What you need to know about dog harnesses for the car
Not only do restraints help protect your dog, but they can also protect you and your human passengers.There is no question that our pets are integral parts of our family, with recent data indicating that approximately 69% of Australian households own a pet and 48% of these own at least one dog.
And like any family member, dogs are frequent partakers in outings - often tagging along in the car for a trip to the park, to grab some home DIY necessities at Bunnings, or on a summer holiday at the beach.
With our dogs on board, just like all of our precious cargo, knowing how to transport them safely is important, which in most cases means the use of vehicle restraints.
Dr Mia Cobb, Scientific Officer, RSPCA Australia says there are three ways that restraining your dog during car travel can help to keep everyone safer:
- A restrained dog can’t move around within the car, resulting in less distraction and interference to the driver.
- In a collision, dogs will be less likely to be thrown through the car, reducing the risk of injury to themself, the driver and the passengers.
- Restraints can also prevent dogs from jumping out of a moving car’s window, reducing the risk of injury to the dog and other road users. (It’s safest to keep open windows to a small gap preventing your dog from putting their head outside.)
While the laws vary from state and territory, it is highly recommended across Australia to restrain your dog while driving for both their safety and your own.
Hefty fines can be issued by the RSPCA if your dog is injured due to not being properly restrained in your vehicle and with as many as 500 doges injured or killed each year in Australia after falling from a moving vehicle, it's not hard to understand why.
It is also worth noting that it is illegal in every part of Australia to drive with a dog on your lap, or if the driver’s attention or control of their vehicle is affected by their dog. Both of these infringements carry fines ranging from $100 in WA to $362 in NSW.
What type of restraint?
With an abundance of restraints on the market, choosing the right one can be tricky but Dr Cobb says that safely restraining your dog using a harness and/or seat belt attachment, or a suitably sized cage/crate if there is a cargo area in the back of the vehicle are the best options.
“Any such container should enable the animal to lie down comfortably in a natural position, turn around, stand, sit upright, and stretch with clearance. It’s also important that your dog has been familiarised with being contained first so that they feel comfortable during travel,” she says.
Which brand?
Unfortunately, there is currently no standard testing process for pet car safety products in Australia but NRMA testing in 2013 revealed that many products on the market didn’t provide adequate protection in a collision. In fact, out of six harnesses tested, only two proved safe.
With this in mind, “it’s important that people do their own research as to the best solution for their dog (based on the size of the dog, type of vehicle, etc.) before purchasing products,” says Dr Cobb.
“Buyers can get assistance at the point of purchase or from their local veterinary care team in fitting them appropriately.”
Extra links to explore
The laws regarding the restraint of dogs in or on vehicles can vary between Australia’s states/territories. We recommend that you check your local Road Traffic Authority (or equivalent) Road rules. The relevant state government department responsible for animal welfare or the relevant state RSPCA to check the Animal Welfare laws that apply to transporting dogs in or on vehicles.
Related: Pets in cars: What are the rules when on the road?
Related: Things to consider when travelling with pets in the car
Related: Best pet-friendly car accessories for your furry friends
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