Road safety is paramount. As we get into the car, we fasten our own seat belts and secure kids in child safety seats. And when traveling with pets, we want to keep them safe, too.
To secure pets on the road, there are many options such as dog hammock car seat covers, booster seats, seat belts and safety harnesses. But how do they differ and how to choose the best options for your dog? In this article, we will take a detailed look at ways you can safely secure your pet when driving.
What Is a Dog Car Seat?
A dog car seat is a pet accessory to protect your car interior from dirt, dog hair, scratches and liquids. Dog car seats are usually made waterproof, slip-proof and tear-resistant to withstand different pets and keep your car in perfect condition.
The most popular type of dog car seat is a dog hammock. It attaches to the seat headrests and looks like a protective blanket stretched between the seats. Dog hammock car seat covers protect the entire back seat, or its half – single seat – depending on their size. We advise choosing large backseat hammocks as they create comfort and separate, cozy space for your doggie in the car.
There are also dog car seats for the front seats, but we don’t recommend using these as crash test results show it’s safer to keep your pet in the back.
Choosing the Right Car Seat for Your Dog
So, we figured out what a dog car seat is. But how can you choose the right and safest one among thousands of market offers?
To choose a durable and secure dog hammock, pay attention to the following key points.
-
Seat belt attachment
First and foremost, make sure that the dog car hammock has holes for attaching a dog safety harness. The holes should give access to your car’s seat belt buckles. You fasten your pet’s harness to the buckle with a belt, and can be sure that your pet is secured while on the road. Without such holes, a dog hammock is not only unsafe – it is simply dangerous to use!
-
Materials & layers
The best fabric for dog hammocks is nylon and nylon-based Oxford cloth. Oxford fabric has different density – from 210D to 600D. Choose the latter option since it has better waterproof properties and is more resistant to stains, wear and tear.
As for the layers, this is the case when the more the better. Like this, a dog car seat can have an extra waterproof lining, soft padding for more comfort, or a slip-proof layer on the back side. The more layers a dog hammock has, the more durable and long-lasting it is. Such as this six-layer dog seat cover for car from Owleys brand, for example.
-
Protective sidewalls
Pay attention to the sides of a car hammock. If it has no sides, keep in mind that your car doors won’t be protected against dirt, hairs and scratches you protected the seat upholstery from.
Choose dog hammocks with protective sidewalls. They will not only defend car doors from possible damage and stains, but also keep your pet inside the vehicle in case the door accidentally opens.
Extra tip: check before buying that the dog car seat you are interested in is easy to install and wash. Believe us, this will save you a plenty of time and nerves. You will be unpleasantly surprised when you find yourself with a confusing instruction and the need to dry-clean your new hammock…
Dog Seat Belt Harnesses
We mentioned safety harnesses and dog seat belts above. These are must-have accessories you need to secure your pet while traveling. Let’s take a closer look at the details that are worth paying attention to.
Regarding the material, opt for seat belts and doggie harnesses made of nylon – they are the most durable and safe to use. Check that the threads are thick and tightly sewn together.
Then pay attention to hardware and fasteners. The most reliable hardware is metal or made of sturdy plastic. Consider your pet’s weight and behavior to find the best option that will work for your pet in the long run.
Please note that it is not safe to use only a dog car hammock without a belt and harness. Some sellers may try to convince you that their car seat holds your pet securely and keeps them protected on the road even without a seat belt. No, it doesn’t. Please avoid such sellers and secure your pet properly to avoid accidents.
Dog Car Seats & Booster Seats
There are also seat covers for a single seat known as dog boosters. These are compact type car seats for small dog breeds and puppies. Just like a car dog hammock, a booster seat protects your seat upholstery from dirt, hair and damage, and keeps your pet secured on the road.
Dog booster seats can be of different shapes and designs like beds or baskets, for example. Despite being super cozy, boosters are not always convenient for long road trips. The more space your doggie has, the better it tolerates car rides. Even if you have a tiny breed dog. So if you have a medium or large breed puppy and consider a booster seat as a temporary option, we recommend getting a dog hammock “for growth”. Puppies grow faster than you might expect!
When choosing a booster seat for your pet, pay attention to its safety design. It seems more restraining, but should also allow you to secure your dog with a harness. Otherwise, the booster is not safe to use when driving.
So, let’s sum up. For safe road traveling with dogs, there are accessories such as car hammocks, booster seats and safety harnesses. Dog car seats allow you to restrict your pet and protect your car from dirt, hairs and scratches. To choose a safe dog car seat, check that it allows you securing your pet with a seat belt.
