The Best Dog Seat Belts

Many dogs love to ride in the car. No matter where they’re going, some dogs simply love a good car ride. However, did you know that riding in the car can actually be dangerous for our dogs if they are not properly secured? If your dog is simply allowed to roam free around the car, they can be seriously hurt if you get into an accident. Furthermore, dogs can be huge distractions to their owners while they’re driving, especially if they’re allowed to run around and jump as they please. Dog seat belts are an inexpensive and easy way to solve this problem. If you’re willing to spend a little more money dog car seat and booster seats are another great option.

We reviewed dozens of dog seat belts to find the best of the best. We considered ease of use, comfort, safety rating, durability, adjustability, and customer reviews when ranking each product.

Top pick

iBuddy Dog Seat Belts for Cars

With a wide variety of key features, this really is the best seat belt you can buy for your dog

We quickly decided that iBuddy Dog Seat Belts for Cars is the best dog seat belt available on the market. It is designed to keep your dog safe and in their area of the car. This prevents them from being a dangerous distraction or harming themselves by jumping out of the car. Plus, it is extremely straightforward to use.

The 5 Top-Rated Dog Seat Belts

Editor’s Picks Brand Rating
Best Overall iBuddy Dog Seat Belts for Car
4.5
Runner Up URPOWER Upgraded Dog Seat Belt
4.5
Best Budget Buy Vastar 2 Packs Adjustable Dog Car Seat Belt
4.4
Best Puppy Seat Belt Bwogue 2 Packs Dog Safety Seat Belt
4.7
Best Heavy-Duty Dog Seat Belt Reflective Nylon Dog Seat Belt
4.6

*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change

Our Top Pick: iBuddy Dog Seat Belts for Cars

The iBuddy Dog Seat Belts for Car has all the features you should want in a dog seat belt. It secures your dog firmly to wherever you snap it in at, keeping them from jumping out of the car and distracting you while you’re driving. It prevents them from jumping into your lap, licking you, or otherwise pulling your attention off of the road and also keep them damaging vulnerable areas of your car. To use it, all you need to do it snap it into the seat belt buckle, just like you would any seat belt. It fits car buckles that are 0.82 inches, which means that it fits most cars. Still, you should check your car’s buckle size before purchasing just to make sure that this buckle will fit in your car. If your car has a different buckle size, this top list has plenty of other dog seat belts that could work with your vehicle. This belt’s dual-safe hook and high-density nylon construction make it extremely durable. But, if you’re still worried that your canine might break it, it does come with a 2-year warranty.

Unlike some dog seat belts, this one not only keeps your pet confined to one area but also puts their safety first. An elastic buffer design prevents the belt from unnecessarily pulling on your pooch during sudden braking or sharp turns. The seat belt gives slightly, which prevents it from chocking your dog while also keeping them firmly on their side of the car. This belt is even adjustable. This allows you to perfectly adjust how much room your dog is given, allowing them to stay safe and comfortable.

iBuddy Dog Seat Belt for Cars Key Features:

  • Adjustable from 23 to 30 inches
  • Elastic design
  • Durable nylon
  • 2-year warranty

Our Runner-Up Pick: URPOWER Upgraded Dog Seat Belt

Runner-up

URPOWER Upgraded Dog Seat Belt

Featuring a heavy-duty, durable design, this is a great choice for owners of many sized dogs

The large majority of dog seat belts are designed to fit a very specific size dog. If you have more than one dog or a puppy that you expect to grow quite a bit more, you usually must buy multiple sizes. Buying multiple dog seta belts adds up very quickly, especially if you have a puppy that is going to need a wide range of sizes before he or she is grown. To get around this problem, purchase the URPOWER Upgraded Dog Seat Belt. This dog seat belt is designed to be one-size-fits-all. It is extremely adjustable and can reach anywhere from 24 inches to 31 inches. This feature allows it to be used with both small dogs and large dogs; you simply adjust the seat belt to work with your dog’s size, and you’re good to go. Plus, the large range of adjustability means that it works in a variety of cars as well. If you have a smaller car, you can adjust the belt to allow the dog in a smaller area. However, if you have a larger car, you can give your pooch more free-range by making the belt longer.

This dog seat belt also has an extremely durable design. It is made of sturdy nylon fabric with a zinc alloy swivel snap. Furthermore, it is also treated to be anti-rust, increasing its lifespan and ensuring that it is safe for your dog. Like many dog seat belts, it also features an elastic buffer design. This prevents unnecessary pulling should you slam on your breaks or make a sharp turn. This dog seat belt really is the perfect, safe solution to preventing your pooch from destroying your car or distracting you while driving.

URPOWER Upgraded Dog Seat Belt Key Features:

  • Heavy duty
  • Fits all dogs
  • Elastic buffer design
  • Fits 0.83-inch buckles

Best Budget Buy: Vastar 2 Packs Adjustable Dog Car Seat Belt

Best for budget

Vastar 2 Packs Adjustable Dog Car Seat Belt

A great choice for dog owners on a budget who want to keep their canines safe in the car

If you can buy something of high-quality for a lower price, why wouldn’t you? Not everyone has lots of money to spend on a dog seat belt, especially if you only plan on using it once or twice. Plus, puppies grow quite quickly.  No one wants to spend top dollar on a dog seat belt for a puppy when they are only going to outgrow it in a month. No matter your situation, the Vastar 2 Packs Adjustable Dog Car Seat Belt is the absolute best choice for dog owners on a budget who still want their pet to be safe while riding in their car. This dog seat belt is made of high-quality nylon with metal buckles and a solid, zinc alloy snap. These high-quality materials ensure that the dog seat belt won’t easily break while in use and allows it to remain useful for years.

Unlike some other dog seat belt designs, this product snaps right into the seat belt buckle, leading to extremely easy setup. All you have to do is snap it into the buckle, and you’re good to go. However, this also means that you must have the correct size buckle in order to use this dog seat belt correctly in your car. The seatbelt clip measures 2 cm, and we recommend checking your vehicle’s buckle size before purchasing to ensure that you can actually use this product with your car.

Vastar 2 Packs Adjustable Pet Dog Cat Car Seat Belt Key Features:

  • High-quality construction
  • Inexpensive
  • Comes in various colors
  • Hassle-free set up

Best Puppy Seat Belt: Bwogue 2 Packs Dog Safety Seat Belt

Best puppy seat belt

Bwogue 2 Packs Dog Safety Seat Belt

Because even puppies need to remain safe in the car

Often times, puppies are very energetic. This can cause particularly difficult situations in the car when you need your puppy to remain still and not be a distraction. Even though their energetic nature is part of the draw of owning a puppy, it can simply be dangerous in the car while you’re driving. Out of all dogs, puppies probably need dog seat belts the most. But, it can actually be difficult to find a high-quality dog seat belt for your puppy. Many dog seat belts are designed solely for large dogs and can be bulky or downright dangerous if used on a puppy. Luckily, the Bwogue 2 Packs Dog Safety Seat Belt has you and your puppy covered.

This dog seat belt is extremely adjustable, which means that it can grow with your puppy. Many puppy owners put off purchasing a dog seat belt because they know that their puppy will outgrow it in a matter of weeks. But, this dog seat belt is designed to be easily adjustable and can easily be made to fit your puppy’s size as they grow into adulthood. Now, you don’t have to put off keeping your pooch safe in the car. You can purchase this dog seat belt and use it no matter how big they grow.

Bwogue 2 Packs Dog Safety Seat Belt Key Features:

  • Nylon and zinc alloy construction
  • Extremely adjustable from 18-30 inches
  • Attaches to vehicle headrest
  • 2-pack

Best Heavy-Duty Dog Seat Belt: Reflective Nylon Dog Seat Belt

Best heavy-duty dog seat belt

Reflective Nylon Dog Seat Belt

For dogs that are rough and tough on seat belts

Some dogs are simply harder on their equipment and toys than others. Larger dogs, of course, have the capacity to wear down their belongings a lot faster than smaller dogs. However, smaller dogs can be just a destructive as larger dogs if given the opportunity. Puppies especially tend to chew things up and destroy them do to their highly energetic nature. Luckily, there is a dog seat belt specifically designed to handle dogs that could cause potential ruin to dog seat belts of a lower quality – the Reflective Nylon Dog Seat Belt.

This dog seat belt is made with heavy-duty, reflective nylon and is very adjustable from 20-30 inches. A large clasp means that it can work with most sized dogs, though extremely small breeds might find the clasp larger than what they can wear comfortably. If you have a smaller breed of dog, we recommend taking a look at the previous product instead. On top of its heavy-duty construction, this dog seat belt also features a universal adapter that buckles into most cars without a problem. However, it would appear that this dog seat belt is not compatible with Volvo vehicles, so we recommend looking elsewhere on our top list if that is the type of car you drive.

Reflective Nylon Dog Seat Belt Key Features:

  • Heavy-duty construction
  • 30-day money back guarantee
  • Fits most cars
  • Adjustable

Who Should Buy a Dog Seat Belt

If you’ve ever ridden with a dog in the car, you probably know that they can be quite distracting. Even the calmest dogs can suddenly become extremely energetic when placed into a moving car. This sudden burst of energy and excitement can cause dogs to jump incessantly around the car and become quite distracting. This is not only dangerous for you, but it is also incredibly dangerous for your dog. Not only are they completely unsecured if an accident were to take place, but they are also able to chew on and eat whatever they find in your vehicle. While it is possible to train your canine to sit still in the car, this can often be difficult and is impractical unless you ride with your dog in the car often.

Dog seat belts provide an easy, affordable way to solve this problem. With a dog seat belt, you don’t have to worry about your canine jumping around while you’re driving or invading your side of the car. You can simply install the dog seat belt, which is often very easy, and attach it to your dog. In this way, you can ensure that your pooch is safe, secure, and not distracting while you’re driving.

Top pick

iBuddy Dog Seat Belts for Cars

With a wide variety of key features, this really is the best seat belt you can buy for your dog

Important Features to Consider

A seat belt for a dog should have a few important features. Here’s what to consider when selecting a set belt for your dog:

  • Adjustability. Dogs come in all shapes and sizes. There are extremely small dogs as well as absolutely giant dogs. Even dogs of the same breed can be vastly different sizes. Because a dog seat belt is designed to prevent your dog from moving past a certain area, it is important that it is adjustable. After all, if a dog seat belt wasn’t adjustable, it would be impractically too long for some dogs while being incredibly restricting for others. While some dog seat belts come in a variety of particular sizes, adjustability is really the way to go. Not all cars are the same size on the interior, so it is incredibly hard to produce a dog seat belt based on only the dog’s side alone. Being able to adjust the seat belt to fit the needs of your dog and the space availability of your car is absolutely necessary.
  • Durability. Your dog will no doubt pull and tug on the dog seat belt quite a bit at the beginning, especially if they are used to having free reign of your car. To prevent the seat belt from breaking, it is necessary that it is made of reliable, durable material. This includes not only the belt part itself but also all the hooks and swivels. Plus, the dog seat belt that you purchase should also be able to hold up against biting and chewing for obvious reasons.
  • Setup. How the dog seat belt actually attaches to your car can be important as well. Many dog seat belts buckle straight into your car. This can be extremely useful and takes a lot of the potential setup time out of the equation. But, these direct-buckle seat belts often only come in one size. While this size is compatible with most cars, it is not compatible with others. For example, Volvo vehicles have a pretty unique buckle, which makes it hard to find dog seat belts of this sort to fit them. On the other hand, many other dog seat belts wrap around the headrest. This can be useful if you drive a car with an incompatible buckle. However, if your car doesn’t have a headrest where you are planning on putting your dog, this is not useful. We recommend taking a good look at your car and choosing a dog seat belt that makes the most sense with your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a dog seat belt and how does it work?

A dog seat belt is basically a leash that attaches to your car in a safe and efficient manner. On one end, a dog seat belt has the usual latch that is found on nearly every dog leash. This latch should be connected to your dog’s harness in order to be used safely. While some pet owners do attach it directly to the dog’s collar, this is a choking hazard and can cause severe damage if you get into an accident or break suddenly. On the other end of the dog seat belt is some way for it to attach to the car. Many dog seat belts simply buckle straight into your car, hence their name. However, other dog seat belts wrap around the headrest or attach in some other manner.

What’s the difference between a dog car harness and a dog seat belt?

A dog seat belt is simply a leash-like device that secures your dog to the car, while a dog car harness comes with a whole harness device that you must put on your dog. Both devices can be useful in various situations, though a dog car harness is usually the more expensive option. If you already have a harness for your dog, we recommend purchasing a dog seat belt so that you can use the harness you already have without spending the extra money. However, if you don’t have a harness and don’t plan on getting one, get a dog car harness instead.

Are seat belts safe for dogs?

Seat belts specifically designed for dogs, such as those mentioned in this article, are safe when used correctly. It is important to read the owner’s manual thoroughly to ensure that you are using the seat belt correctly.

Do dogs have to be restrained in cars by law?

This law various state-by-state. New Jersey, for example, requires that all dogs have seat belts if not secured in a crate while riding in the car. Other states simply have vague “distracted driving” laws that can apply to pets if they are obviously distracting to the driver. We recommend checking out your state specific laws to get a clear view of your state’s specific requirements. For other restraint options for dogs in cars, check out our dog car seats and booster seats review.

Other Dog Seat Belts We Reviewed

Top pick

iBuddy Dog Seat Belts for Cars

With a wide variety of key features, this really is the best seat belt you can buy for your dog

We looked at 20 other dog seat belts. Even though they didn’t make our 5 best seat belts for dogs list, they’re the best of the rest, and each is still a great option for your dog. The information you’ll need to compare each one is included with the listing.

Puppy Seat Belts

Blueberry Pet Classic Solid Color Dog Collar Collection Seatbelt

Blueberry Pet Classic Solid Color Dog Collar Collection Seatbelt

This is the Blueberry Pet Classic Solid Color Dog Collar Collection Seat Belt. It is machine-washable and fits most cars.

 

This is the Blueberry Pet Classic Solid Color Dog Collar Collection Seat Belt. It is machine-washable and fits most cars.

Key Features:

  • Does not fit Volvo cars
  • Fits directly into the buckle
  • One size

Cost: $9.99

Friends Forever Cat Car Dog Seat Belt

Friends Forever Cat Car Dog Seat Belt

With the Friends Forever Cat Car Dog Seat Belt, you can secure your puppy with this one size that fits small to large dogs. This dog seat belt is hassle-free with the easy to snap and un-latch feature

 

With the Friends Forever Cat Car Dog Seat Belt, you can secure your puppy with this one size that fits small to large dogs. This dog seat belt is hassle-free with the easy to snap and un-latch feature

Key Features:

  • easy to use
  • 20-32 inches extended in length
  • Compatible with most vehicles

Cost: $6.99

Leash Boss Dog Car Seat Belt Restraint

Leash Boss Dog Car Seat Belt Restraint

The Leash Boss Dog Car Seat Belt Restraint is chew proof restraint and is made of heavy duty nylon coated steel rope. This clips to your dog harness and attaches to the safety latch bar.

 

The Leash Boss Dog Car Seat Belt Restraint is chew proof restraint and is made of heavy duty nylon coated steel rope. This clips to your dog harness and attaches to the safety latch bar.

Key Features:

  • Clips to your dog harness
  • Attaches safely to latch bar
  • Chew proof

Cost: $15.49

Mighty Paw Safety Belt

Mighty Paw Safety Belt

The Mighty Paw Safety Belt is designed for optimal pet safety and security. This belt attaches directly to the vehicle frame using the latch bars.

 

The Mighty Paw Safety Belt is designed for optimal pet safety and security. This belt attaches directly to the vehicle frame using the latch bars.

Key Features:

  • Tangle-free
  • Dependable
  • Comfortable

Cost: $15.99

Mogoko Pet Car Seat Belt Restraint

Mogoko Pet Car Seat Belt Restraint

This Mogoko Pet Car Seat Belt Restraint comes in four sizes including 16, 24, 31 and 40-inch sizes for small to large dogs. This leash is perfect to prevent distractions so you can avoid danger.

 

This Mogoko Pet Car Seat Belt Restraint comes in four sizes including 16, 24, 31 and 40-inch sizes for small to large dogs. This leash is perfect to prevent distractions so you can avoid danger.

Key Features:

  • Comes in 4 different sizes
  • Multi-application
  • Chew proof

Cost: $9.49

NOBER Car Headrest Restraint Leashes for Dog

NOBER Car Headrest Restraint Leashes for Dog

The NOBER Car Headrest Restraint Leashes for Dog seat belt restraint is adjustable so you can focus on driving and not worry about your pet in the back seat.

 

The NOBER Car Headrest Restraint Leashes for Dog seat belt restraint is adjustable so you can focus on driving and not worry about your pet in the back seat.

Key Features:

  • Adjustable length
  • Can also be converted into handheld leash
  • Safe

Cost: $10.98

Pettogo 2 Pack Dog Seat Belt

Pettogo 2 Pack Dog Seat Belt

The Pettogo 2 Pack Dog Set Belt is a tangle free and adjustable seat belt and fits every vehicle. The seat belt also fits all sizes of dogs.

 

The Pettogo 2 Pack Dog Set Belt is a tangle free and adjustable seat belt and fits every vehicle. The seat belt also fits all sizes of dogs.

Key Features:

  • Multi-function safety belt
  • Fits all dog sizes
  • Fits to all vehicles

Cost: $9.99

Best Heavy-Duty Dog Seat Belts

AMZNOVA Dog Seat Belt

AMZNOVA Dog Seat Belt

With its explosive-proof design and unique rubber band construction, this dog seat belt is perhaps the most durable out there.

 

With its explosive-proof design and unique rubber band construction, this dog seat belt is perhaps the most durable out there.

Key Features:

  • Explosion-proof
  • Unique rubber band construction
  • Anti-rust

Cost: $10

CHEDE Dog Car Seat Belt Restraint

CHEDE Dog Car Seat Belt Restraint

The CHEDE Dog Car Seat Belt Restraint is a chew proof restraint that attaches safely and securely to the latch bar in your vehicle. This seat belt also does not tangle.

 

The CHEDE Dog Car Seat Belt Restraint is a chew proof restraint that attaches safely and securely to the latch bar in your vehicle. This seat belt also does not tangle.

Key Features:

  • Does not tangle
  • Heavy-duty
  • Chew proof

Cost: $9.99

Docamor Adjustable Pet Dog Cat Car Seat Belt

Docamor Adjustable Pet Dog Cat Car Seat Belt

The Docamor Adjustable Pet Dog Cat Car Seat Belt is made of the sturdiest and strongest nylon fabric to ensure safety.

 

The Docamor Adjustable Pet Dog Cat Car Seat Belt is made of the sturdiest and strongest nylon fabric to ensure safety.

Key Features:

  • Adjustable length
  • Easy to use
  • High quality

Cost: $6.99

Duke & Dixie Dog Seat Belt

Duke & Dixie Dog Seat Belt

This dog seat belt is a great product that protects and restrains your pet during bumpy car rides.

 

This dog seat belt is a great product that protects and restrains your pet during bumpy car rides.

Key Features:

  • Easy to use
  • Safe and secure
  • Quality material

Cost: $5.99

Heavy Duty Dog Car Seat Belt Strap

Heavy Duty Dog Car Seat Belt Strap

This is the Heavy-Duty Dog Car Seat Belt Strap by Tuff Pupper. It is designed for optimal safety and protection for your pet.

 

Key Features:

  • Connects to any standard seat belt
  • Durable and heavy-duty
  • Easy installation

Cost: $8.89

PetLovers Durable Dog Seatbelt

PetLovers Durable Dog Seatbelt

The PetLovers Durable Dog Seatbelt is a sturdy seat belt that keeps your fur baby safe. Featuring a heavy-duty design, you can have peace of mind when traveling with your dog.

 

The PetLovers Durable Dog Seatbelt is a sturdy seat belt that keeps your fur baby safe. Featuring a heavy-duty design, you can have peace of mind when traveling with your dog.

Key Features:

  • Heavy-duty
  • Comfortable
  • Safe and secure

Cost: $11.12

Toozey Dog Seat Belt

Toozey Dog Seat Belt

The Toozey Dog Seat Belt comes with a heavy-duty carabiner that is perfect for medium to large dogs. It is easy to attach and install in your vehicle.

 

The Toozey Dog Seat Belt comes with a heavy-duty carabiner that is perfect for medium to large dogs. It is easy to attach and install in your vehicle.

Key Features:

  • Ultra-Strong Aluminum Carabiner
  • Safe and quick
  • Safe

Cost: $12.99

Best Dog Seat Belts for Headrests

Mrli Pet Doggy Car Headrest Restraint

Mrli Pet Doggy Car Headrest Restraint

The Mrli Pet Doggy Headrest Restraint is a dog travel accessory that is made of high quality tethered nylon fabric and solid zinc alloy. This is easy to use and perfect for keeping your pet safe and secure.

 

The Mrli Pet Doggy Headrest Restraint is a dog travel accessory that is made of high quality tethered nylon fabric and solid zinc alloy. This is easy to use and perfect for keeping your pet safe and secure.

Key Features:

  • Made of high-quality nylon
  • East to use
  • Safe and secure

Cost: $11.99

Paws ‘n’ Claws Tangle Free Dog Tether

Paws ‘n’ Claws Tangle Free Dog Tether

The Paws ‘n’ Claws Tangle Free Dog Tether quickly and easily attaches to vehicle headrests or baby car seat brackets making it a safe and secure dog seat belt.

 

The Paws ‘n’ Claws Tangle Free Dog Tether quickly and easily attaches to vehicle headrests or baby car seat brackets making it a safe and secure dog seat belt.

Key Features:

  • Tangle-free
  • Constructed with durable tubular webbing
  • Safe and secure

Cost: $9.95

Pink Bwogue 2 Packs Dog Cat Safety Seat Belt Strap

Pink Bwogue 2 Packs Dog Cat Safety Seat Belt Strap

The Bwogue 2 Packs Dog Cat Safety Seat Belt Strap is made of high-quality nylon fabric to ensure safety; it also features the solid zinc alloy swivel snap and quality buckles.

 

The Bwogue 2 Packs Dog Cat Safety Seat Belt Strap is made of high-quality nylon fabric to ensure safety; it also features the solid zinc alloy swivel snap and quality buckles.

Key Features:

  • Made of nylon
  • Strong
  • Adjustable between 18-30 inches

Cost: $10.49

Slowton Dog Seatbelt

Slowton Dog Seatbelt

This Slowton Dog Seatbelt is designed with a headrest restraint. It can be used in all models of vehicles with its lockable quick release buckle.

 

This Slowton Dog Seatbelt is designed with a headrest restraint. It can be used in all models of vehicles with its lockable quick release buckle.

Key Features:

  • Hardware is all metal
  • Safe and comfortable
  • Can be used in all models of vehicles

Cost: $10.13

UPRPOWER Dog Seat Belt 2 Pack

UPRPOWER Dog Seat Belt 2 Pack

With the URPOWER Dog Seat Belt 2 Pack, you get a universal fitting, so there is no need to insert a seat belt buckle. It is made out of a high-quality nylon material and makes it very convenient for taking your pet with you on car rides.

 

With the URPOWER Dog Seat Belt 2 Pack, you get a universal fitting, so there is no need to insert a seat belt buckle. It is made out of a high-quality nylon material and makes it very convenient for taking your pet with you on car rides.

Key Features:

  • Made out of high-quality nylon
  • adjustable
  • Universal fitting

Cost: $10.99

Vastar Adjustable Tangle Free Pet Dog Tether

Vastar Adjustable Tangle Free Pet Dog Tether

The Vastar Adjustable Tangle Free Pet Dog Tether will keep your pet from getting tangles and is adjustable, so you can set it to the perfect length to allow your pet to move.

 

The Vastar Adjustable Tangle Free Pet Dog Tether will keep your pet from getting tangles and is adjustable, so you can set it to the perfect length to allow your pet to move.

Key Features:

  • Adjustable
  • Tangle-free
  • Constructed with durable material

Cost: $9.99