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Best Dog Car Harness for 2021

Dogs are great companions, and any owner wants to spend as much time as possible with theirs.

Exploring new places which would take too long to reach on their four little legs is something you have probably done (or it is on the to-do list). If you have ever tried to take a car journey with them, however, you’ve probably realised that they’re not the best for sitting still.

You’re also a bit cautious of the fact that they need to be secured properly, as you would yourself or a small child. In fact, not doing this could get you in trouble. A dog seatbelt is a great idea, but you’re still not 100% certain that their walking harness offers enough protection against any sudden movement.

Therefore, a dog car harness is a great bit of equipment to have. We have reviewed the best below, which importantly all fit into the safety and security requirements for dog harnesses.

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    Our Top Picks

    Image Product Details
    EzyDog Drive Harness
    • Crash tested in multiple countries
    • Large chest plate surface area
    • Very strong material
    Check Price
    Kurgo Car Harness for Dogs
    • Sturdy without being harsh to shapes
    • Heavy - good for strong dogs
    • 5 adjustment points
    Check Price
    CLIX Car Safe Harness for Dogs
    • Choice of sizes
    • Comes with a seatbelt clip
    Check Price

    The Top 10 Car Dog Harnesses Reviewed

    1.
    EzyDog Drive Harness

    A safety tested harness, which conforms to all relevant requirements for USA (FMVSS 213) Europe (ECE Regulation 21) and Australia (ADR42/04).

    Just one fitting means that there will be no further adjustments needed. The Mag-Lok Instant Fit closure system ensures a quick on-off process and means that the fit will be right each and every time.

    The materials used are not only ideal for providing your dog with the safest possible journey, but they are also made to last. Tri-Glides are made from aluminium alloy to be light, durable and strong. Seat belt webbing and Crosslink Technology ensures that the harness is as strong as the belt which holds you in place, too.

    There is a nice large chest plate which is padded for impact protection, and it should also contour to the shape of your dog for maximum comfort. Plus, the seatbelt goes directly through the harness which is a factor some people say is safer than a separate belt.

    Features

    • Crash tested in multiple countries
    • Large chest plate surface area
    • Very strong material

    Specifications

    • Sizes: S, M, L
    • Colour: Black

    2.
    Kurgo Car Harness for Dogs

    Another bestseller, which can be used in vehicles as well as on walks.

    It is the most broadly sold crash-tested harness around the world and has been tested at a university testing facility following child car seat standards. It will hold dogs up to 34kg which is good news for big breeds.

    It is designed with those frisky dogs in mind. There is plenty of security and hold when used in the car, with a good-sized chest plate and adjustable straps to find the perfect fit. Then, when used on walks, there’s a no-pull D-Ring on the back as well as one on the chest plate if you’re using a training lead.

    A dog tether (seat belt loop with attached carabiner) is included and compatible with any car seat belt system. Just fasten the fitted seatbelt, and clip the carabiner onto both the waist and shoulder straps. Perfect if you have a car which doesn’t accept ordinary belt buckles, or you need to keep your dog completely free from the chance to fidget.

    Features

    • Sturdy without being harsh to shapes
    • Heavy - good for strong dogs
    • 5 adjustment points

    Specifications

    • Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL
    • Colour: Black, Red

    3.
    CLIX Car Safe Harness for Dogs

    Designed by Dr Roger Mugford at the Company Of Animals, the CLIX is one of the most popular dog car harnesses available to buy online.

    It is designed to provide both safety and comfort, but can also be used when walking in the majority of cases. There is soft neoprene padding at all of the contact points which could be strained if the car was to suddenly brake or move, which will protect your dog.

    Particular focus is given to the central chest protector, where there would be the maximum impact in the event of an incident. It has been designed in an X shape, which is unique and will prevent the harness from moving when your dog is active.

    The material is traditional seat belt material which gives the ultimate strength and will not cause friction. To fit, just fasten the double-sided adjustable buckles at each side, which means you don’t have to manipulate their legs to get it on. Great if you will be taking it on and off between drives and walks.

    We say it is our best budget pick but don’t be put off – it is still safe to use.

    Features

    • Choice of sizes
    • Comes with a seatbelt clip

    Specifications

    • Sizes: XS, S, M, L
    • Colour: Black

    4.
    Ancol Travel and Exercise Dog Harness

    Able to take your dog from car travelling to every day walking and use, this harness has large contact points and padding on the chest for comfort and safety.

    The strong, hardwearing material means it should be a lifetime product, and there is a D-ring for their lead. Finding the right size gives your dog enough movement to make themselves comfortable, but not for escaping or distracting you.

    If you do use it for walking, there are reflective strips around the edging which is great for visibility.

    Features

    • Good for walks
    • Low price

    Specifications

    • Sizes: S, M, L, XL
    • Colour: Black

    5.
    RAC Car Harness

    Travelling to new places with your pooch is exciting and it is great for them to get out and explore, but keeping them safe in the car can be a big worry.

    They need to sit on a seat to ensure they aren’t rolling about the boot, but they just won’t sit still even when a seatbelt lead is attached. With this dog car harness, they can still make themselves comfortable, but won’t become a distraction or hurt themselves.

    It works with the existing seatbelt so keeps them even more secure compared to having a separate seatbelt lead. The larger surface area also helps prevent any injury by spreading the weight in case of an emergency stop.

    It can be doubled up as a walking harness by simply attaching their lead to the D hook at the rear, reducing the need to swap everything over when you are out and about.

    Features

    • From a trusted brand
    • Uses fitted belt

    Specifications

    • Sizes: S, M, L, XL
    • Colours: Black/Orange

    6.
    Pets at Home In-Car Safety Dog Harness

    The lowest budget option on our list. We will be straight with you before we get into it – we wouldn’t recommend it for very strong dogs or long journeys where there is an increased risk of accidents.

    But, it still passes all of our requirements, with safety padding and adjustability. It can be used on walks too, with a grab handle and sporty buckle for a quick release. There is also reflective trimming for visibility, and the small size is perfect for Jack Russels, Bichon Frise and similar, which can sometimes be hard to buy for.

    It comes with a separate seatbelt clip, which gives you one less thing to buy.

    Features

    • Good for small dogs
    • Secure without being overbearing

    Specifications

    • Sizes: S, M, L
    • Colour: Brown

    Buying Guide

    Size

    You will need to take the measurements of your dog to find the right size of harness for them. This involves their chest, neck, and length sizes.

    Unlike with a walking harness, their weight is not a concern here, so the right harness for your dog on a lead may not be secure enough for them in the car.

    Seatbelt Fastening

    There are a few options here – either fastening your harness to a separate seatbelt clip which clips in, looping your seatbelt through the harness or clipping the harness to the fastened car seatbelt.

    Separate dog seatbelt

    Some will come with one, and others will require you to buy separately. This is a good option if you will also be using the harness as a walking aid, and will need to detach it. It is vital to always clip them into the back seat and not the front.

    Using the car seatbelt

    However, the alternative is a harness which allows you to use the permanently fitted seatbelt passed through a loop on the harness. Some people prefer this, especially for stronger dogs, as it gives them less leeway and opportunity to bounce.

    Some harnesses, such as the Kurgo Car Harness, give you a carabiner which clips to the fastened seatbelt rather than struggling to loop the belt through the harness.

    Crash Testing for Safety

    Few harnesses are crash tested, but this is how you can really separate the ordinary harnesses from the ones used in a car.

    It is a vital thing to look out for if you are going on particularly long journeys or have a very fidgety dog, as you would also look out for when buying a child car seat.

    They will usually be more expensive but this is worth paying. You should check it conforms to the UK and European standards, not just the USA or Australia as they have different requirements.

    Other Buyers Ask...

    Do I need a car dog harness?

    It is the law to ensure that your dog is safely secured in your car and that they cannot cause a distraction to the driver or passengers.

    While there are no rules surrounding how they are secured – seatbelt clips, harnesses, car seats and carriers are all suggested – many people like to keep their dog in the car and not the boot. In which case, a car harness is ideal as it is specifically designed to be used in a vehicle.

    It will keep them secured, and safe as it provides maximum protection against movement from sudden braking or swerving. After all, it is a small price to pay for equipment which could save your dog’s life in the event of an accident.

    Can I not just use their ordinary harness?

    There is a possibility, yes. Dog car harnesses will usually offer a few essential points:

    • A large surface area across the chest for safety in case of sudden movement
    • Padding and cushioning on the chest plate to protect from sudden jolts
    • Secure fit so they can’t wriggle out of it or become unattached
    • Durable stitching which is comfortable around their joints

    So, some harnesses like Julius K9 will usually be fine in the car, but be aware that if your dog is particularly fidgety or strong, a dedicated car harness will always be a winner, especially if your usual harness is designed specifically for walking or training.

    Beware of other sites recommending car dog harnesses which *aren’t* suitable for the car and do not offer the above factors.