Dogs in truck beds by state: the laws and safer ways to travel
Which states regulate dogs in open truck beds and how to carry a dog more safely
Dogs love the wind and the view, and for generations the truck bed has been a common ride for farm dogs and family pets alike. But an open bed offers no protection. A dog can be thrown out in a sudden stop or turn, jump out at a squirrel, or be hit by flying debris. Dogs that fall can be hurt or killed, and they can cause crashes when drivers swerve to avoid them.
Some states have laws on this. Many do not. Either way, there are safer ways to carry a dog.
States with truck bed laws
The Animal Legal and Historical Center at Michigan State University College of Law reviewed state laws on dogs in truck beds. As of 2019, it found these states with laws specifically covering open truck beds [1]:
Comparison compiled by Safety Behind the Wheel Foundation
State laws on animals in open truck beds (as of 2019)
| State | What the law requires |
|---|---|
| California | Sides at least 46 inches high, or a secured cage or container, and cross tethering. Exceptions for livestock and farm or ranch work |
| Connecticut | Dog secured in a cage or container, or otherwise protected from being thrown, falling or jumping |
| Maine | Dog protected from falling, jumping or being thrown. Exceptions for farm work and licensed hunters moving hunting dogs |
| Massachusetts | Applies to all animals. Enclosed space or racks at least 46 inches high, cross tethering, and a secured container or other protection |
| New Hampshire | Sides at least 46 inches high, cross tethering, and a secured container, cage or other protection |
| Rhode Island | Applies to all animals. Enclosed area, held by someone other than the driver, or restrained by a non neck harness |
Source: Michigan State University Animal Legal and Historical Center, 2019 [1]. Laws may have changed; check your state.
Other laws that may apply
- Washington and Oregon prohibit carrying a live animal on the outside of a vehicle without proper restraint or an enclosure. It is not always clear how these apply to truck beds [1].
- Mississippi, New Jersey and Oklahoma have “cruel transport” laws that may cover unsafe transport of animals [1].
- Hawaii bars a driver from holding a dog in their lap or letting it interfere with control of the vehicle [1].
- Local ordinances in many cities and counties also regulate animals in truck beds.
Even where there is no specific law, a dog that falls from a truck could lead to animal cruelty or unsecured load charges in some places.
Why neck tethers are dangerous
Many people tie a dog to the truck with a leash on its collar. That can be deadly. If the dog jumps or is thrown over the side, it can be strangled or dragged. If you must tether a dog in a bed, states with laws often require cross tethering. This means the dog is held from two sides so it cannot reach the edge. Some require a harness rather than a neck collar [1].
Safer ways to carry your dog
Best: inside the vehicle
- Use a secured crate in the cab or cargo area, strapped down so it cannot slide or flip
- Or use a harness designed and crash tested for car travel, attached to the seat belt system
- Keep dogs out of the front seat, where an air bag can injure them
- Never let a dog ride on the driver’s lap
If the dog must ride in the bed
- Use a sturdy, well ventilated crate secured to the bed with straps
- Provide shade and protection from the hot metal bed floor in summer
- Avoid highways and high speeds
- Never use a neck tether
Warning: If your dog falls or jumps from a moving vehicle, pull over safely before helping. Turn on your hazard lights and watch for traffic. Never run into a road after a pet.
Checklist: traveling with your dog
Checklist from Safety Behind the Wheel Foundation
- My dog rides inside the vehicle in a secured crate or crash tested harness
- If in the bed, my dog is in a strapped down crate, not tied by the neck
- My dog is not in the front seat or on my lap
- I know my state and local laws on animals in truck beds
- My dog has ID tags and a microchip in case it gets loose
Frequently asked questions
Is it illegal for my dog to ride in the truck bed?
It depends on your state and city. A few states have specific laws, and others have broader animal transport or cruelty laws. Check local rules.
What about working dogs on farms and ranches?
Some states, such as California and Maine, include exceptions for farm, ranch or hunting work [1]. Even so, a secured crate is safer.
Do dog seat belts really work?
Quality varies widely. Early crash tests found many dog harnesses failed. Look for products that have passed independent crash testing.
Related articles
Sources and further reading
- 1Michigan State University College of Law, Animal Legal and Historical Center. “FAQ: Dogs Transported in Pickup Truck Beds.” 2019. animallaw.info/…/faq-dogs-transported-pickup…
This article reflects the safety priorities of animal safety and safe vehicle loading. It is general education, not legal advice. Laws change, so check your state and local rules. Reviewed November 2026.
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