Why You Should Never Leave Your Dog in the Back Seat of the Car

Transporting a dog in a car without proper safety measures or using low-quality seat belts or crates can endanger both your pet's life and the passengers.

It is not uncommon to see families driving with their dogs in the car, often unsecured. While there are various dog seat belts and special crates available, securing your dog doesn't always mean they're actually safe. 

The hidden issue is that many dog seat belts, barriers, and crates may be advertised as safe, but in reality, they don't hold up in a crash. In the U.S., animal protection associations tested the quality of these products, and the results were alarming.

The quality and safety level of materials sold for transporting dogs in cars are not always guaranteed. "This market is unregulated," says Lindsey Wolko, founder of the Center for Pet Safety, a nonprofit organization in the U.S. Their mission is to test pet safety products through voluntary donations.

There are different types of seat belt extensions for dogs that attach to the car's seatbelt buckle or the dog's collar or harness. Some extensions wrap around the rear seat headrest. Wolko points out that many drivers use these belts primarily to prevent their dogs from distracting them while driving, but sadly, they don't consider their pet's safety in the event of a crash.

Tests with various seatbelt extensions, barriers, and crates have shown that some can cause serious injuries or even death to the animal. For example, if the extension is attached to the collar, it can result in a tracheal crush. Poor quality safety equipment can also harm passengers, especially children.

According to experts, the issue lies in the lack of standardized regulations and quality control for these products. For example, Wolko cites cases where manufacturers claim dog crates meet child seat regulations, which often seems unconvincing and suspicious.

So, how can you choose a reliable seatbelt or crate to transport your dog? Here are the experts' recommendations. Avoid using belts and nets with plastic clips, as they are not durable. Don't use collars; replace them with harnesses suited to the dog's weight and size. Experts suggest using crates, cages, or barriers that are securely bolted to the vehicle's structure. And before purchasing a crate or seatbelt, always check the durability of the components yourself.