Safe Rides for Passenger Pups

After two months of being hauled around town and across the country testing out dog seats, harnesses and even goggles, Darwin the beagle is, frankly, so over road trips for now. While the pooch played guinea pig, we learned that there are two categories of dog products for your car: those that take care of your dog and those that take care of your auto. The best products do both: protect your vehicle from muddy paws and restrain your hound from moving around and distracting the driver or getting injured if the car makes an abrupt stop.

John Grieco, owner of G.W. Little, an online retailer that sells dog travel products, says pet car safety is overlooked. "Many people don't think about safety for their pets when they're driving," he says, "but you see it all the time: a car going around a curve, and you can tell in the dog's face, they're just trying to hang on."

Restraining a dog is as easy as fitting your pooch with a harness and an attachment that clips into the seat-belt buckle, which is how Darwin usually travels. She has enough leeway to move around in her seat, but not enough to relocate to the driver's lap. Kelly Connolly, a spokeswoman for the Humane Society of the United States, says restraining your dog with a harness, cargo net or crate is the safest way for a driver and pet to travel. She recommends putting dogs in the back seat, where they are less likely to distract the driver. If they do sit in the front, make sure the passenger air bag is deactivated.

Many of the products we reviewed use the harness-and-seat-belt system, but others don't secure the dog at all. They are merely cosmetic or for the dog's comfort. Here's a look at the items we tested and how they rated. -- Melanie D.G. Kaplan

Product: Umbra Pet Dog Tent (available at Bailey & Wags, 800-887-5448, http://www.baileyandwags.com; $130-$160, depending on size)

Driver Says: Well built with heavy-duty nylon, the Italian-made Umbra Pet Dog Tent opens and closes like an umbrella and is water-resistant and lightweight. I set up the tent in the back of a Honda CRV, hooking each corner to rings under the car mat. It didn't shift much, but Darwin, who was untethered, had to brace herself going around turns. The best thing about the tent is its versatility: Your dog gets privacy, shade and security inside the car, and a canine camp outside.

Dog Says: Couldn't care less about the Euro-chic design, but modern-day dens don't get much better than this. It's perfect for what pups do best between supper times: sleep.

Grade: A-

Product: Microsuede Lookout Car Seat (G.W. Little, 866-495-4885, http://www.gwlittle.com; $129-$179, depending on size)

Driver Says: Class all the way. This seat is solid and well made and looks good enough to display in the living room, thanks to its herringbone microsuede, accent piping and matching pillow. The lap seat belt secures the seat, and a short, adjustable strap that attaches to the dog's harness connects to the seat belt. It's wider than the Lookout II (next item), which makes it less tipsy, but it's also a little big for the passenger seat and better for the back seat. Includes a goody drawer underneath.

Dog Says: Throw in a supply of pet snacks and this dog will never covet the driver's seat again.

Grade : A