【How to securely attach a dog crate to the back seat

If you want to take your dog with you in the car, it must be adequately secured. This is not just for legal reasons: in an emergency, a protected dog can really save lives.

One of the most popular ways to transport your four-legged friend in your own vehicle is with a dog crate in the back seat. But in order for the animal to be really protected, the box must also be really well secured.

Below I will explain to you step by step how to securely attach a dog crate to the back seat.

Reasons for a dog crate

Unfortunately, many dog ​​owners hardly think about how they should transport their four-legged friend in the car. This topic is a very important one that can save a lot of trouble and even save lives in an emergency.

In order to get the animal used to this form of transport, it is advisable not to let it ride “freely” at all.

Because the consequences can be very serious.

1. Security aspects

If things get serious, a dog crate can save your life as well as that of your four-legged friend and your passengers. Without protection, a dog is a potential safety risk at any time: it then threatens to become a deadly missile that gets completely out of control.

There doesn't even have to be a serious accident: just a simple emergency stop in traffic can cause the dog to fly into the windshield – since the animal has no hands to hold on to, this happens faster than with human passengers.

If the dog is thrown through the car cabin, not only is the animal often fatally injured, the driver, passengers and possibly other road users can also become victims.

2. Legal reasons

But even if an accident is minor, failure to secure the dog can become a problem. This often leads to legal difficulties afterwards.

The Road Traffic Act (StVO) does not provide for any paragraphs for the transport of pets. Instead, four-legged friends are generally considered cargo. And this must be adequately secured in accordance with Section 22 of the StVO, otherwise there is a risk of a fine in the event of an incident or a vehicle inspection.

If the dog fits in a transport box in the back seat, the container must be secured. This is actually only possible with an attachment.

Is the back seat the ideal place for a dog crate?

Many dog ​​owners use the back seat to give their four-legged friends space in the car. However, other positions are often used that have advantages and disadvantages.

Sometimes you can also find dog boxes on the passenger seat: This is not quite as safe as the back seat, but it allows constant contact with the animal – especially small, rather anxious four-legged friends like to be transported this way. In the event of an emergency, it is important that the front passenger airbag is deactivated.

The trunk is often the place where the dog transport box is placed. This is usually seen as the safest option and is the best choice, especially for large breeds whose crate does not fit in the back seat. However, the trunk is only an option if the vehicle has a hatchback.

The back seat is not always ideal, but if it is sufficiently secured, it is a good compromise solution: Smaller dogs in particular, who prefer constant contact with their owner, can be transported safely and gently in a box.

How to attach a dog crate to the back seat

To be really safe, the dog crate must also be properly secured. If in doubt, it is always advisable to consult the manufacturer's instructions for use. In general, however, the following steps should usually be followed.

1. Put the box down

The first step is of course always to put the box on the back seat. The opening must face the direction of travel. This gives the dog a clear view and the back of the box can be secured.

The dog crate should be placed in the middle of a seat that has a three-point belt. A window seat is ideal for this, as the backrest of the front seat provides additional protection.

2. Fasten seat belt around straps

Most dog crates designed for cars have a sturdy carrying strap at the back. In the vehicle, this is also used for the basic attachment of the container.

To do this, pull the car's seat belt through the belt and then fasten it in the belt buckle. Then check whether the strap is actually locked in place: When you pull it, it should not sway, but rather sit firmly.

3. If supported: Attach Isofix

Isofix is ​​a standardized device for attaching child seats and other transport containers that must not slip while driving. The rear seats of all modern vehicles are equipped with this system – but older cars often do not.

There are many dog ​​transport boxes and seats that support Isofix. These have pliers that you have to unlock and then attach to the Isofix connections under the seat.

Together with the safety belt, the stability of the box is significantly increased: when properly secured, it cannot be moved or rotated.

4. If available: Secure the surface with Velcro

Many dog ​​crates – especially models without an Isofix connection – are adequately fastened, but are still a bit unsettled. This is mainly due to the fact that they slip slightly from their fixed position when driving jerkily.

This can be very uncomfortable for the dog while driving and can also lead to nausea and the urge to vomit. It is therefore ideal to make the box as non-slip as possible.

Many models therefore have Velcro fasteners in the base, which stabilize the hold of the box. With seat cushions, these usually hold up without any problems. If this is not the case or your vehicle has leather-like seats, support can be provided with a small, lightly glued, carpet-like pad.

Which dog boxes are recommended?

Dog boxes for the car are available in different sizes and designs: So you have a lot to choose from, as there are highly recommended models for every type.

Dog transport box

A dog transport box is probably the safest and most solid way to transport your four-legged friend. It offers a lot of protection, but is sometimes too large to be attached to the back seat, especially for small cars – so you should pay close attention to the dimensions.

Here you will find the best dog transport boxes available in 2025 tested

Foldable dog crate

Foldable dog crates are very space-saving because they can be easily and quickly stored compactly when not in use. However, they are not quite as solid as solid boxes.

Here I have put together the best foldable dog crates for 2025.

Open dog box as a car seat

Open car seats are sometimes also referred to as dog crates. These offer the dog a lot of freedom, but in an emergency the protection is not as strong as with closed containers. For safety reasons, the four-legged friend should also be secured with a dog seat belt.

My list of You can find the best dog car seats available in 2025 here.