How to Build a Car Dog Seat

Secure your dog in a car seat to keep him from getting injured in case of an accident. A dog can be secured to a car seat the same as a passenger. This simple fix works well and is fairly inexpensive.

Things You'll Need

• Dog harness
• 2 leather leashes
• 2 swivel snaps

Instructions

1. Fit your dog with a sturdy dog harness.

2. Sit your dog in the middle back seat (the safest place in your car). Snap the seat belt shut and pull it tight. Measure the distance from the back of your dog's harness to the tightened seat belt on both sides. Lay your dog down in the seat and measure again. Use the larger of these two measurements to allow your dog to sit or lay comfortably.

3. Purchase two thick dog leashed that are double the length of your measurements. Take the leashes and two swivel snaps to a shoemaker and have him cut the leashes and install the swivel snaps on the raw ends of each leash.

4. Put your dog in the middle seat and feed each restraint leash through either side of the back strap on the harness. Feed the loose end through the seat belt and snap the two ends together. Repeat on the other side. Your dog should be securely restrained and still have enough room to move comfortably.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't attempt to restrain your dog around his neck or by the leash fastening on the back of the harness. He could strangle himself or suffer whiplash during an accident. Your dog's shoulders are the strongest part of his body; by equalizing the pull of two leashes, you are stabilizing his body weight in case of an accident. If your dog becomes agitated, remove the restraint and don't force him to take unnecessary car rides.

Resources

• A Box Seat for Better Viewing
• Purchase and Install a Dog Car Seat