Can a Dog Ride in the Front Seat? Airbags, Laws and Safer Options

Short answer: it is not illegal in most US states, but the back seat is safer for your dog. Here is why, and what to do instead.

The airbag problem

A front passenger airbag is designed for an adult sitting upright. It deploys at high speed and force. For a dog, which is smaller and sits or lies in a very different position, that force can cause serious injury. The same reason is behind the rule that children ride in the back.

The distraction problem

A dog in the front seat is also a dog that can reach the driver, the gear stick and the pedals. Two seconds looking at your dog at 55 mph is about 160 feet driven without looking at the road.

What the law says

There is no federal law about dogs in cars. Three states require restraint (New Jersey, Rhode Island and Hawaii), and others can cite an unrestrained dog under distracted-driving rules. Check your own state before a trip; we keep a state-by-state list in our dog car seat laws guide.

What to do instead

• Put your dog in the back seat. It is the better place for the airbag reason alone.
• Keep your dog in one place. A raised, padded seat that clips onto your car's ISOFIX / LATCH anchors gives your dog walls to lean on and a view out of the window, so they have less reason to wander forward.
• Clip the harness, never the collar, to the safety clip.

Not sure which size? Go by weight: S up to 15 lbs, M 15 to 35 lbs, L 35 to 50 lbs, XL over 50 lbs or two dogs. See the size guide or shop all dog car seats. Free shipping.

Related guides

• How to keep your dog in the back seat
• Is it illegal to drive with a dog in your lap?
• Are dog car seats safe?

Our seats are comfort and containment products. They are not crash-tested restraints.