Head out the window, ears flapping. It's a classic picture. It's also one of the riskier ways a dog can ride. Whether it's a trip to the vet or a road trip across the state, these five habits keep your bestie safe every time the car moves.
1. Crate or crash-tested harness, every ride
An unrestrained dog can be thrown forward in a sudden stop, even at low speeds. That's dangerous for them and for everyone else in the car.
- A secured travel crate or a crash-tested car harness is the safest choice
- "Crash-tested" isn't a regulated label. Look for certification from the Center for Pet Safety, an independent nonprofit that crash-tests harnesses, crates, and carriers and accepts no funding from pet product makers
- Skip long tether extensions. They let a dog travel too far before stopping
- A regular walking harness is not a car harness
2. Never leave a dog alone in the car
Not for a quick errand, and not with the windows cracked. A parked car heats up fast, even on a mild day. Our full guide explains why: never leave your dog in a parked car.
3. Window guards prevent jumps and falls
Dogs can jump or fall from an open window, and flying debris can hurt eyes and ears. Keep windows open only an inch or two, or use a window guard, so they get the smells without the risk.
4. Skip the front seat: airbags are dangerous
Front airbags are built for adults. One deploying next to a dog can cause serious injury. The back seat, restrained, is the safest spot. Keep them out of the driver's lap for the same reason, plus it's distracting.
5. Save your vet's number in the car
Program your vet and the nearest 24-hour emergency animal hospital into your phone, and keep a written copy in the glove box. On longer trips, look up an emergency vet near where you're going before you leave.
Pack a little go-bag
- Water and a collapsible bowl
- Leash and poop bags
- A towel and a favorite toy
- Copies of vaccine records for longer trips
Getting a nervous rider used to the car
Start small: sit in the parked car with treats, then a drive around the block, then a short trip somewhere fun (not just the vet). If your dog gets carsick, see our guide on car sickness and road trips.
Buckle up, both of you. A few seconds of setup keeps every ride a good one. Because a dog is a bestie, and besties ride safe.