Safest way to transport a small dog

[puppy_boo]

Ok, this is not a medical question or even health related, but it does concern the safety of dogs in transport.  What is the safest way to transport a dog in a car?  I have a small dog that is in a plastic crate seatbelted in my backseat.  However, I'm being told that placing him in a crate is dangerous cause he could bounce around inside of it in case of a car accident.  But it's not like the crate is huge with lots of space inside.  He has enough room to stand, lay down and to turn around.  Anyway, I was told that placing a dog in a harness specially designed for cars or a lookout seat is the safest.  Opinions???

[puppy_boo]

Thanks!  I knew my gut instinct was right, and not pay them any attention.  But I had to be sure I was doing the right thing for my baby.

[utahmomma]

You can seatbelt the crate in too.

[Jaybay]

Use the crate.  Whoever told you it was more dangerous to crate a dog in transportation is full of bull tacos.  Yes, if you're in an accident, the dog will get bounced in the crate.  If he is unrestrained and NOT in a crate, he'll get bounced around a whole lot worse in the vehicle.  It's like telling people not to wear a seat belt because they might get a shoulder injury in an accident.

You are using a properly sized crate for your dog, and I think that's a whole lot safer than the harness route.  In addition, most dogs who are crated for travel find it more comforting to be in a familiar space.  They can turn around a stretch a bit, whereas the harness keeps them in the same position for the duration.