There’s nothing like hitting the open road with your furry friend. However, for many owners there’s the worry, “Is my pet safe?” Today there are plenty of options for pet-friendly carrying cases and harnesses. In fact, many boast unique safety features and the overall protection of your pet in the event of an accident. But what pet travel carriers and harnesses are crash tested?
In 2013, the Center For Pet Safety teamed up with other organizations to conduct a harness crashworthiness study. Of the 11 products tested, only one passed the crash test. This testing proved the reality, which is that most pet harnesses will do nothing to protect pets in the event of a car accident. Instead, dummy dogs became projectiles, often breaking or simply unbuckling from the force of impact. When the testing was complete, only the Sleepypod Clickit Utility harness earned top marks. (Read the full report here.)
But the Center for Pet Safety wasn’t finished. This year the organization launched two other studies; this time to test pet carriers and crates. In the studies there were three winners:
- Crate: Gunner Kennels G1 Intermediate with 8-inch Tie Down Straps
- Carrier: Pet Ego Forma Frame Jet Set Carrier with ISOFIX-Latch Connection
- Carrier: Sleepypod Mobile Pet Bed with PPRS Handilock
The competition simply ripped, the dummy cat broke free from the case upon impact or the case broke free of the seat belt restraints. (Read the full report here.) When it comes down to your pet’s safety in the car, do your research. Thanks to research by the Center for Pet Safety, it’s safe to say that pet travel technology is only going to get better. For that, we’re very grateful! Interested in watching the crash tests for yourself? The Center for Pet Safety has the full collection on its website, which you can view here:
2015 CPS Carrier Study Results & Crash Test Videos
