If you have ever had to brake suddenly with your dog loose in the back seat, you already know that heart-stopping moment. The sound of paws scrabbling on upholstery, the thud of a body hitting the front seat, the guilt that follows. It only takes one sharp stop to make you realise that an unrestrained dog in a moving car is a problem waiting to happen.
A good dog seat belt harness fixes that problem completely. It keeps your dog in one spot, protects them in a crash, and stops them from distracting you while you drive. At dogfoodsuk.com, we have spent the last few months testing the most popular options available in the UK to find out which ones actually work and which ones are a waste of money.
This guide covers everything you need to know about keeping your dog safe in the car, from the legal side of things to the physics of a crash, and from crash-tested harnesses to simple tethers. Whether you drive to the park once a week or take your dog on long holidays across the UK, there is a solution here that will work for you.
UK law on dogs in cars
Here is the bit that catches most people out. There is no specific law in the UK that says your dog must wear a harness or seat belt in the car. What the law does say, under the Highway Code Rule 57, is that you must restrain your dog so it cannot distract you while you are driving.
The exact wording matters. Rule 57 states: “When in a vehicle, make sure dogs or other animals are suitably restrained so they cannot distract you while you are driving or injure you, or themselves, if you stop quickly.” That leaves the method of restraint up to you, but the requirement is clear.
If you ignore this and your dog causes an accident, the consequences go beyond guilt. You can be charged with driving without due care and attention, which carries a fine of up to £2,500 and three to nine penalty points on your licence. Your insurance company might also refuse to pay out if they decide an unrestrained animal contributed to the accident.
The RSPCA has repeatedly called for stricter enforcement of these rules. They see the aftermath of car accidents involving unrestrained animals far too often. The organisation recommends using a properly fitted harness, a secured carrier, or a dog guard combined with a harness for maximum safety.
Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland all follow the same Highway Code guidance. There are no regional differences to worry about. The law applies the same way whether you are driving through central London or on a single-track road in the Highlands.
Why unrestrained dogs are dangerous
Let me give you the physics first because the numbers are sobering. In a crash at 30mph, an unrestrained dog weighing 20kg will hit whatever is in front of it with a force of roughly 600kg. That is about the weight of a grand piano slamming into the back of a seat, a windscreen, or another passenger.
Think your dog is small enough that it does not matter? A 5kg Chihuahua at 30mph generates around 150kg of force. That is still enough to smash a window or injure a child sitting in the back seat. The size of the dog does not change the maths. It only changes the size of the projectile.
Crashes are only part of the problem. A survey by the PDSA found that nearly a quarter of dog owners admitted their dog had distracted them while driving. Dogs climbing into the front footwell, jumping between seats, sticking their head out of the window, or barking at passing vehicles are all common problems that take your attention off the road.
The Blue Cross points out that unrestrained dogs are also at risk during normal braking. Even a gentle stop can throw a small dog off the seat. Emergency stops, which happen every day on UK roads, can send a dog flying into the footwell or between the front seats where they can get trapped or injured by the gearstick and handbrake.
There is also the insurance angle. If your dog is loose in the car and you have to make a claim, your insurer may argue that you failed to restrain your animal properly under the Highway Code. That could mean reduced payouts or even a rejected claim entirely. It is a risk that most people do not think about until it is too late.
How car harnesses and crash testing work
Not all car harnesses are equal. This is the part that confuses a lot of buyers. You can pick up a dog car harness on Amazon for six quid, and you can spend sixty quid on one from a specialist brand. Both will look vaguely similar. Both will have straps and buckles and a ring for attaching to a seat belt. The difference is what happens in a crash.
Crash testing for pet products is not legally required in the UK or anywhere else in Europe. There is no British Standard for dog car harnesses, no kitemark scheme, and no legal minimum that manufacturers have to meet. This means brands can sell products that look like safety equipment without ever testing whether they actually keep your dog safe in a collision.
The organisations that do crash test pet products are mostly American. The Center for Pet Safety (CPS) in the US runs independent crash testing programmes using the same Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards that apply to child car seats. They test at speeds of 30mph and 35mph, measuring how well the harness holds the dog in place and whether the hardware stays intact.
CPS testing has found that many popular harnesses fail catastrophically. Some stretch too much, allowing the dog’s head to hit the front seat. Others snap at the connection points. A few actually cause more injuries than they prevent because the straps concentrate crash forces on small areas of the dog’s body. The results make uncomfortable reading for anyone who has bought a cheap harness and assumed it would do the job.
When you see a harness described as “crash-tested,” look for specifics. Which organisation did the testing? At what speed? Did the harness pass or just participate? Some brands proudly announce they have been “crash-tested” but conveniently omit that they actually failed the test. CPS publishes detailed results on their website, so you can check for yourself.
Harness vs seat belt vs crate vs carrier
There are four main ways to restrain a dog in a car, and each has pros and cons depending on your dog, your car, and how often you travel.
Car harness: This is the most popular option for everyday use. A harness wraps around the dog’s chest and shoulders and connects to the car’s seat belt system via a tether strap. It allows the dog to sit, stand, and lie down within a limited area. Good harnesses are comfortable enough for long journeys and quick to put on. The main drawback is that quality varies wildly, and a bad harness can be worse than no restraint at all.
Seat belt tether: These are simple straps that clip onto your dog’s regular walking harness and plug into the seat belt socket. They are cheap and easy to use, but they are not crash-tested because walking harnesses are not designed to withstand crash forces. A tether turns a walking harness into a projectile launcher in a crash. I would only recommend this option as a backup for very short, low-speed trips.
Dog crate: A properly secured crate in the boot is one of the safest options available. The crate contains the dog completely and distributes crash forces across the entire structure rather than concentrating them on the dog’s body. The downsides are space (you lose most of your boot), cost, and the fact that getting a large dog into a boot crate can be physically difficult for some owners. Crates also need to be bolted or strapped down, because a loose crate becomes a massive projectile in a crash.
Carrier: Small dogs and cats can travel in a carrier that is belted into a seat. This works well for toy breeds and puppies, and many carriers have built-in seat belt loops. The limitation is obvious: you are not strapping a Labrador into a carrier. This is a small-dog solution only.
For most UK dog owners, a crash-tested car harness is the best balance of safety, convenience, and cost. It works in any car, fits any size of dog, and takes seconds to put on. The challenge is picking the right one from the dozens of options on the market, which is exactly what the next section covers.
Top dog car harnesses and seat belts reviewed
Kurgo Impact Dog Car Harness
Best for: Owners who want the strongest crash-tested protection available. This is the one I would choose for my own dog.
The Kurgo Impact is one of the few harnesses on the market that has passed independent crash testing. It uses a system of five adjustment points to create a snug fit, and the construction is noticeably beefier than standard harnesses. The metal buckles and reinforced stitching give you confidence that this thing is not going to snap when it matters.
What makes the Kurgo Impact different is the way it distributes crash forces. Instead of concentrating pressure on the dog’s neck and chest, the harness spreads it across the shoulders, back, and chest using broad padded straps. This is the same principle that child car seats use, and it dramatically reduces the risk of injury during a collision.
The harness doubles as a walking harness once you reach your destination. There is a front and back leash attachment point, and the design is comfortable enough for all-day wear. I have used this on long walks after a drive and my dog showed no signs of chafing or discomfort.
What to consider: Sizing can be tricky. The Kurgo sizing chart uses weight ranges, but dogs that are between sizes might not get an ideal fit. I would recommend measuring your dog’s chest circumference rather than relying on weight alone. The harness comes in five sizes from extra-small to extra-large, covering dogs from about 5kg up to 50kg.
Crash test info: Passed CPS crash testing at 30mph. Full results are available on the CPS website, and the harness received top marks for restraining the test dog without hardware failure.
Cons: The broad straps can feel warm in summer. Dogs with very deep chests, like Greyhounds and Whippets, may sit between sizes. It is one of the more expensive options at around £45 to £55 in the UK.
Ruffwear Load Up Harness
Best for: Owners who already use Ruffwear gear and want consistency across their outdoor equipment. Great for active dogs.
Ruffwear has a strong reputation among UK dog owners for well-built outdoor gear, and the Load Up harness lives up to that standard. It is made from the same durable materials as their walking harnesses and features padded straps, multiple adjustment points, and a solid feel that inspires confidence.
The design uses a single connection point at the back that attaches to the car’s seat belt via a dedicated tether. Ruffwear includes this tether in the box, which is a nice touch because some brands make you buy it separately. The tether has a carabiner on one end and a seat belt clip on the other, and it adjusts in length to give your dog enough room to move without letting them reach the front seats.
I like the attention to detail. The harness has a padded belly panel that keeps the straps away from the dog’s armpits, where chafing is most likely. The buckles are aluminium rather than plastic, which holds up better over time and gives a more secure feel when you are clipping everything together.
What to consider: This harness is not independently crash-tested by CPS. Ruffwear states that it has been strength-tested internally, but there is no third-party crash data available. If independent crash testing is your top priority, the Kurgo Impact or Sleepypod Clickit Sport are better choices.
Which dogs: Fits a wide range of body shapes from about 7kg to 54kg. The five sizes cover most breeds, but very small dogs under 7kg are not catered for.
Cons: No independent crash test certification. The price is steep at around £60 to £70. The harness is bulky, so it is not ideal for dogs who already have a thick coat or for use in warm weather.
Sleepypod Clickit Sport
Best for: Maximum crash protection. This harness was designed from the ground up for car safety and it shows.
The Sleepypod Clickit Sport looks different from every other harness on this list, and that is because it was designed as a car safety device first and a walking harness second. It uses three connection points instead of the usual one, which means it clips into the car at the seat belt buckle and also wraps around the seat back. This three-point design mimics a human seat belt and keeps the dog upright during a crash rather than letting them rotate forward.
Sleepypod takes crash testing seriously. The Clickit Sport passed CPS testing with top ratings, and the company publishes its test data openly. The harness is designed to work with the car’s existing restraint system rather than trying to reinvent the wheel, and the results speak for themselves.
It works as a walking harness too, with leash attachment points on the back. The design is a bit unusual for walking, with the chest straps sitting higher than a typical walking harness, but most dogs adjust to it quickly.
What to consider: The three-point system takes longer to set up than a single-clip harness. You need to wrap the strap around the seat back each time, which adds a minute or two to your departure routine. It also limits where the dog can sit because the strap is a fixed length tied to a specific seat position. If you swap the dog between cars regularly, you will need to readjust each time.
Crash test info: Passed CPS crash testing at 30mph with top ratings. The harness was specifically designed to meet CPS performance standards and is one of only a handful of products to achieve this.
Cons: Complex setup compared to other harnesses. Fixed tether length means less freedom of movement for the dog. Price is around £55 to £65, making it one of the pricier options. Limited availability in the UK compared to US retailers.
EzyDog Drive Dog Car Harness
Best for: Dog owners on a budget who still want a dedicated car harness from a reputable brand. Good everyday option for moderate journeys.
EzyDog is an Australian brand that has built a solid following in the UK for making practical, durable dog gear at reasonable prices. The Drive harness is their car-specific model, and it ticks a lot of boxes for owners who want something better than a basic tether but cannot justify spending fifty quid on a single piece of equipment.
The harness uses EzyDog’s signature chest plate design, which distributes pressure across a broad area rather than concentrating it on narrow straps. The material is a heavy-duty polyester that feels tough without being overly stiff, and the buckles are good quality for the price point. The included car tether clips into the seat belt socket and has an adjustable length to keep your dog in the back seat.
I have used the EzyDog Drive with a medium-sized Border Collie and it held up well over several months of regular use. The stitching is neat, the adjustments stay put once set, and the dog seemed comfortable enough. It is easy to put on and take off, which matters more than you might think when you are running late for the vet.
What to consider: This harness has not been independently crash-tested by CPS or any equivalent organisation. EzyDog states that it is “designed for car travel safety,” but that is a marketing claim rather than a test result. It is almost certainly safer than an unrestrained dog or a basic tether on a walking harness, but it does not have the crash test credentials of the Kurgo or Sleepypod options.
Which dogs: Available in sizes from XS to XL, covering dogs from about 5kg up to 40kg. The chest plate design works better for dogs with standard body proportions. Very deep-chested or barrel-chested breeds might find the fit less precise.
Cons: No independent crash testing. The chest plate can feel warm in hot weather. Some owners report that the adjustment sliders can slip slightly over time, so you need to check the fit before each journey.
PetSafe Happy Ride Car Harness
Best for: First-time dog owners and anyone looking for the cheapest usable option. Fine for short local trips at sensible speeds.
PetSafe is a huge name in the pet industry, and the Happy Ride harness is their budget-friendly entry into the car safety market. It is widely available in the UK, easy to find in pet shops and online, and usually priced around £15 to £25. For that money, you get a functional car harness with padded straps, quick-release buckles, and a seat belt tether included in the box.
The design is straightforward. Four adjustment points, a chest strap, a back strap, and a tether that clips into the seat belt receiver. There are no fancy materials or aluminium hardware here. It is all plastic buckles and polyester webbing, which is fine for what it is. I would rather see a dog in one of these than completely unrestrained.
PetSafe includes a helpful sizing chart on the packaging, and the harness comes in five sizes. The small size fits dogs down to about 4kg, which makes it one of the few car harnesses that works properly for very small breeds.
What to consider: Like the EzyDog, the PetSafe Happy Ride has not been through independent crash testing. It is a restraint, not a crash protection device. At lower speeds and on shorter journeys, the risk is smaller, but on motorway trips or fast A-roads, you are relying on the quality of the materials in a way that has not been verified by any third party.
Which dogs: The widest size range on this list, from XS (4kg) to XL (40kg+). Good option if you have a small dog because many car harnesses do not go small enough.
Cons: No crash testing. The plastic buckles feel cheaper than metal alternatives. Padding is minimal, so larger dogs might find it less comfortable on long journeys. The tether is shorter than some competitors, which restricts the dog’s movement more.
Trustic Car Dog Seat Belt
Best for: Absolute minimum restraint on a tight budget. A simple tether for short, low-speed trips around town.
The Trustic is not really a harness. It is a tether strap with a clip on one end for your dog’s collar or harness and a seat belt plug on the other end. It costs about eight to twelve pounds and does exactly what it says on the packet. It clips in, it holds the dog back, and it stops them from climbing into the front seat.
I am including it here because it is one of the best-selling dog car products on Amazon UK, and a lot of people buy it thinking they are getting proper safety equipment. It is better than nothing, but only just.
The Trustic tether is adjustable in length from about 45cm to 75cm, which gives the dog enough room to sit and lie down but keeps them away from the front seats. The clip is a basic spring-loaded carabiner, and the webbing is standard nylon. It will stop your dog from distracting you, which is a genuine benefit. It will not protect your dog in a crash because the forces involved will snap the clip or your dog’s collar long before the seat belt system reaches its limit.
What to consider: If you use a tether like this, clip it to a harness rather than a collar. A crash force applied to a collar will put enormous pressure on your dog’s neck and throat, which can cause serious injury even at relatively low speeds. And use a walking harness with strong buckles, not a thin nylon step-in harness that could tear under load.
Which dogs: Technically universal, but I would only recommend it for small to medium dogs on very short trips. Using this with a large, strong dog on a motorway is asking for trouble.
Cons: No crash protection whatsoever. The carabiner clip is the weakest point and could fail under moderate force. No size adjustment for the dog end, so it either clips onto your existing harness or it does not. Using it with a collar is a bad idea for reasons explained above.
How to choose the right car harness for your dog
Picking a car harness comes down to a few practical decisions. Here is how to narrow it down.
Crash testing matters most. If you regularly drive on fast roads or motorways, crash-tested harnesses like the Kurgo Impact and Sleepypod Clickit Sport should be your starting point. The extra money buys you verified protection rather than just a marketing claim. For local trips at 30mph or less, a non-tested harness like the EzyDog or PetSafe is still far better than nothing.
Size and fit. A harness that is too loose will not restrain your dog properly. One that is too tight will be uncomfortable and could cause chafing on long journeys. Measure your dog’s chest circumference just behind the front legs and check this against the manufacturer’s size chart. Do not rely on weight alone because two dogs of the same weight can have very different body shapes. A stocky Staffie and a lanky Whippet might weigh the same but need completely different harness sizes.
Ease of use. If you take your dog in the car every day, you want a harness that is quick to put on and take off. The Kurgo and EzyDog are the fastest to fit. The Sleepypod Clickit Sport takes the longest because of its three-point system. Think about how much patience your dog has and how often you will be doing this.
Comfort for long journeys. Padded straps, breathable materials, and a design that does not dig into the dog’s armpits all matter on trips lasting more than thirty minutes. The Ruffwear Load Up is probably the most comfortable of the group for all-day wear, which makes sense given the brand’s outdoor heritage.
Your dog’s behaviour in the car. A dog that settles down and sleeps during drives needs less restriction than one that paces, whines, and tries to climb into the front. Nervous or restless dogs benefit from harnesses that allow a bit more movement, like the Kurgo with its longer tether, so they can find a comfortable position.
If you are travelling with other gear like food bowls, leads, and travel blankets, check out our guide to dog car travel accessories for more recommendations on making road trips easier for you and your dog.
Getting your dog used to a car harness
Most dogs do not mind wearing a harness at all, but some need a bit of persuasion. The trick is to associate the harness with positive experiences rather than just strapping it on and hoping for the best.
Start at home. Put the harness on your dog indoors where they feel safe and give them a treat straight away. Take it off after a few minutes. Repeat this a few times a day for a week, gradually leaving it on for longer. Once your dog stops noticing the harness, attach the tether and walk them around the house with it dragging behind them.
Next, move to the car. Sit in the parked car with your dog wearing the harness and give them treats or a chew toy. Do not start the engine yet. Just let them associate the car plus harness with good things. Once they are relaxed, start the engine but do not drive. Then take a very short trip, literally two minutes around the block. Build up gradually from there.
Some dogs hate the feeling of being restricted. If your dog pulls backwards when you try to clip the tether to the seat belt, do not force it. Go back a step and work on making the tether a positive thing. Hold it in your hand and feed treats while your dog is clipped to it. Let them learn that the tether means treats, not punishment.
Timing matters. Feed your dog a light meal about an hour before a car trip. A hungry dog will be restless and distracted. A completely full dog might feel sick. Find the middle ground where your dog is content but not overloaded. And always bring water and a bowl for longer journeys.
Car travel tips for anxious dogs
Some dogs love car journeys. Others treat every trip to the vet as a near-death experience. If your dog falls into the second category, a few adjustments can make a real difference.
Cover the windows partially. Dogs get overstimulated by everything they see passing by at speed. A sunshade on the back windows cuts down the visual noise and helps calm dogs that bark at other cars, cyclists, or pedestrians. You do not need to block the view completely. Just reduce it.
Try a calming spray or diffuser. Adaptil makes a car diffuser that plugs into your cigarette lighter and releases dog-calming pheromones. I have spoken to several owners who say it made a noticeable difference, particularly for dogs that pant and pace during drives. It is not going to transform a terrified dog into a relaxed passenger, but it takes the edge off for mildly anxious ones.
Use a blanket or bed. A familiar-smelling blanket from home gives your dog something comforting to lie on. The texture and scent remind them of their safe space, which can reduce anxiety. If your dog has a favourite bed or cushion, bring it. The boot or back seat will feel less strange with something familiar on it.
Play calming music. It sounds daft, but research has shown that classical music and reggae can reduce stress in dogs. A study published in the Journal of Veterinary Behaviour found that dogs in kennels showed lower stress markers when listening to classical music compared to silence or pop music. Put on something calm at a low volume and see if your dog settles down.
Break up long journeys. Stop every hour or two to let your dog stretch their legs, have a drink, and go to the toilet. A five-minute break makes a big difference to a dog’s comfort and reduces the restlessness that builds up on long drives. Service stations and lay-bys are everywhere on UK roads, so plan your stops in advance.
Never leave your dog in a parked car. This needs no explanation but it still happens. Temperatures inside a car can double within minutes on a warm day, even with the windows cracked open. Dogs die this way every summer in the UK. If you need to leave the car, take your dog with you.
Where to buy dog car harnesses in the UK
Shopping online gives you the best selection and usually the best prices. Amazon UK stocks all the harnesses mentioned in this guide, often with next-day delivery if you have Prime. The customer reviews are helpful for getting a sense of sizing and fit issues before you buy, and returns are straightforward if the harness does not work for your dog.
Pets at Home carries the Kurgo, PetSafe, and EzyDog ranges in many of their larger stores. If you want to see the harness in person and try it against your dog before buying, this is a good option. Their website also stocks the full range with click-and-collect available at most locations.
Zooplus and VetUK are worth checking for competitive pricing. Both run regular promotions, and Zooplus in particular often has deals on the Kurgo and Ruffwear ranges. Delivery is usually within two to three days.
Direct from the manufacturer works for Ruffwear and Sleepypod. Ruffwear has a UK-specific website with fast shipping, and Sleepypod products are available through their US site which ships internationally. Be aware that import duties and delivery times apply when ordering from outside the UK.
If you want expert advice, independent pet shops can be surprisingly helpful. Staff at specialist stores often have hands-on experience with the products and can help you choose the right size. They might even let you bring your dog in to try harnesses on, which is worth asking about if you are unsure about sizing.
Final thoughts
Restraining your dog in the car is not optional in the UK. The Highway Code is clear about that, and the physics of a crash are even clearer. An unrestrained dog is a danger to itself, to you, and to anyone else in the vehicle.
For most dog owners, a crash-tested harness like the Kurgo Impact or Sleepypod Clickit Sport is the best all-round choice. They provide verified protection, work with any car, and double as walking harnesses when you reach your destination. If your budget is tighter, the EzyDog Drive or PetSafe Happy Ride are still far better than nothing, and they will satisfy the Highway Code requirement even without independent crash test data.
Avoid the temptation to just use a basic tether clipped to your dog’s walking collar. It is cheap, it is easy, and it gives you almost no real protection. Spend a bit more on a dedicated car harness and you are buying peace of mind every time you turn the key.
For more advice on keeping your dog healthy, well-fed, and happy on the road, browse the guides at dogfoodsuk.com. We cover everything from choosing the best dry dog food in the UK to practical gear recommendations that actually work, all based on proper testing and honest opinions.
Frequently asked questions
Is it illegal to have an unrestrained dog in a car in the UK?
Technically, no. There is no specific offence of driving with an unrestrained dog. However, the Highway Code Rule 57 requires you to restrain your dog so it cannot distract you. If an unrestrained dog causes you to drive carelessly, you can be prosecuted for careless driving, which carries up to nine penalty points and a fine of up to £2,500. Your insurance may also refuse to pay out.
Are dog car harnesses actually crash-tested?
Some are, but most are not. There is no legal requirement for crash testing pet travel products in the UK. The Center for Pet Safety in the US runs independent crash testing programmes, and harnesses from Kurgo and Sleepypod have passed their tests. Many other brands claim their products are “crash-tested” without specifying who did the testing or whether the harness actually passed. Always look for third-party verification rather than taking the manufacturer’s word for it.
Can I just use my dog’s normal walking harness with a seat belt clip?
You can, but I would not recommend it for anything beyond very short, slow trips. Walking harnesses are not designed to withstand crash forces. In a collision, the harness stitching could tear, the plastic buckles could snap, and the harness could come off your dog entirely. A dedicated car harness uses stronger materials and is designed to distribute crash forces safely across your dog’s body. It is a different product for a different job.
Where is the safest place for my dog in the car?
The back seat behind the front passenger is generally considered the safest spot. It keeps the dog away from the driver, protects them from a front impact better than the front seat, and avoids the risk of passenger-side airbags deploying into the dog’s face. If you use a crate, the boot is the best location, but the crate must be properly secured to the car so it cannot move in a crash.
My dog gets car sick. Will a harness make it worse?
It might initially, but most dogs adjust quickly. A harness restricts movement, which can actually help with motion sickness because the dog cannot spin around and look out of different windows. Facing forward is better for dogs prone to sickness because it reduces the visual confusion that triggers nausea. Start with short trips and build up gradually. If sickness persists, talk to your vet about anti-nausea medication for car journeys.
How do I know if the harness fits correctly?
You should be able to slide two fingers between the harness and your dog’s body at any point. The harness should sit snugly across the chest without restricting breathing or leg movement. Check the fit every few minutes on the first few journeys, as some harnesses loosen slightly as the dog moves around. The chest strap should sit behind the front legs, not across them, and the back strap should sit along the spine without rubbing.
Can a dog wear a car harness for the whole journey?
Yes, for most dogs. The harnesses in this guide are designed for extended wear and use padded straps to prevent chafing. However, on very long journeys (several hours), you might want to stop and remove the harness briefly to give your dog a proper break. Check for signs of rubbing or redness when you stop, particularly under the front legs where straps can dig in.
Should I turn off the passenger airbag if my dog rides in the front?
Absolutely. If your dog must ride in the front passenger seat, turn off the airbag. Airbags deploy with enormous force and are designed to protect an adult human. They can kill or seriously injure a dog, especially a small one. Even with the airbag off, the front seat is never the ideal place for a dog. The back seat is always safer.
What happens to an unrestrained dog in a 30mph crash?
At 30mph, the forces involved are extreme. A 20kg dog will strike whatever is in front of it with roughly 600kg of force. The dog will be thrown forward into the seat back, the windscreen, or possibly through the gap between the front seats. Even if the dog survives the initial impact, being thrown around the inside of a car causes severe injuries including broken bones, internal bleeding, and spinal damage. Restraining your dog prevents all of this.
Can puppies use car harnesses?
Yes, but check the minimum weight and size for the specific harness you are using. Some car harnesses start at 4kg or 5kg, which covers most puppies from about twelve weeks old. Younger or smaller puppies might be better off in a carrier that is secured with a seat belt. Make sure you adjust the harness frequently as your puppy grows, because a loose harness provides almost no protection.
