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A zipline, or tether, in the back seat can stop a dog climbing into the front and distracting the driver. It is not the same thing as a crash restraint. RSPCA Australia says dogs “can be safely restrained in the back seat of a vehicle using a vehicle restraint/harness that has passed safety/crash tests”, and warns that “there are many products on the market that have not passed any safety/crash testing”.
This page covers how a car zipline works, what to check before you buy one, and five products to consider. We have not tested them and have not checked them against independent crash tests, so treat them as ways to keep a dog in the back seat, not as proven protection in an accident. We earn a commission if you buy through our Amazon links, at no extra cost to you.
Rules on how dogs must travel differ from country to country, so check the rules where you drive. The Amazon prices change, so we do not quote them; open the listing to see the current price and size.
How A Car Zipline Works
A car zipline is a line that runs across the back seat between two fixed points, such as the seat-belt anchors or the ceiling grab handles. The dog’s tether slides along it, so the dog can sit, stand or lie down without reaching the front. Each maker supplies its own fitting instructions; follow them exactly.
Attach the line to a harness, not a collar. RSPCA Australia says the restraint “must be attached to the vehicle as directed by the manufacturer”, and that a harness made for vehicle restraint “may be different from the harness used to walk a dog”. Check which kind you are buying.
What To Check Before You Buy
- Crash-test claims. Ask the maker for the test standard and the test report. A harness that says “crash tested” on the box is not the same as one with published results.
- Fit. Measure your dog’s chest and neck in centimetres and compare them with the maker’s size chart, because the right size depends on the individual dog, not the breed.
- Tether length. Choose a length that keeps your dog in the back seat and out of the footwell.
- Hardware. Look for metal clips and stitched webbing that you can inspect, and replace anything frayed.
Keep your dog in the back seat, and never leave your dog alone in a car. RSPCA Australia says “dogs can very quickly suffer from potentially fatal heat stress, even in mild weather”.
Five Products To Consider
Kurgo Auto Zip Line
The Amazon listing calls this a backseat zipline harness tether for car travel. It is the line itself; you still need a harness for your dog.
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link — Dog Fluffy may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.See the Kurgo Auto Zip Line on Amazon
PetSafe Happy Ride Zipline
The listing calls this a dog zipline car leash. Like the Kurgo, it is the line and not a harness. Check the listing for the length and how it fits your car.
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link — Dog Fluffy may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.See the PetSafe Happy Ride Zipline on Amazon
Kurgo Tru-Fit Smart Harness
This is a harness, so it is the piece you attach a zipline to. The listing shown is the medium size. Choose the size from the maker’s chart for your dog, and ask the maker whether this model is made for vehicle restraint or for walking.
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link — Dog Fluffy may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.See the Kurgo Tru-Fit harness on Amazon
Truck Bed Dog Cross Tether
The listing describes a heavy-duty tether with a vehicle restraint barrier and lead for tying down a dog in a vehicle, for SUVs and UTVs. It is a different set-up from a rear-seat zipline, so read the listing and the maker’s instructions and check your local rules before you use it.
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link — Dog Fluffy may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.See the truck bed tether on Amazon
Four Paws Trolley Exerciser
This one is not for cars. The listing is a 75 foot (about 23 m) trolley cable for a garden, where a line is fixed between two points and the dog’s lead slides along it. Follow the maker’s installation instructions, and see our dog walking gear page for lead and harness choices.
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link — Dog Fluffy may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.See the Four Paws trolley exerciser on Amazon
Common Questions
Can I clip a zipline to a collar?
Clip it to a harness, as the maker directs. Our advice is to avoid a collar for a restraint line.
Is a zipline enough on its own?
Not necessarily. Ask the maker whether it has crash-test results, and remember what RSPCA Australia says about untested products.
Can I take my dog on a long drive?
Plan regular stops for water and a short walk, and take your travel water bottle. If your dog is anxious in the car, talk to your vet.
The Bottom Line
Use a well-fitted harness, keep your dog in the back seat, and ask for crash-test evidence before you rely on any restraint. Choose the size from the maker’s chart.
