Small Dog Car Safety FAQ: Expert Answers for Safer Rides
- ridewithmarshmello
- 5 hours ago
- 3 min read
Car rides can be pure joy for small dogs, ears flapping, noses twitching, tails wagging. But keeping them safe on the road takes more than love and good intentions. To help you make every trip as safe as it is fun, we’ve answered the most common small dog car safety questions using advice from trusted experts including the Center for Pet Safety (CPS), the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), and Fear Free Pets.
Can I put my small dog in the front seat?
Safety experts strongly advise against it. Even when secured, small dogs belong in the back seat as much as possible. The AVMA notes that airbags are designed for adults and can cause severe or fatal injuries to pets in the front seat during deployment (AVMA Pet Travel Safety Guide). The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) also warns that airbags can deploy at over 100 mph, making the front seat unsafe for any unrestrained animal.
The safest setup for small dogs:
Use a crash-tested car harness or secured travel carrier verified by the Center for Pet Safety.
For the best Car Harnesses for Small Dogs check out our guide
Attach it to the back seat’s seat-belt anchors, not the headrest.
Never allow your dog to ride in your lap or roam freely.
If your pup loves to see you while you drive, consider a CPS-certified booster seat or carrier. These options raise your dog safely to window height while keeping them fully restrained—ideal for small breeds under 25 pounds.
Should a dog sit or lie down in the car?
For most dogs, a seated position is the safest and most comfortable during car travel. Sitting upright with a properly fitted harness helps:
Reduce forward movement in sudden stops.
Minimize pressure on the spine and neck.
Lessen motion sickness, which can worsen when dogs lie flat.
According to Fear Free Pets, posture plays a key role in how dogs experience travel anxiety and motion sickness. A balanced, supported seated position allows your dog to maintain equilibrium during motion, reducing stress and nausea.
Some dogs with joint issues or anxiety may prefer lying down once securely harnessed. The key is ensuring limited range of motion, enough for comfort, not enough to tumble or twist in an impact.
Tip: Before a long trip, practice short rides to help your dog get used to sitting calmly in their travel setup.
Can I use a regular walking harness in the car?
Only if it’s rated for vehicle restraint. Most standard walking harnesses are not designed—or tested—for crash protection. In an impact, even sturdy-looking buckles or stitching can fail, allowing your dog to be thrown forward with extreme force.
The Center for Pet Safety has tested numerous pet harnesses, and only a few models meet its independent crash-testing standards.
If your harness doesn’t specifically mention crash testing or restraint certification, it’s best reserved for walks. For car rides, invest in a CPS-approved small dog car harness or a secured travel carrier that’s been verified for vehicle use.
Final Thoughts on Small Dog Car Safety
Even the calmest pup needs proper restraint to stay safe in a moving vehicle. Whether you’re running local errands or heading on a road trip, remember:
Always use crash-tested gear from reputable manufacturers verified by CPS.
Keep your dog in the back seat for airbag safety per AVMA and NHTSA guidance.
Check fit and comfort before every ride, Fear Free Pets emphasizes that comfort supports calm, and calm supports safety.
Your small dog depends on you to make good choices behind the wheel. With the right harness, seat, or carrier, every journey can be safe, comfortable, and tail-waggingly fun.
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