How to Secure Multiple Dogs in Your Car When You Run Out of Seatbelts

Struggling to fit everyone in securely fastened? These 4 pups have no problems.

How to fit multiple dogs in the car. The Multi-Dog Family Car Problem (And the Simple Solution)

You're heading to the park with two excited dogs and your kids. Suddenly you realize: you need 4 rear seatbelts but only have 3.

If you're a multi-dog household, this scenario is painfully familiar. Most cars have 3 back seatbelts, which means:

• 2 dogs + 2 kids = DOESN'T FIT

• 4 dogs = ONE DOG UNSECURED (and illegal)

• 1 adult + 3 dogs = PROBLEM

But here's what most dog owners don't know: you can safely secure TWO dogs using just ONE seatbelt with the right equipment.

Why Dog Car Harness Safety Matters

Before we show you the solution, here's why this matters:

An unrestrained 23kg (50lb) dog in a 40km/h (25mph) crash generates approximately 900kg (2,000lbs) of force. That's not just dangerous for your dog - it's dangerous for everyone in the car.

Australian road safety experts recommend proper dog harnesses and car restraints for every journey. Yet many families struggle with the logistics when they have multiple dogs.

The Solution: 2-in-1 Adjustable Dog Leash Extender

2-in-1 Dog Leash Extenders in Liquorice and Latte by Hendricks and Maple

Meet the dog leash extender (also called a dog leash splitter) - a V-shaped connector that's a game-changer for multi-dog car travel.

What it is:

• Two clasps on one end (attach to your dogs' harnesses)

• Swivel O-ring on the other end (attaches to your dogs car restraint)

• Adjustable length (works for different sized dogs)

At Hendricks and Maple, we stock these extenders in Liquorice (black) and Latte (light brown).

How it works in your car:

Adjustable Car Restraints connected to the 2-in-1 Leash Extenders by Hendricks and Maple

1. Attach your dog car restraint to the seatbelt

2. Clip the dog leash extender's O-ring to your dog car restraint

3. Attach each clasp to each dog's harness back D-ring

4. Adjust so both dogs are secure and comfortable

Result: Two dogs safely secured with one seatbelt.

The Maths That Solves Everything and allows Multiple Dogs in the Car Easily

Before: 3 seatbelts = 3 dogs maximum

After (with leash extenders):

• 3 seatbelts = UP TO 6 DOGS

• 2 kids + 2 dogs = EVERYONE FITS (2 seatbelts for kids, 1 for both dogs)

• 1 adult + 4 dogs = NO PROBLEM (1 seatbelt for adult, 2 seatbelts securing 4 dogs)

Is This Safe?

Yes, when done correctly. Here's what you need:

✓ Safety-tested dog harnesses (never collars - harnesses distribute force across the chest) ✓ Crash-tested car restraints that meet Australian safety standards ✓ Heavy-duty dog leash extenders with secure clasps

All our dog harnesses at Hendricks and Maple are safety-tested and manufactured to meet Australian standards. We test everything on our own four dogs (Hendricks, Maple, Olive and Hazelnut) as well before we sell it in store.

Important considerations:

• Both dogs should be relatively calm travellers

• Combined weight should be appropriate for your restraint system

• Dogs should be comfortable being secured close together

• Always place dogs in the back seat (never front - airbags are dangerous)

Not sure about harness sizing? Check our guide: [How to Measure Your Dog for a Harness Correctly]

Real example: The Family Road Trip

• The Johnson Family:

  • 2 adults (front seats)

  • 2 kids aged 3 and 7 (need 2 back seatbelts)

  • Beagle named Charlie

  • Cavoodle/Cockapoo named Luna

  Without extender: Need 4 back seatbelts (2 kids + 2 dogs). Only have 3. Charlie has to stay home. 😢

  With extender:

  • Left seatbelt: 3-year-old

  • Middle seatbelt: 7-year-old

  • Right seatbelt: Car restraint with extender securing BOTH Charlie and Luna ✅

  Everyone goes to the beach. Problem solved.

  
  

  Quick Setup Guide

What you need to secure 2 dogs safely in the car using only one seatbelt. Dog Harness design shown is the HOT TAMALE Chilli Adjustable Classic Style Dog Harness Range exclusive to Hendricks and Maple

What you need:

• Quality dog harness for each dog ([shop dog harnesses])

• Adjustable dog car restraint for each seatbelt you're using ([shop accessories])

• 2-in-1 Dog Leash Extender - one per pair of dogs ([shop leash extenders])

Setup steps:

1. Ensure both dogs wear properly fitted dog harnesses (snug but not tight - two fingers should fit under straps)

2. Clip dog car restraint to seatbelt

3. Attach dog leash extender O-ring to car restraint

4. Clip each dog's harness to the extender

5. Adjust length so dogs can sit/lie comfortably but can't reach front seats

6. Test with a short drive before longer journeys

Watch our Instagram reel trialling the 2-in-1 Dog Leash Extenders on our puppy Hazelnut.

Shop the Solution

Ready to fit everyone in your car?

Get everything you need:

• [2-in-1 Adjustable Dog Leash Extenders] - Liquorice & Latte

• [Safety-Tested Dog Harnesses] - All sizes

• [Adjustable Car Restraints] - Safety-tested

[SHOP DOG ACCESSORIES to find adjustable car restraints in 16 printed designs and our 2-in-1 Leash Extenders. SHOP DOG HARNESSES for the matching printed designs for the adjustable dog car restraints.

Want to know what else your dog leash extender can do? In Part 2, discover 3 clever ways to use this versatile tool (including walking two dogs without tangled leashes!)

[Continue to Part 2: 3 Ways to Use Your Dog Leash Extender]

About Hendricks and Maple: Australian-owned designer dog accessories from the Blue Mountains, NSW. Named after two of our four dogs, we understand multi-dog household challenges because we live them daily. [www.hendricksandmaple.com]