How to safely secure your dog in a car

We Australians love our road trips, and for many of us, that trip isn't complete without our four-legged best mate in the passenger seat. But while it's tempting to let your dog roam free, dog car safety is a serious matter that is actually governed by law.

Did you know it is illegal in all Australian states to drive with a dog on your lap? Beyond road rules, the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act allows the RSPCA to fine drivers if a dog is injured because it wasn't properly restrained.

According to the RSPCA, around 5,000 dogs are injured or killed in Australia every year due to falling from moving vehicles or being unrestrained during a crash. At Carma, we’re all about safe driving, and that includes protecting your precious cargo. Securing your dog isn't just a smart move for their safety; it also ensures you stay on the right side of the law. There are a few ways to secure your dog.

1. Dog car harness

A dog car harness is one of the most effective and safe ways to secure a medium to large size dog and the most straightforward. Unlike a standard walking harness, a car specific one is designed to withstand the forces of a sudden stop with some also doubling up as an everyday walking harness. It also has a padded, wider chest plate to better distribute pressure during a sudden stop. It may have a specific, reinforced loop for the seatbelt to pass through or come with a tether.

Another variation of this is the harness attachment. This is a separate short strap where one end is attached to the standard walking harness that your dog is wearing and the other clips into the seat belt buckle of your car. Just make sure the harness your dog is wearing is compatible with the attachment. Although it is highly portable, it can be a bit flimsy as the everyday harness it’s attached to is not designed to absorb the force from sudden stops.

2. Dog booster seat

A dog booster seat is a fantastic option for puppies or smaller breeds, limiting their movement to a safe zone.

• Positioning: The back seat is the safest. Only use the front passenger seat if your front airbags are disabled, as a deploying airbag can be fatal for a small dog.
• Securing the seat: Thread the car’s seatbelt through the loops of the booster seat and pull it tight.
• Tethering: Clip the internal tether to your dog’s harness. Adjust it so they can sit or lie down comfortably but cannot lunge toward the driver.

Dog crate

For many, a dog crate is the gold standard for safety. It acts as a protective "safety cell."

• Sizing: Ensure the crate is large enough for your dog to sit, stand, and turn around.
• Anchoring: Place the crate on a non-slip mat. Use ratchet straps to secure it to your car’s cargo anchor points.
• Important: Never use standard seatbelts to secure a heavy crate; they aren't designed to hold that much bulk in a collision.

Tips

• For smaller dogs and puppies, a travel safe crate also works.
• The window rule: You can leave a small gap for air, but don't let their head stick out. Debris and dust can cause serious eye injuries.
• Backseat is best: Keeping your dog in the back minimises driver distraction. If you’re curious about other road safety habits, read our guide on how modern car safety features are changing the way we drive.
• Always attach restraints to a well fitted harness and not the collar to prevent choking and neck injuries.
• Buy from a certified retailer with seatbelt harnesses that have been crash tested.

Securing your dog is a small step that ensures your furry friend stays safe and you stay focused on the road. Whether you use a crash tested harness or a sturdy crate, you're doing your part for dog car safety.