Several Australian states require dogs to be restrained in a moving vehicle, and every state has driver distraction rules that apply when a dog is roaming around the car. But which restraint should you use? Here is a plain comparison of the four main options: dog seat belts, car harnesses, crates and booster seats.
Why restrain your dog at all?
- Driver distraction: a dog climbing into the front or onto your lap is a real hazard, and can earn you a fine.
- Sudden braking: an unrestrained dog can be thrown forward into the seats, the dash or a passenger.
- Getting out: a restrained dog cannot bolt out of an open door at a servo or on the roadside.
- The law: rules differ by state. See our state-by-state guide to dog car travel laws.
Option 1: Dog seat belt
A short, adjustable lead that clicks into your car's seat belt buckle (or loops around the headrest) and clips to the back of your dog's harness.
- Pros: cheap, quick to use, works in almost any car, lets your dog sit, stand or lie down.
- Cons: only as good as the harness it is attached to.
- Best for: medium and large dogs on the back seat.
Important: always attach a dog seat belt to a well-fitted harness, never to a collar. A sudden stop with the lead on the collar can injure your dog's neck.
Option 2: Car harness
A sturdy harness designed for car travel, used with a seat belt tether or a loop that the car's seat belt passes through. Some harnesses are tested to crash standards by their manufacturers; most everyday walking harnesses are not.
- Pros: spreads force across the chest rather than the neck, doubles as a walking harness.
- Cons: crash-tested models are expensive; fit matters a lot.
- Best for: owners who want the highest level of restraint for a dog on the seat.
Option 3: Crate or travel box
A crate in the cargo area of an SUV or wagon, ideally secured with cargo straps so it cannot slide or tip.
- Pros: keeps your dog fully contained, keeps the cabin clean, many dogs feel secure in a familiar crate.
- Cons: takes up a lot of space, does not suit small cars, an unsecured crate can become a projectile.
- Best for: large dogs in SUVs and wagons, dogs that are already crate trained.
Option 4: Booster seat or console seat
A raised, padded seat that straps to the car seat or centre armrest, with a short built-in tether that clips to a harness.
- Pros: lets small dogs see out of the window (often reducing anxiety and car sickness), keeps them contained in one spot, comfortable for long drives.
- Cons: only suits small dogs; most booster seats are not crash-tested.
- Best for: small breeds such as cavoodles, maltese, chihuahuas and toy poodles. See our cavoodle car seat guide.
Side-by-side comparison
| Restraint | Dog size | Cost | Space needed | Main benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dog seat belt + harness | Medium to large | Low | Back seat | Simple and flexible |
| Crash-tested car harness | Any | High | Back seat | Highest restraint on a seat |
| Secured crate | Medium to large | Medium to high | Cargo area | Fully contained |
| Booster or console seat | Small | Low to medium | Seat or armrest | Comfort and a view |
Our recommendation
- Small dogs (under about 10 kg): a booster seat on the back seat with the built-in tether clipped to a harness.
- Medium and large dogs: a well-fitted harness with a dog seat belt on the back seat, plus a seat cover or hammock to protect the car.
- Large dogs in SUVs: a secured crate in the cargo area is also a good option.
Whatever you choose, keep the tether short enough that your dog cannot reach the front seats or put their head out of the window.
FAQ
Is it illegal to have an unrestrained dog in the car in Australia?
It depends on the state, but in every state you can be fined if a dog distracts you or is on your lap while driving. Our dog car travel laws guide covers each state.
Can my dog sit in the front seat?
In most states it is allowed if your dog is restrained and not on your lap, but the back seat is safer because front airbags can injure dogs.
Are dog seat belts crash-tested?
Most everyday dog seat belts, including ours, are designed to keep your dog in place and reduce distraction. They are not crash-tested safety devices. If crash protection is your priority, look for a harness that the manufacturer has crash-tested.
This guide is general information only. Check your state road authority for current rules.