Every day, countless dog owners unknowingly put their pets—and themselves—at risk by not following proper car safety practices. Whether it’s letting a dog ride in the front seat, roam freely in the car, or using makeshift restraints, these mistakes can have devastating consequences in an accident. Here’s what you need to know to keep your dog safe every time you hit the road.
1. Dogs in the Front Seat
Airbags save lives—but they’re designed for adult humans, not dogs. If deployed, an airbag can cause serious injury or even death to a dog riding in the front seat. Even in a minor accident, the force of an airbag can be too much for a small or medium-sized dog to withstand.
The safest place for your dog is in the back seat, properly restrained.
2. Dogs Roaming Freely in the Car
Many people assume their dog will sit calmly or stay put in the back seat, but an unrestrained dog becomes a dangerous projectile in an accident. According to American Humane, in a crash:
A 10-pound dog in a 50 mph accident will exert 500 pounds of force on impact.
An 80-pound dog in a 30 mph accident will exert 2,400 pounds of force—enough to seriously injure passengers or even break through the windshield.
A dog roaming around also distracts the driver, increasing the risk of an accident even before a crash occurs.
3. Using the Wrong Restraints
Tying a leash to a seatbelt or using an unsecured carrier might feel safer than nothing, but improper restraints can be just as dangerous as no restraint at all. In an accident, these solutions may break or cause injury due to the way force is distributed.
To truly keep your dog safe, look for crash-tested restraints, such as:
Certified crash-tested harnesses (attached properly to a seatbelt).
Secured crates (fastened down in the back seat or cargo area).
Pet seat belts designed to work with harnesses.
Many products claim to be “safety-tested,” but not all meet crash-test standards. When choosing a restraint, look for one that has undergone independent crash testing and is rated for your dog’s weight and size.
4. Holding Your Dog in the Car
You cannot hold onto your dog in a crash. No matter how small or strong you think you are, physics wins every time. Your pet will fly out of your arms in a collision, potentially suffering serious injuries—or worse.
If you love your dog, secure them properly before driving. 5. Keep Your Dog’s Head Inside the Car
We’ve all seen dogs joyfully sticking their heads out of car windows, ears flapping in the wind—but while it may look cute, it’s incredibly dangerous.
Dogs can be hit by debris, dust, or insects, which can cause serious eye, nose, or mouth injuries. In some cases, larger debris or sudden stops could lead to more severe harm.
More importantly, if your dog’s head is out the window and you get into an accident, what happens to their head and neck? The force of a crash could slam their skull against the window frame, another vehicle, or the pavement. Even a sudden swerve or braking could cause serious whiplash or neck injuries.
If the window is open enough, a dog could also fall or jump out, especially if they get startled or see something exciting outside. Even at low speeds, this can result in life-threatening injuries.
The safest place for your dog is secured inside the vehicle, with the windows closed or only slightly cracked for airflow. If they need fresh air, make sure they’re properly restrained and can’t lean too far out.
6. Dogs on the Driver’s Lap
This one should go without saying, but it happens every single day. A dog on your lap while driving is a massive distraction and can:
Block your view of the road.
Get in the way of the steering wheel.
Interfere with braking or acceleration.
In a worst-case scenario, an accident could send your dog crashing into the dashboard, windshield, or out of the car entirely. If you wouldn’t drive with a toddler sitting on your lap, don’t do it with your dog.
How to Keep Your Dog Safe in the Car
To make car rides safer, consider:
✔ Use crash-tested restraints – Whether it’s a harness, pet seat belt, or secured crate, your dog should always be properly restrained to prevent injury in an accident.
✔ Keep dogs out of the front seat – Airbags and sudden stops can cause serious injuries. The safest place for your dog is in the back seat, properly secured.
✔ Never let your dog ride with their head out the window – Debris, sudden stops, or accidents can result in severe head or neck injuries.
✔ Avoid makeshift restraints – Tying a leash to a seatbelt or using an unsecured carrier isn’t safe and can fail in a crash. Always use equipment designed for car safety.
✔ Lock windows and doors – Some dogs accidentally open windows or even doors while the car is moving. Use child locks to keep them secure.
When choosing safety equipment, pick a product designed for your dog’s size and weight. Not all restraints work for every dog, and the best car safety products are independently crash-tested to ensure they actually protect your pet in an accident.
Car safety for dogs isn’t just about convenience—it’s about saving lives. Take the time to secure your pet properly, and you’ll both enjoy safer, stress-free rides.
Sources & Further Reading
American Humane: Pet Travel Safety Tips
ASPCA: Pet Travel Safety