Abstract: An animal tethering system attachable to a collar or harness worn by the animal to restrain the animal in the cargo area of a vehicle. The system has a short control lead having a loop handle at one end and a fastener at the other. A longer extension leash has fasteners at both ends. When tethered, the control lead is secured by its fastener to one tie down. The extension leash has one end secured to the opposite vehicle tie down and is threaded through the loop of the lead and fastened at its opposite end to the animal's collar or harness. Preferably the attachment location is to a harness in the chest area of the animal. The control lead may be used alone or with the extension leash as a lead when walkling the animal.