Updated for 2026 with the latest crash-tested products, safety standards, and expert recommendations for traveling with your dog in the car.

Best Dog Car Safety Gear and Harnesses (2026)

An unrestrained 60-pound dog in a car traveling at 35 mph generates approximately 2,700 pounds of force in a sudden stop. That is enough to injure or kill both the dog and any human in the dog’s path. Yet the majority of dog owners drive with their pets completely unrestrained. No harness, no crate, no barrier, nothing between their dog and the dashboard.

I understand the temptation. My own dog, Milo, a 45-pound mixed breed, used to ride shotgun with his head out the window. It looked cute. It was incredibly dangerous. After researching the topic for this article and speaking with veterinary emergency doctors who have treated dogs and humans injured in car accidents, I changed everything about how Milo rides in the car.

This guide covers the best crash-tested dog car safety equipment available in 2026, explains the testing standards, and helps you choose the right setup for your dog and vehicle.

Why Dog Car Safety Matters

The Statistics

• 65% of dog owners admit to being distracted by their dog while driving (AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety)
• An unrestrained pet in the front seat can be thrown into the dashboard, windshield, or driver at deadly force
• Airbag deployment can be fatal for dogs in the front seat
• In accidents, unrestrained dogs become projectiles that injure human passengers
• Emergency responders report that unrestrained dogs can escape the vehicle after an accident, leading to additional injuries or loss

What the Law Says

In the US, laws regarding pet restraint in vehicles vary by state:

• Several states (including Hawaii, New Jersey, and Rhode Island) have laws specifically requiring pet restraint or prohibiting unrestrained pets in vehicles
• Most states have distracted driving laws that can be applied to drivers distracted by unrestrained pets
• No state currently requires crash-tested restraint systems, but the legal landscape is evolving

In other countries, regulations are stricter. The UK requires dogs to be restrained. Germany requires animals to be secured. Australia has state-level laws requiring pet restraint.

Understanding Crash Testing for Dog Products

The Center for Pet Safety (CPS)

The Center for Pet Safety, founded by Lindsey Wolko, is the leading independent organization that crash-tests pet products using the same methodology applied to child car seats. Their testing uses a weighted dog mannequin in a simulated frontal crash at 30 mph.

CPS-certified products have passed rigorous testing demonstrating that they:

• Keep the dog restrained in a crash
• Do not break or fail under crash forces
• Do not allow the dog to become a projectile
• Minimize injury to the dog

CPS certification is the gold standard. When choosing car safety equipment, look for CPS-certified products first.

Other Testing Standards

• FMVSS 213 adapted testing: Some manufacturers adapt the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard for child restraints
• In-house testing: Many manufacturers conduct their own crash testing, but without independent verification, claims should be viewed skeptically
• No testing: Disturbingly common. Many “car harnesses” on Amazon and in pet stores have never been tested in a crash. They may be comfortable, but they provide zero crash protection.

Best Crash-Tested Dog Harnesses

1. Sleepypod Clickit Sport (CPS-Certified)

The gold standard in dog car harnesses.

The Clickit Sport is one of only a handful of harnesses that has earned CPS certification. It uses a three-point connection system that distributes crash forces across the dog’s chest and body, similar to how a human seatbelt distributes forces across the chest rather than concentrating them on a single point.

Feature	Details
CPS Certified	Yes
Weight Range	Available for dogs 18-90+ lbs
Connection	Three-point system using vehicle seatbelt
Price	$75-95
Ease of Use	Moderate (takes practice)
Can also be used as walking harness	Yes

Pros:

• CPS crash-test certified at both 30 mph and higher speeds
• Distributes force across the chest, reducing injury risk
• Can double as a daily walking harness
• Multiple sizes available
• Well-constructed with padded chest plate

Cons:

• More complex to install than cheaper harnesses
• Slightly more expensive than non-tested alternatives
• Requires the vehicle seatbelt for installation (cannot use with just a tether)

Our recommendation: This is our top overall pick for dog car safety. The CPS certification gives genuine peace of mind.

2. Kurgo Enhanced Tru-Fit Smart Harness (CPS-Tested)

Kurgo worked with the Center for Pet Safety during development, and the Enhanced Tru-Fit has undergone CPS testing.

Feature	Details
CPS Tested	Yes (enhanced version)
Weight Range	10-80 lbs
Connection	Tether to seatbelt buckle or LATCH anchor
Price	$30-50
Ease of Use	Easy
Can also be used as walking harness	Yes

Pros:

• More affordable than Sleepypod
• Easy to install
• Includes a seatbelt tether
• Steel nesting buckles for quick attachment
• Padded chest piece
• Works as a walking harness

Cons:

• Single-point tether connection (less force distribution than Sleepypod’s three-point)
• Make sure you get the “Enhanced” version (the non-enhanced version did not pass CPS testing)

Our recommendation: Best value option for crash-tested protection.

3. ZuGoPet Rocketeer Pack (CPS-Tested)

A unique multi-function product that serves as a car harness, backpack carrier, and walking harness.

Feature	Details
CPS Tested	Yes
Weight Range	Up to 30 lbs
Connection	Seatbelt attachment
Price	$80-100
Special Feature	Converts to a backpack carrier

Pros:

• Multi-functional design
• CPS tested
• Great for small dogs who need both car safety and a carrier

Cons:

• Only suitable for dogs up to 30 lbs
• More expensive than single-function products

What About Other Harnesses?

Many popular dog car harnesses have NOT been crash-tested or have FAILED crash testing. Products that look sturdy and well-made may perform terribly in an actual crash. The CPS has tested numerous products from well-known brands and found that many fail catastrophically, with buckles breaking, webbing tearing, and dogs launching forward.

Do not assume that a harness labeled “car safety harness” or “crash-tested” has actually been independently verified. Look specifically for CPS certification or CPS testing documentation.

Best Dog Car Crates

Travel Crates (Crash-Tested)

For many dogs, a crate is the safest way to travel. A properly sized, properly secured crate provides:

• Protection from crash forces on all sides
• Containment (prevents the dog from becoming a projectile)
• A familiar, secure space that reduces anxiety
• Protection from glass and debris in a crash

Gunner Kennels G1 (CPS 5-Star Rated)

The Gunner G1 is the only dog crate to earn a 5-Star rating from the Center for Pet Safety. It is the safest travel crate on the market, period.

Feature	Details
CPS Rating	5 Stars (highest possible)
Material	Double-wall roto-molded plastic
Weight	43-77 lbs (depending on size)
Sizes	Intermediate through Large
Price	$500-700
Securing Method	Tie-down straps to vehicle cargo area

Pros:

• CPS 5-Star crash-test rating
• Extremely durable construction
• Excellent ventilation
• Escape-proof
• Built to last a lifetime

Cons:

• Heavy (requires effort to load and unload)
• Expensive
• Takes up significant cargo space

Our recommendation: If you travel frequently with your dog and can accommodate the size and weight, this is the safest option available.

Variocage (CPS-Tested)

A Swedish-made crash-tested wire crate designed specifically for vehicle cargo areas.

Feature	Details
CPS Tested	Yes
Material	Steel wire with crumple zone design
Sizes	Multiple sizes for different cargo areas
Price	$700-1,200
Special Feature	Built-in crumple zone (like a car’s crumple zone, absorbs crash energy)

Pros:

• Innovative crumple zone design
• Vehicle-specific sizing available
• Excellent ventilation and visibility
• European crash-test certified

Cons:

• Very expensive
• Heavy
• Primarily designed for SUV and wagon cargo areas

Cargo Area Solutions

Barriers

A barrier between the cargo area and the passenger cabin prevents your dog from becoming a projectile in a crash and keeps them contained during normal driving.

Types:

• Wire mesh barriers (Travall, WeatherTech): Vehicle-specific, bolted or secured to headrest posts. Provide a solid barrier between cargo and cabin. $100-300.
• Universal barriers: Adjustable to fit various vehicles. Less secure than vehicle-specific options. $30-80.
• Cargo nets: Provide containment but limited crash protection. Better than nothing. $20-50.

Cargo Area Liners and Mats

Protect your vehicle and provide non-slip footing for your dog:

• WeatherTech Cargo Liner: Custom-fit for specific vehicles. Waterproof, non-slip, easy to clean. $100-150.
• 4Knines Cargo Liner: Universal fit, waterproof, padded. $50-80.
• Gorilla Grip Cargo Mat: Budget option with non-slip backing. $25-40.

Back Seat Solutions

Seat Covers

If your dog rides on the back seat, a seat cover protects the upholstery and provides comfort:

• 4Knines Split Rear Seat Cover: Covers the back seat and provides a non-slip surface. Waterproof. $50-70.
• Kurgo Bench Seat Cover: Durable, easy to install, multiple colors. $40-60.
• Orvis Grip-Tight Windowed Hammock: Premium option with a see-through window panel so your dog can be seen from the front. $90-120.

Seat Cover + Harness Combination

The safest back-seat setup is a seat cover combined with a crash-tested harness. The seat cover protects the seat and provides a comfortable surface. The harness tethered to the seatbelt prevents the dog from becoming a projectile.

Accessories

Ramp for Vehicle Entry

For large dogs, old dogs, or dogs with joint issues, a ramp makes getting in and out of the vehicle easier and safer than jumping:

• PetSTEP Original Folding Ramp ($130-170): Supports up to 500 lbs, non-slip surface, folds for storage
• Pet Gear Full-Length Ramp ($60-90): Budget option, tri-fold design
• Solvit Deluxe Telescoping Ramp ($100-140): Extends from 39 to 72 inches

Window Guards

For dogs who ride with windows down (which I recommend against at highway speeds due to debris risk, but acknowledge many owners prefer):

• Bushwacker Pet-Pals (Ventilation shields): Attach to window frames and allow air flow while preventing your dog from leaning out. $30-50 per pair.

Temperature Monitoring

If you ever leave your dog in the vehicle (even briefly), a temperature monitor is essential:

• Waggle Pet Temperature Monitor ($100 + subscription): Cellular-connected, sends alerts to your phone if temperature exceeds set thresholds
• MarCELL Cellular Temperature Monitor ($100 + subscription): Originally designed for vacation homes, works well for vehicles

Setup Recommendations by Dog Size

Small Dogs (Under 25 lbs)

Recommended setup: Crash-tested harness (Sleepypod Clickit Sport, small size) on the back seat, combined with a seat cover. Alternatively, a small travel crate secured on the back seat or in the cargo area.

Medium Dogs (25-60 lbs)

Recommended setup: Crash-tested harness (Sleepypod Clickit Sport or Kurgo Enhanced Tru-Fit) on the back seat with a seat cover. For SUV owners, a Gunner Kennel in the cargo area with a barrier between cargo and cabin is the gold standard.

Large Dogs (60+ lbs)

Recommended setup: Gunner Kennel or Variocage in the cargo area of an SUV or wagon, secured with tie-down straps. A barrier between the cargo area and passenger cabin provides additional protection. If a crate is not practical, a crash-tested harness on the back seat is the next best option.

What NOT to Buy

• Zip-line tethers that attach to headrests without a crash-tested harness: These can actually increase injury by allowing the dog to build momentum before being jerked to a stop
• Non-crash-tested harnesses marketed as “safety” harnesses: Many popular products have failed crash testing
• Front seat setups: Dogs should never ride in the front seat due to airbag deployment risk
• Booster seats without tether systems: These elevate the dog but provide zero crash protection
• Elastic or bungee tethers: These stretch during impact, allowing the dog to travel further before being restrained

Budget Planning

Setup Level	Products	Total Cost
Essential	Crash-tested harness + seat cover	$90-160
Recommended	Crash-tested harness + seat cover + barrier	$190-460
Premium	Gunner Kennel + barrier + cargo liner	$650-1,150
Maximum safety	Variocage + barrier + cargo liner + ramp	$950-1,700

How to Introduce Safety Gear

Dogs who have ridden unrestrained may resist a harness or crate initially. Introduce gradually:

1. Let your dog wear the harness (unbuckled) for short periods at home
2. Practice buckling in the car while parked, with treats
3. Short drives around the block with the harness on
4. Gradually increase drive duration
5. Maintain positive associations with treats and calm praise

For crate training in the vehicle, follow the same gradual approach: crate familiar first, then crate in the car while parked, then short drives, then longer trips.

Final Thoughts

Dog car safety is one of those topics where the gap between what people do and what they should do is enormous. Most of us love our dogs fiercely and would do anything to protect them, yet we drive with them completely unrestrained, essentially turning them into projectiles in the event of a crash.

The investment in crash-tested safety equipment is modest compared to the cost of a veterinary emergency or, worse, the loss of a beloved pet in a preventable accident. Milo now rides in a Sleepypod Clickit Sport on the back seat, and while he was initially unimpressed by the change, he adapted within a week. He still enjoys car rides. He just does it safely now.

Your dog cannot make this choice for themselves. You have to make it for them.

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