84% of dog owners make this critical mistake – neglecting both the safety and emotional well-being of their beloved fur babies during car rides

(And no, just clipping their harness to the seatbelt doesn’t cut it…)

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Dr. Deborah Hargrave
By Dr. Deborah Hargrave
Vet Consultant, DVM
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A Shocking Statistic: the lack of proper protection for dogs

They trust us. But are they safe?

In all honesty, as a veterinary consultant with 26 years of experience, I was absolutely shocked to learn that only 16% of dog owners provide their fur babies with proper protection while driving!

And even fewer think about giving them something that’s not just safe, but also truly cozy, secure, and designed to help them stay calm and happy during what’s usually a stressful ride for them.

Think about how strict and legally enforced the rules are when it comes to driving with a 2-year-old child. Extremely! In fact, if something goes wrong, a parent could face serious legal consequences, even decades in prison.

And what happens when the same situation involves a furry, four-legged 2-year-old?

Hmm… nothing?

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They are all babies!

Even though their body size, impact, and the risks involved are nearly the same! The legal system just hasn’t caught up with how quickly our emotional world is changing, or how deep the bond has become between people and their fur babies.

And that leads to a serious risk: this topic isn’t commonly discussed or taught through official channels, so most people are perfectly fine placing their dog in the backseat – unbuckled, on a flat, uncomfortable surface like a basic “dog car seat cover”.

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If we truly see them as our children, how can we treat them like animals during such distressing and uncertain moments – like car rides? (Say hi to the vet clinic… they remember everything, ha-ha!)

The Unseen Risk: Real-life Example

To show just how serious this neglect can be, here’s a simple example

A medium-sized dog, like a spaniel, would be thrown forward in a 30 mph crash with the same force as a baby elephant.

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A flying baby elephant inside your car at just 30 mph.

I don’t even want to imagine what happens at 70. The consequences for your dog and everyone else in the car can be devastating.

And that fact alone should be more than enough to start thinking seriously about it. Even without knowing that a dog can be thrown out of the window during a crash – and in that case, I don’t even want to imagine the possibilities: getting lost, hit, or completely panicked…

Importance of securing dogs during car rides

Thankfully, there’s a simple way to prevent this kind of tragedy. It starts with a buckle harness that attaches directly to your car’s seatbelt and helps keep your dog safe.

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Please, at the very least, do that much for them

However, while this does give our furry child the most important thing – safety, which is a true act of love on our part, we can’t forget another basic need they have.

Just like us, our dogs long for comfort. They crave softness, support, and the feeling of being gently wrapped and protected.

Those exact feelings are familiar to them from the very first days of their lives, when they felt safe, warm, and protected beside their mother.

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Unfortunately, a simple harness clip can’t provide that kind of comfort.

It only limits how far your dog can move from the point of attachment – nothing more.

The same goes for those basic, thin, cheap car seat covers and dog beds. Sure, they protect your seats from dirt, scratches, and fur, and that’s useful.

But when we’re talking about something as precious as our dog’s safety and comfort, it simply isn’t enough.

The need for Comfort in addition to safety

The solution I’ll share with you in just a moment handles both, but most importantly, it protects what really matters.

Of course, they need something high-quality: fluffy, cozy, extremely soft, and with raised edges to help them feel secure and sleep peacefully, even during sudden turns or hard braking.

And not only that – this “something” also needs to stay securely in place, without sliding or getting tossed around the backseat. That’s definitely not the kind of experience we want our dogs to have.

That was my request, and that’s when I began my search.

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The Search for the Perfect Dog Car Bed

Everyone told me it was too specific, too demanding.

They told me a pet car bed like that would cost at least $250. But I didn’t agree. I believed I could use my reputation and network to find the right stores, online or offline (I didn’t limit myself) that could meet all my requirements and offer it at a price that made sense.

I didn’t want my readers and clients buying cheap-looking, flimsy products that don’t truly offer the comfort and safety our pets deserve.

Months of research went by…

To be honest, after contacting almost every possible store and I only found two options, and neither came close to meeting my expectations.

They were either cheap and low-quality (flat, flimsy edges, no way to secure the bed, and often with an unpleasant smell), or they were amazing but came at a staggering price.

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Cheap & Bad or Great & Overpriced — That Was It.

I wasn’t willing to pay $250 to $420 for a car bed that truly delivered on quality, softness, and safety, and I didn’t want my readers and clients to have to either.

A Breakthrough: Finding the Perfect Product

And then one day, feeling just desperate enough to give up and leave it all behind, I got a Facebook message from one of my classmates from vet school – we’ve been friends for over 20 years, and he said:

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Hey Deborah, I remember you said you were looking for a good car bed and ended up rejecting all the ones you found. But check this one out, they seem legit, meet all your must-haves, and might actually be a great fit!

Well, I had received dozens of messages like this from friends before, so I was pretty skeptical.

But when I checked out the photos on their website, something about it caught my eye, and I felt the urge to order one and examine it with my most careful attention.

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It looked so cozy, fluffy, stylish, and secure (yes – it even had headrest securing straps!)

And the price? Incredibly fair and affordable.

But what impressed me even more was that they’d visited shelters around the world and donated over $23,000 in 2024, all thanks to their amazing customers and big hearts.

What an amazing place to buy a car bed from.

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“They’re not just providing comfort and security for people’s dogs, they’re also spreading love to those who need it most by doing something truly meaningful” I thought. And I wasn’t wrong.

Additional features from the manufacturer

By the way, they also offer that safety seat belt I mentioned earlier – the one that buckles directly to the harness, but this one has an elastic bungee buffer for extra comfort. So you can get both the car bed and the seat belt in one package, just like I did.

I received my package shortly after and was immediately impressed by the way they do things. First of all, it was packed with such care that nothing could have been damaged during shipping.

Secondly, aside from the car bed itself, they included three (!) free gifts: a dog toothbrush, a pet-friendly home cleaning guide, and a 2025 dog calendar. I found that so thoughtful, it really touched me.

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They Didn’t Have to… But They Did

The First Experience: Positive Results

I didn’t waste any time and installed it in my back seat right away. Honestly, it took me less than five seconds.

I just placed it where I wanted and fastened the special buckle that runs from the bed behind the headrests, keeping both the bed and my Lucy safe and secure during turns, acceleration, and sudden braking.

A few days later, we drove to my mom’s country house for the weekend – and Lucy was sound asleep for 1 hour and 27 minutes out of the 1 hour and 30 minute ride!

A complete contrast to how she used to be. Restless, anxious, and panting during every drive when she was strapped in with just a buckle harness.

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But not this time.

Inside this amazing, fluffy bed, it was like she had her own soft little cave.

My husband and I truly enjoyed the drive, knowing we had nothing to worry about – not Lucy’s happiness, and not her safety. With this product, we finally felt completely confident in both.

The importance of buying the original product online

Now I get a lot of emails from people who went to local or big-name stores trying to find this bed. They ended up buying something “similar” for the same price, just because they could touch it first.

I totally get it, wanting to touch the product first feels reassuring.

But that impulse often left them disappointed when, just a few weeks later, the bed lost its softness, started sagging, and no longer gave their dog the comfort they were hoping for.

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There are so many companies that try to mimic the look, but they don’t come close when it comes to the longevity of materials, softness, filled edges, or strong buckles.

Most of them just want to make money off of you.

Advice to avoid buying imitations

So please, don’t make this mistake.

They sell the original product only online so they can cut out unnecessary middlemen and offer you the best possible price.

On top of that, they offer a 14-day money-back guarantee – no questions asked

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dogs-risk
There’s no need to take a risk on something “similar”

The Safest way to get this product

Help your dog to feel calm and secure during car rides
Get your pelsbarn bed circles present secure-dog

Check what other people are saying about this unique car bed

Debra C., NY
Debra C., NY

didn’t expect much tbh but wow! figured it would be “okay” at best. turns out Sofi legit naps the whole drive now 😅 no panting, no pacing. just curls up in her bed like she’s on a spa day. it’s like she finally knows she’s safe. bless this bed

Rosie P., Miami
Rosie P., Miami

We got 2!! one for each car lol

My husband drives construction trucks and takes Max to his mom's after work. Max used to whine sooo bad it made the ride kinda stressful Now? that dog is SNORING before we even leave the driveway if your dog hates car rides, pls try it

James S., LA
James S., LA

Not a dramatic story here, just… peace.

My Ginger doesn’t try to climb into the front seat anymore. She just… chills. And I didn’t even train her or anything. The bed did the work. quiet comfort is underrated.

Sarah W., NY
Sarah W., NY

I’m in my 50s and been dealing with anxious car rides for YEARS. My terrier would do anything to get out of the seatbelt.

Since using this bed, she’s... different. She settles. She relaxes. I actually enjoy driving with her now.

It’s soft, sturdy, and I swear she smiles in her sleep 😄🐶

William B., TX
William B., TX

I don’t know what magic this bed has but Bella SLEEPS. like she’s out cold before the GPS even finishes calculating the route ha-ha. used to be whining, drooling, barking. Now she’s just snuggled vibes. feels good to drive without stress

Emma D., Chicago
Emma D., Chicago

i used to cry after road trips bc cooper looked SO miserable seriously… he’d shake, stare at the floor, wouldn’t settle. This bed changed our life. He jumps in happy now. like “ok mom let’s roll” i feel like a better dog mom just seeing him at peace 💛

Amelia
Amelia

Used to just strap Cooper in and PRAY lol. Saw someone mention this bed in a Facebook group and figured I’d try it. First trip? he slept the whole way to san diego

like... what?! we’ve had that drive a dozen times and this was the first one that felt easy

A heartfelt message to the reader about pet safety and comfort

Dr. Deborah Hargrave
With all the love and pawsitivity,
Dr. Deborah Hargrave
Vet Consultant, DVM

I’m so thankful to you for reading all the way to the end.

It shows that you truly care about your fur baby, and that means the world to me.

Even though there may not be official laws in place to protect our beloved pets the way they deserve, we can still use our common sense and do everything we can to keep them safe, comfortable, and happy.

Feel free to share your comments, thoughts, stories, and of course, dog photos – in the comment section below.

I’d absolutely love to hear from you.
It would make me so happy!

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Recent Readers Comments

Amanda
Amanda valid

Ah, I’m one of those people who wanted to touch it first… and ended up buying a fake. But hey, at least I can use it to mop the floors now :)) Definitely ordering from the official site this time thanks for the link!

Robin G.
Robin G. valid

I don’t usually write reviews, but this car bed deserves it. My Cockapoo, Milo, has always been a bit nervous in the car, wouldn’t sit still, always alert. But now? I buckle him in and he melts into this bed within minutes 😴💤

One day it was in the wash, so I used a soft blanket instead… nope. He kept shifting and wouldn’t settle. The moment his bed was back, he curled up and relaxed like normal. It’s his little comfort zone now

Also, the bed washes amazingly well, still fluffy after several cycles! Thank you for creating something so comforting for my boy!

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Marcia B.
Marcia B. valid

I have 2 six pound Yorkies one of whom hates riding in the car. Today they were in their new car seat for the first time & the pup who's normally anxious in the car was actually sleeping. It made me feel so happy! Thank you.

Jocelyn
Jocelyn valid

I honestly don’t understand how so many people still don’t think about protecting their beloved dogs in the car... Anything can happen, and it happens fast

jeannette
jeannette valid

We received the car bed. It was well packaged. I took it out, put it on the floor, and my little cautious girl, came over, smelled it and jumped right in. She immediately found her comfortable position and protested when I took her out of it. It was so easy to put in the car, and I love the fact that it has this little pocket to put things in. It looks very well made. It’s not just perfect for when my dog rides in the car with me, I love that I can easily keep it in the passenger side, and place my things in it, and now they won’t easily slide out of the seat! Double function! ha! I will definitely buy again from Pelsbarn. And, by the way, I love their tag with a message. Great message!

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Rachel N.
Rachel N. valid

Once, I had to brake suddenly because the car in front of me stopped, and my sweet terrier broke her leg falling into the backseat footwell. I’ve felt guilty ever since. I immediately started buying different beds to find the most secure option, along with a proper buckle harness. And Deborah, after spending over $1,000 testing 8 different beds… I came to the same conclusion as you. This brand is the best. Don’t waste your money on anything else.

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Debra S.
Debra S. valid

I received this today and placed it in my car right away. Wow! I did not expect to see what happened next. My pup jumped into the bed and stayed there. I asked her to come out and she just stayed there. She stayed there and slept and until I was done working outside. She loves it!!

Sharon
Sharon valid

Romeo loves laying in this bed. It’s so soft and cuddly, and he loves resting his chin on the bolster pillow around the bed.

Laura
Laura valid

Hm, never thought this deeply on the subject..

Teri B.
Teri B. valid

Great Experience! I took it out of the package put it on the couch and it hasn’t made it to the car. He loves it. ♥️ Next is one for the couch.

Katie
Katie valid

Very heavy anxiety when driving in car but this helps so much!

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References:
  • [1] https://www.americanhumane.org/public-education/remember-safety-while-driving-with-pets
  • [2] https://www.kidsandcars.org/pets/vehicle-related-injuries
  • [3] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1184425/
  • [4] https://www.avma.org/news/data-safety-regulations-lacking-when-it-comes-pets-and-vehicles
  • [5] https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/pets-vehicles
  • [6] https://pelsbarn.org/
  • [7] https://www.vets-now.com/2019/01/dog-car-harness/
  • [8] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0167587719302041
  • [9] https://www.latimes.com/archives/blogs/la-unleashed/story/2011-01-26/experts-warn-about-the-dangers-of-driving-with-unrestrained-pets-in-the-car
  • [10] https://www.litnerlaw.com/blog/getting-in-an-accident-with-a-pet-in-the-car/