Welcoming a new dog into your life is an exciting time, and ensuring their safety on the road is paramount. For pet owners seeking a secure car travel solution, the Sleepypod Clickit harness has emerged as a notable option. Following a previous positive experience with the Pet Tube by PetEgo, which offered both safety and portability, the desire for a more minimal, yet equally protective, travel solution for my dog, Chloe, led me to explore the Clickit harness. This review delves into the features, performance, and overall value of the Sleepypod Clickit harness, particularly for owners who prioritize safety and convenience. My previous car safety solution involved a booster seat and a harness-and-belt combination.
Understanding the Sleepypod Clickit Harness
The Sleepypod Clickit harness is designed with a strong emphasis on pet safety during vehicle travel. It boasts testing that aims to ensure its effectiveness in frontal crashes, aligning with standards for child safety restraints. The harness, along with its accompanying side straps and seat belt attachment, is constructed from sturdy, quality materials. This robust build suggests a commitment to protecting pets in various collision scenarios. The manufacturer, Sleepypod, is known for other well-regarded pet travel products, including the Sleepypod Air pet carrier and their Yummy food/water bowl set. The company’s reputation in pet travel gear adds to the initial appeal of the Clickit harness.
Installation and Fit
Upon receiving the Sleepypod Clickit harness, the initial impression was one of substantial construction. For my 13-lb Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Chloe, I ordered the Extra Small size. The assemblage, including the harness and two side straps, has a weight of 1 lb. 4 oz. Adjusting the harness to achieve a proper fit and shortening the side straps required some effort, although Sleepypod provides a helpful video tutorial that significantly aids in understanding the harness fitting process. It’s important to ensure the clips on the side straps face downwards, away from the dog’s fur, for optimal comfort and to prevent potential pulling on the hair. The included reference card is a useful tool for quick installation checks, especially when away from internet access. The components fit neatly into a gallon-sized Ziploc bag, making them travel-friendly.
Performance in the Car
In terms of in-car performance, the Sleepypod Clickit harness proved to be effective. Chloe, initially unfazed by the weight and thorough attachment to the car, settled in comfortably. The design allows the vehicle’s seat belt to pass through the back straps, securely tethering the dog. The padding on the chest portion of the harness is noteworthy, and the straps feature robust metal clips and seat-belt-like construction, similar to those found in previous safety solutions like the PetBuckle strap. This sturdy design provides confidence in the harness’s ability to restrain a pet during travel. I plan to keep a Clickit harness set in my husband’s car and pack one for trips where car travel might be necessary and packing space is limited, offering a valuable alternative to bulkier solutions.
Use as a Walking Harness
While the Clickit harness excels as a car safety device, its utility as a walking harness presented challenges. The primary concern is the location of the leash clip, which is on the collar portion of the harness. For breeds prone to neck issues, like Cavaliers with their susceptibility to syringomyelia, restraining a dog by the neck is undesirable. Additionally, if the back straps are kept long enough to accommodate the seat belt, the harness can dangle away from the dog’s chest during walks. This can lead to the dog’s legs becoming dislodged from the harness, hindering comfortable movement and potentially causing the harness to slip. While a clever Velcro strap is included to minimize clanking sounds during walks, the practical limitations of using it for regular walks mean it’s often necessary to remove the pup from the harness for leash activities.
Considerations for Latch Bars and Dog Size
A crucial aspect of installing the Clickit harness involves the vehicle’s LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system. Not all cars are equipped with easily accessible latch bars, and older models may lack them entirely. Sleepypod offers guidance on potentially having these installed if your vehicle does not have them, providing a link for further information. The harness is tested for dogs up to 75 lbs. Based on my experience with Chloe, whose neck circumference is just over 10 inches, it appears that dogs with thinner necks might find the harness too large, even when cinched tightly. For smaller dogs, Sleepypod suggests considering their pet carriers as a safer alternative.
Conclusion
The Sleepypod Clickit harness stands out as a well-constructed and effective safety solution for dogs during car travel. Its robust design and secure attachment inspire confidence in protecting pets during potential accidents. While its functionality as a walking harness is limited due to leash placement and potential fit issues when straps are adjusted for car safety, its primary purpose as a vehicle restraint is admirably fulfilled. For pet owners seeking a reliable and E-E-A-T compliant car safety harness, the Clickit is a strong contender, especially for those who can ensure proper LATCH bar compatibility in their vehicle and whose dogs fall within the suitable size range. Remember to always consult with your veterinarian regarding the best safety practices for your specific pet. Explore other posts on dog car safety here.
