Taking your dog along for the ride can make any trip more enjoyable, whether you’re heading to the park or embarking on a road trip adventure. However, traveling with pets comes with responsibilities— especially when it comes to following state laws. Some states have specific laws regarding pet restraints in vehicles, while others leave it up to the discretion of the driver.
Let’s take a closer look at pet travel laws across the U.S. and how you can keep your furry friend safe and comfortable on the road.
States That Require Dogs to Be Restrained
Some states have strict laws that require dogs to be secured in a moving vehicle using a harness, crate, or barrier. Failure to comply can result in fines or penalties.
States with Specific Restraint Laws:
1. Hawaii – Pets cannot ride on the driver’s lap and must be secured to prevent distraction.
2. New Jersey – Pets must be restrained with a seat belt harness, carrier, crate, or barrier; violators face fines.
3. Rhode Island – Pets must be secured with a harness or crate to prevent driver distraction.
If you’re driving through these states, it’s essential to use a crash-tested harness or a secure pet carrier to avoid legal trouble and ensure your pet’s safety.
States with Truck Bed Laws
Transporting dogs in the open bed of a pickup truck poses a significant safety risk. Several states have laws that require dogs riding in truck beds to be properly restrained to prevent injury or ejection.
States with Truck Bed Restraint Laws:
• California – Dogs must be secured in a crate or cross-tethered.
• Connecticut – Dogs must be restrained to prevent falls or injury.
• Maine – Dogs in open truck beds must be secured with a crate or harness.
• Massachusetts – Restraints are required for dogs traveling in truck beds.
• New Hampshire – Dogs must be secured or contained in a crate in open vehicles.
• Oregon – Restraint is required to prevent dogs from falling out.
• Washington – Transporting unrestrained dogs in truck beds is prohibited unless properly secured.
If you frequently transport your dog in the back of a truck, investing in a sturdy crate is the safest and most compliant option.
States with Distracted Driving Laws That May Apply to Pets
While these states don’t require specific pet restraints, they have distracted driving laws that could apply if an unrestrained pet interferes with the driver’s ability to operate the vehicle safely.
States with Distracted Driving Laws Covering Pets:
• Arizona
• California
• Connecticut
• Florida
• Iowa
• Massachusetts
• Minnesota
• Nevada
• South Carolina
• Utah
• Virginia
• Washington
• Wisconsin
In these states, drivers can receive fines if law enforcement deems an unrestrained pet to be a distraction.
States Without Specific Pet Restraint Laws
While some states do not have laws requiring pet restraints, using them is still recommended to ensure your pet’s safety and prevent accidents.
States Without Pet Restraint Laws:
• Alabama
• Alaska
• Arkansas
• Colorado
• Delaware
• Georgia
• Idaho
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Maryland
• Michigan
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• Montana
• Nebraska
• New Mexico
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• Pennsylvania
• South Dakota
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Vermont
• West Virginia
• Wyoming
Even though pet restraints aren’t required in these states, securing your dog while driving is always a responsible choice.
Best Practices for Traveling with Your Dog
Regardless of the laws in your state, it’s always best to secure your dog to ensure their safety and your peace of mind. Here are some ways to travel safely with your pup:
• Use a Harness and Dog Seat Belt or a Crash-Tested Harness: Keeps your dog safely restrained while allowing some movement.
• Invest in a Sturdy Crate: Provides a secure, enclosed space for your dog to relax during travel.
• Install a Pet Barrier: Helps keep your dog in the backseat or cargo area.
• Use a Dog Seat Cover or SUV Cargo Liner to protect the interior of your vehicle
• Take Regular Breaks: Stop every 2-3 hours to allow your dog to stretch and hydrate.
• Never Leave Pets Alone in the Car: Temperatures can rise quickly and become dangerous.
Complying with pet travel laws isn’t just about avoiding fines; it’s about ensuring:
• Your Pet’s Safety: Proper restraints can prevent injury in sudden stops or accidents.
• Your Safety: An unrestrained pet can be a major distraction.
• Protection for Others: Loose pets can interfere with driving and pose risks to other drivers.
Final Thoughts
Whether your state requires it or not, securing your pet while traveling in a vehicle is the best way to keep them safe and comfortable. From using crash-tested harnesses to high-quality seat covers, having the right gear can make all the difference in your travel experience.
Please note: This article is informational only and based on our research of the laws in 2025. We are not lawyers and we are not making any legal claims. Please make sure you research your own state laws or the laws in any state you may be traveling to prior to traveling with your pet.
Sources:
https://www.tatelawoffices.com/understanding-pet-car-restraint-laws/
https://www.gopetfriendly.com/blog/state-laws-require-pets-to-be-restrained-in-vehicles/
https://www.animallaw.info/article/faq-dogs-transported-pickup-truck-beds
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