dog in the car?

Why Should You Restrain Your Dog During Car Rides?

The biggest reason to restrain your dog during car rides is because if you get in an accident, it is not likely that your dog will survive without a seat belt.

If there’s nothing to hold them back, then your dog could go flying forward if you come to an abrupt stop. That’s a terrifying thought! If you’re safely buckled while in the car, your dog should be too.

Plus, dogs can actually be a distraction while you’re driving. I love to try to climb onto Molly’s lap while she’s driving, and while I’m sure it’s adorable, I understand now that it’s not safe. If she’s paying attention to me moving around while she’s driving, then she’s not paying attention to the road. If your dog is restrained, you are less likely to be distracted while driving.

Of course, you would buckle your human children into the car, so why wouldn’t you do the same for your dogs? We’re a part of a family, so we deserve to be just as safe as everyone else.

What Are the Laws?

Some states actually have laws about dogs being restrained in cars. While not every state is specific about these rules, there are at least 6 states where your dog has to be restrained: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island.

Even though not every state has laws about this subject, this is not an excuse to keep your dog unsafe in the car. Having a dog unrestrained in your car is dangerous for them, for you, and for everyone around you! So, please think about purchasing some type of seat belt for your dog.

Where to Purchase a Car Restraints

There are lots of different types of car restraints out there. So, you have plenty of options to make sure you to choose the best one for your dog. Remember, you want them to be both safe and comfortable in the car.

Taco and I have seat belts that hook to our harnesses on one end, and then the other end just buckles in like a normal seat belt would. They are easy to use, and I don’t mind using them when I’m in the car. They allow me enough space to move a little bit, but if the car were to come to an abrupt stop, I wouldn’t get hurt.

If your dog cannot seem to sit still in the car though, you might want a stronger restraint. You can buy seat belts in different sizes, colors, and lengths. For smaller dogs, there are some seat belts that act more as a small carrier so that your dog can’t move around too much.

All these seat belts can help your dog be safer in the car, so even if you just purchase the cheapest one your find, it’s still better than leaving your dog unrestrained in the car.

Dogs should always be safe in the car just like humans. Spread the word about dog seat belts to make sure that everyone keeps their furry friends as safe as possible.

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