While Queensland road rules do not explicitly require drivers to restrain their animal while travelling in a vehicle, it’s important to consider your pet’s safety while driving.
Even a low impact car crash can transform your precious pooch into a dangerous projectile if they are unrestrained. A horrible fate to consider for your furry friend and frightening prospect for any other passengers in your vehicle! For this reason, Brisbane dog owners commonly invest in reliable and safe pet car harnesses and restraints for their loyal companions. But which harnesses and restrains are most comfortable for your pet, and safest for car travel? We take a closer look at the laws relating to driving with a pet in your vehicle and the best restraint options for a variety of breeds of dogs. Whether you’re driving from Mcdowall to Northgate in Brisbane or longer trips from Everton Park to Noosa, your pet deserves the same kind of safety as you!
QLD law regarding driving with pets in your car
According to Queensland law, you are not allowed to drive with a pet on your lap. It’s also an offence to drive while you are distracted, and don’t have proper control of the car. As we all know, dogs can be quite excitable and distracting at times, which is why it’s essential that they are appropriately restrained. There are no laws that state that a dog cannot sit in the front passenger seat, but placing them there can be a severe safety risk. Small children cannot withstand the impact of an airbag upon collision, and neither can dogs. Securing them in the back seat is always best. If you drive a ute and your dog rides in the tray, they must be restrained by law, in either an enclosed cage or by being tethered. For more information on how Brisbane dog owners can legally drive with a dog in a ute, see here.
How to choose the right car restraint for your dog
Dog car harnesses
Many car restraints on the market that vary drastically in price. But when considering safety, it’s easy to see that you get what you pay for. When choosing a car restraint for your dog, always opt for a body harness over a lead that merely connects your pup’s collar to the seatbelt. It’s also vital to ensure that the harness fits securely around your furry friend’s upper body. Dogs are experts at wiggling out of loose harnesses, and this can pose a safety risk for everyone in the vehicle. As of yet, there are no specific RSPCA approved dog harnesses. However, the NRMA in NSW underwent a crash test with a few commonly purchased harnesses and only two brands passed. Their general advice was to avoid any harnesses that look like they have “weak plastic buckles similar to those used on most backpacks,” and not to scoff at the more expensive products. A tried and tested dog harness is a worthwhile investment, especially if you travel with your pooch regularly or embark on long-distance journeys.
Dog travel cages and crates
Alternatively, you may choose to secure your dog in your car via an enclosed cage or crate. It’s critical to ensure that these enclosures are well ventilated and provide enough space for your dog to sit, stretch and lay down. For additional safety, they should be fasted or bolted to your car floor or seat to prevent them from slipping around.
Dog car slings and hammocks
Another device that will prevent your dog from distracting you is a car hammock for the back seat. The hammock effectively cordons off the back seat from the front and acts as a sling, so that your dog cannot be thrown into the front of the car if you brake suddenly. While these products are great for keeping your car clean and limiting distractions for the driver, they aren’t as safe for your pooch. With a car hammock, your dog isn’t tethered to anything and can still be thrown about by the force of a collision.
The best car restraints for your pet.
Sleepypod Clickit Harness
The Sleepypod Clickit Harness is a soft, supportive harness for your dog that’s easy to use and install. It comes in small, medium, large and extra large sizes for a wide variety of dog breeds. Crash tested with a five-star rating from the Center for Pet Safety, this is one of the most reliable dog safety harness on the market.
EzyDog Drive Car Harness
The Drive Car Harness by EzyDog features a cushioned chest plate and secure buckles to restrain your dog during car travel. The harness has been crash tested, passed and certified to a high standard.
Gunner Kennel G1 Intermediate
The Gunner Kennel G1 series is a travel crate for your dog, designed to be secured on the back of your ute. You can purchase the G1 series in four different sizes to suit the height and weight of your dog. You can anchor the crate onto the ute tray bed with tie-down pins or straps. It offers superior weather protection against rain and any heat conducted through the ute tray surface. It’s durable and sturdy! The product is crash tested and approved by the Center for Pet Safety, with a five-star rating. The ultimate option for any tradie whose most diligent workmate has four legs!
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