Ensuring your dog’s safety when traveling is as important as buckling yourself up. For many, whether to use a “crate or harness for dogs in cars” can be overwhelming. However, it’s an essential question to ask yourself, especially if you frequently hit the road with your dog.

So, how do you choose the right option to keep your pet safe and comfortable during a car ride?

If crash-tested, the harness and the crate can offer safety and protection for dogs in cars. However, every dog and car setup is unique, and what works for one might not suit another. 

In this comparison article, you’ll learn the distinct differences between car crates and dog harnesses regarding protection, comfort, practicality, and more. 

Evaluating the Protective Benefits

Harnesses

Crash-tested harnesses significantly enhance pet safety in vehicles. They work by evenly distributing the force of sudden stops or car crash impacts across the dog’s chest and shoulders, effectively reducing the risk of serious injuries. 

Additionally, harnesses serve as restraint systems, limiting dog movements within the car. Keeping them in place in the back seat instead of the passenger seat prevents them from severe injuries, plus the harness keeps them from getting thrown around during a crash or getting into the front seat or driver’s lap. 

This is crucial for car safety, especially since pets can be a distraction during driving.

Crates

Crash-tested crates provide safety by acting as a protective physical barrier, preventing the dog from being thrown about the vehicle during an accident or abrupt driving maneuvers. As long as the crates are the appropriate size, your dog will feel less impact from a collision since the space they’re in is limited, provided the equipment is robust enough to maintain its integrity. 

Like harnesses, crates also keep dogs from distracting the driver, especially if the crate is positioned in the car boot or truck bed—places where there’s more distance between the crate and the driver. 

Comfort and Stress Consideration

Harnesses

There are different types of harnesses for dogs, so comfort will vary depending on what kind your pet uses or is accustomed to. In general, regardless of the type of seat belt harness you go for, it should be the right size and design that complements your dog’s build so it doesn’t affect their posture and gait. 

Mostly, Y-shaped harnesses are well-favored due to their wide range of motion. The strap placements also avoid sensitive regions like the joints and the neck, making them a comfy choice for many dogs. 

With the practical design of the Y-shaped harness, many pet brands producing crash-tested harnesses have adapted its structure, with some adding padded vests for extra comfort. These minimize stress and discomfort during sudden movements or impacts. 

Of course, not all dogs are used to harnesses as car restraints, and some may feel initially anxious wearing them. However, gradual introduction and training will help them get used to these accessories. 

Crates

Crates provide a unique sense of comfort and security for traveling dogs by giving them their private space in moving vehicles. If the dog is trained to get accustomed to it, a crate will serve as its familiar, den-like environment, which helps mitigate anxiety and stress that may occur during the journey. 

As you know, dogs can get exposed to various stimuli during the trip, such as noise, zooming cars, and the constant flow of changing scenery—these can cause your dog to negatively react or feel car sick if they experience a sensory overload. 

Appropriate bedding and familiar toys can make a crate comforting, encouraging a positive association with travel. 

Practicality in Everyday Use

Harnesses

Apart from offering safety, protection, and comfort, harnesses also serve as practical tools for managing your dogs’ daily walks and travel. 

Unlike collars, which can strain your pet’s neck, harnesses disperse the pressure more evenly around the body, making them safer, more comfortable accessories for walking dogs. This is particularly helpful for brachycephalic breeds or those prone to tracheal issues. 

Furthermore, harnesses are highly practical because they are designed with ease of use in mind, featuring quick-release buckles and adjustable straps to accommodate all the dogs coming from different sizes and shapes. 

Some may also come with reflective materials for safer evening walks and multiple attachment points for leashes, enhancing their functionality for training and better control in diverse situations.

Crates

Crates are practical in a way that they help transporting dogs easier and safer. If they’re well-made and your dog cannot easily chew on them or escape out of them, a crate becomes an effective barrier that prevents your pet from roaming freely and becoming a distraction to the driver. 

Apart from car use, crates can also be used at home during house training, providing a confined space that teaches them to hold their bladder and establish a routine. 

These crates can also be a safe haven during busy or noisy events at home, reducing stress and providing your dog their own space. 

Dog’s Size and Behavior

Harnesses

Car harnesses are suitable for dogs of any breed and size; however, the larger your dog is, the more durable the harness of your choice should be. To give you a clearer picture, a 60-pound dog can turn into a 2,700-pound projectile in a crash where the car travels 35 mph. 

Given these approximate figures, your dog’s harness must provide adequate protection in a collision. A few of the harnesses that have undergone rigorous testing are the Sleepypod and Säker Canine Canyon Pro harnesses. However, it’s still necessary that you meticulously look into their specifications and crash tests so you can decide which harness is best for your dog. 

Note: For larger breeds, you must pick a heavy-duty harness with stronger materials and more robust construction to endure the stress of controlling a bigger, more powerful dog. The harness must also have sufficient padding to prevent chafing and discomfort, ensuring it is suitable for extended wear during walks or travel.

Crates

Crates are also great equipment for dogs of all sizes and breeds. In fact, they’re a more suitable solution for containment and transport, especially if your dog is too large to fit in the back seat. If the crates come in appropriate sizes, your dog can stand, turn, and lie down comfortably, which is essential, especially during longer periods of confinement. 

Behaviorally, dogs that are prone to car sickness or easily distressed may benefit from the security of a crate. The enclosed space can help reduce anxiety by shielding them from overwhelming stimuli, making it an ideal choice for dogs that need a quiet retreat or are transported frequently. 

Vehicle Compatibility and Journey Type

Small vs. Large Vehicles

In transporting dogs, the size of your vehicle is a key factor in determining whether a harness or crate is more suitable. If you have a smaller vehicle, space constraints make it challenging to fit a larger crate. Hence, harnesses are a more practical option. 

Harnesses can securely attach to the dog seat belt, allowing dogs to sit comfortably in the car. This is especially beneficial in compact vehicles, where every inch of space counts. On the other hand, larger vehicles, such as vans and SUVs, can typically accommodate bigger crates, providing a secure and stable environment for canines.

Note: Many owners use a dog guard or a booster seat to contain their dogs in a limited area. However, these do not provide the same protection level as a crash-tested travel crate. 

Trip Duration

Harnesses are usually preferred for shorter car trips due to their quick release setup and ease of use . They allow dogs to be more easily secured and released from the vehicle, which is convenient if your pooch frequently enters and exits the vehicle. Harnesses also enable dogs to sit, stand, and lie down, though movement is somewhat restricted to ensure safety.

Meanwhile, crates are more beneficial for longer journeys, and a dog might benefit from a more enclosed space to feel secure and settle down. Though they confine the dogs, they still have adequate space to sit, lie, and even stand. 

Note: The choice between using a harness or a crate does not solely depend on the length of the trip. Factors such as the dog’s comfort, behavior, and the owner’s specific needs and preferences also play crucial roles. 

Therefore, both options are adaptable for any car ride duration. However, one may be generally favored over the other based on the reasons mentioned for different travel lengths.

Is a Harness or a Crate Safer for a Dog?

Whether a harness or a crate is safer for your dog depends on the product’s design, quality and whether it has been crash-tested. For the most part, harnesses can provide more freedom of movement and are easier to use, particularly for short trips. However, they must properly fit to prevent the dog from slipping out or experiencing discomfort.

Crates, on the other hand, provide a contained environment that can protect your dog from becoming a deadly projectile in an accident, assuming the crate is securely anchored and the right size for the dog.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Best Way for a Dog to Ride in the Car?

The best way for a dog to ride in a vehicle is to use a crash-tested safety restraint, such as a properly fitted harness attached to the car’s seat belts or a secure crate anchored to the vehicle. Opting for this setup prevents your dog from roaming freely, which can be distracting to the driver and dangerous in the event of an accident or sudden stop. 

How Long Should a Dog Ride in a Car?

The length of time your dog should ride in a car depends on its comfort and needs. Generally, it’s advisable to give them a car break every 2 to 3 hours to allow them to stretch, relieve themselves, and drink water. 

How Do You Stop Your Dog From Escaping Its Harness or Crate?

You can stop your dog from escaping their harness or crate by ensuring the harness fits snugly without being too tight and that all straps are properly adjusted. For crates, use secure locks and check for any weaknesses in the structure. Regular checks and maintenance of the equipment are essential to ensure ongoing safety and comfort.

Gradually acclimating your dog to the accessory or equipment through positive reinforcement, such as treats and praise, can also help them feel comfortable and less likely to attempt an escape. 

Final Word

A crate or harness for dogs in cars offers unique advantages and benefits tailored to different needs and situations. If you opt for a harness, you are offered convenience and quick setup, allowing dogs to be easily secured and released. This makes it ideal for situations where the dog needs to exit the vehicle frequently. 

Conversely, crates are more beneficial for longer journeys as they provide a more enclosed space where dogs can feel secure and settle. The containment offered by a crate prevents dogs from distracting the driver. It protects them in case of an accident. 

Overall, both provide good protection, safety, and comfort. However, you must factor in your dog’s needs, behavior, your car’s size, and the duration of your trip before you can decide whether the crate or harness is better for dogs in cars. 

Key Takeaways

  • Consider your vehicle size and trip duration when choosing between a harness and a crate.
  • Tailor the choice to your dog’s behavior; more anxious dogs may prefer the enclosed space of a crate.
  • Always use crash-tested crates or harnesses to ensure the highest level of safety, comfort, and protection.