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15 best dog car harnesses to keep your dog safe and comfortable
Make travelling with your pet a breeze
Keeping your dog still and secure during a long car journey can be a challenge, but have you ever considered a dog car harness? They are great for keeping pups comfortable, cosy and happy when travelling.
Dog car harnesses are specially designed to prevent your dog from moving around in the car while keeping your pet safe and comfortably restrained. This means there is less chance of you being distracted behind the wheel – in turn, keeping everyone in the car (and on the roads) safe. Most harnesses can also be attached to your dog's lead, meaning you can go straight from your car journey and out for a walk in the park with ease.
Is it law to harness dogs in cars?
The Dogs Trust launched 'The Houndway Code' in 2020 — a car safety awareness campaign – after new research revealed that one in five dog owners regularly travel with their dog unrestrained in the passenger seat of their car and 10% place their pet in their lap whilst at the wheel.
The survey also revealed that nearly half of the British dog-owning, driving public (which account for over 2.5 million people), are unaware that they are breaking the law and not abiding by the highway code when not suitably restraining their dog whilst driving.
44% of owners do not restrain their dogs with a harness whilst in the car and a quarter admitted to finding them a distraction. 10% said they had to take their hand off the wheel to restrain their doggy passengers. There's a legal obligation for dogs to travel safely and the Dogs Trust advises they are not in the front of the car.
Are harnesses bad for dogs?
A harness that fits a dog properly and does not come close to the throat should be harmless and comfortable. Dog owners should make sure all leads, collars and harnesses do not apply pressure to the throat. This can damage the dog's thyroid, esophagus, and trachea.
Take a look at some of the best dog car harnesses...
Featuring a metal D-ring for attaching to leads, this cotton dog car harness features Barbour's signature tartan and is cushioned for extra comfort. It's at the top of our wish list...
Highlights of this Breathable Mesh Chest Vest Harness Strap include double mesh fabric which absorbs sweat, a durable nylon strap and adjustable elements to suit your dog and car.
The chest plate on this dog car harness distributes weight evenly across the dog's chest (rather than the throat), to make walks and drives enjoyable for both you and your companion.
Kurgo Enhanced Strength Tru-Fit Smart Car Dog Harness Black X Small
The Kurgo Enhanced Strength Tru-Fit Smart Harness is a crash-tested dog car harness that keeps you and your pup safe while driving. The all-steel Nesting Buckle System is based on the engineering for harnesses used by rock climbers and linesmen ensuring strength and safety.
MightyPawShop Mighty Paw Vehicle Safety Harness, Doubles as Dog Walking Harness with Front Range Leash Attachment
The harness is made from quality metal hardware which provides safety and durability. The long-lasting material is proven to be weatherproof and is very easy to clean. Breathable, lightweight padding ensures your four-legged friend is always comfortable. It also doubles as a regular harness.
Features of this stylish dog seat and harness include waterproof material that is machine washable, a quadruple locking system, and easy-to-adjust sizes. It will easily hold most dogs up to 30 lbs.
This soft dog car harness is durable and comfortable for your pet. They are suitable for all dogs and very popular with pug owners.
The Clix car safe harness has been developed to combine safety with comfort for your dog in the car and whilst walking. It has soft neoprene padding, is quick to fit and easy to use, making it perfect for every travelling dog.
Protect your pup in one of these unique designer harnesses. This fur-trimmed harness is perfect for pets who love to stay soft and snug whilst being walked. It's made from super soft Velboa fabric with a faux fur trim and contrast pearly bows.
The sotnos travel and walking safety harness has a grab handle, which makes it great for walking, and doubles as an integrated seatbelt loop. It also features reflective detailing for walks on those dark nights.
This handmade fabric dog harness is sturdy as well as stylish. It's made with interface strengthened cotton fabric with heavy duty, wide hook and loop tape. A strip of strong nylon webbing down the back with two welded metal D rings to attach to a leash.
pet head Wainwright's Luxurious Woven Herringbone Dog Harness Ink Blue
The Wainwright's Luxurious Woven Herringbone Dog Harness has been crafted in to provide the best in comfort and quality: the fabric is super strong, finished with sturdy metalwork and tasteful leather trim.
This dog car harness includes a car seat belt attachment. It's lightweight, versatile and has neck and chest adjustment ensuring a comfortable and secure fit.
The optimal alignment of chest strap distributes pressure evenly on chest, prevents pressure around the throat area and does not restrict breathing. There is more elbowroom due to slim design and belly strap that has been moved further back.
Doodlebone Airmesh Snappy Dog Harness - Teal
The Doodlebone Snappy Harness is designed for dogs who prefer not to have items put over their heads. It provides a much more comfortable experience for your dog than a standard collar with the advantage of being extremely quick and easy to put on.
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Naomi Gordon is news writer mainly covering entertainment news with a focus on celebrity interviews and television.
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