How to Drive Your Newly Adopted Dog Home

The first time you put your newly adopted pup in your car — or truck or rental — is a big deal. It’s also a moment to think about their safety, not just on this first trip, but forever. Over the years, the two of you will no doubt share many road trips, so if possible, it’s good to start off on the right foot (and paw).

As a canine behavioralist, I’d like to see all those pups headed home in the safest, most comfortable way possible. Here are the ways I have seen dogs being transported, with what I consider to be the pros and cons of each method.

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Being held by a passenger.

On the plus side, physical contact can accelerate the development of close ties between dogs and their humans. For dogs who enjoy it, being held makes them feel secure. Dogs who prefer more personal space tend to find it less welcome. When the dog is being held, they are prevented from moving around the vehicle, possibly hurting themselves or distracting the driver, which can lead to a dangerous situation. On the other hand, humans can’t prevent dogs from becoming missiles in the event of an accident or other sudden stop, so overall, this is not the safest way to transport a new dog home. (Remember, for safety’s sake, the driver should not be the one to hold the dog.)

In A Crate.

Confined in a crate is a far safer way for dogs to travel, and I’m a big fan of using them. On the plus side, in addition to the safety factor, crating the dog prevents potential mess-makers (vomit, urine, slobber or hair, for example) from getting all over the rest of the car. On the downside, some dogs absolutely panic in a crate or are so distressed by being in one that it may not be worth it to insist.

Restrained With A Harness And Seat Belt Or Zipline.

These options have the benefit of safety because the dog can’t go flying in the event of an accident or sudden stop, and can’t run amok in the car. Being tethered to a small area helps keep the dog (and everyone else on the road) safe. This method of restraint will work for most dogs — even those who are panicky about confinement. Only a few really freak out in a harness, although some do fuss about it a bit. With these forms of restraint, a dog can snuggle up to a passenger, which often gives comfort to a dog heading into the great unknown (unknown, at least, from the dog’s perspective).

On The Seat.

Many dogs are happy to be on the seat, but without some form of restraint, they’re potentially at risk if there’s a short stop or an accident. Most dogs seem relaxed in this situation, but it’s not relaxing for me to see. However, if a dog is going to be transported loose in the car (which I don’t recommend), being on the back seat is safer than being on the front seat.

On The Floor.

Riding on the floor of a car behind the front seats is safer than being in the front, where the dog might distract or interfere with the driver. It’s also somewhat safer than sitting on the seat, but since the dog is not secured, there’s still a risk with this method. If a dog chooses to be on the floor, they may do so because it feels to them like a more secure space. This suggests that a crate may be a good option for this particular dog, now or in the future.

Behind A Dog Guard.

A guard that blocks off the back seat is a great option. This prevents the dog from being loose in the car, and from flying into (or through) the windshield in the event of an accident or a sudden stop. Many dogs are comfortable in such a setup, and it’s a good long-term transport strategy. If used when the dog is being brought home, it’s nice to have a person in the back seat to offer company and comfort. But even if you’re driving by yourself, this is a safe option for you and for the dog.

In The Back Of A Pick-Up Truck.

This is the worst possible option, especially for a dog who has not yet developed a bond with you. Practically anything could cause the dog to freak out and try to escape. Shelter dogs’ histories are usually pretty scant, which means you have no way of knowing if a truck bed is a second home for your new dog or so unfamiliar that it could cause her terror, especially once you’re on the road.