Ensuring your furry companion’s safety during car travel is paramount. While many factors contribute to a secure journey, a crash-tested dog harness stands out as a crucial piece of equipment. Beyond preventing injuries in accidents, these harnesses also help minimize driver distraction, contributing to a safer driving environment for everyone. It’s essential to consider not only safety but also comfort, convenience, and durability when selecting the best crash-tested dog harness for your canine friend.
In the unfortunate event of a collision, an unrestrained pet can transform into a dangerous projectile. For instance, a 10-pound dog in a 50mph crash exerts a force equivalent to 500 pounds, while a 60-pound dog generates a staggering 3,000 pounds of force. This underscores the critical need for proper pet restraints. Some states even have laws mandating that pets be secured while traveling, and even where not legally required, driving with an unrestrained animal can lead to distracted driving citations. Therefore, buckling up your pet is not just a recommendation but a necessity for their well-being and legal compliance.
Understanding Crash-Test Standards for Dog Harnesses
The journey towards understanding pet safety in vehicles gained momentum in 2011 when the Center for Pet Safety (CPS) conducted an independent pilot study on the crashworthiness of pet travel harnesses. This initial study paved the way for a landmark research project in 2013, which revealed that a significant majority of car harnesses for dogs failed their testing, with many experiencing “catastrophic failures.” While many of these inadequate products are no longer on the market, it’s important to note that, unlike child safety seats, there are currently no mandated crash-test standards for pet car harnesses.
This lack of regulation means that a manufacturer’s claim of “crash-tested” requires careful scrutiny. Without disclosed test results, it’s difficult to ascertain the actual performance of a harness or its potential to protect your pet and occupants in an accident. However, manufacturers do have the option to have their harnesses independently tested and certified by the CPS. Harnesses that have undergone and passed this rigorous testing by the CPS are given greater weight in evaluations.
How We Selected the Top Harnesses
With over a decade of full-time travel and extensive product testing, our experience has provided deep insight into top pet brands and their quality standards. We prioritize products engineered with the same meticulous attention to detail expected for human family members. Furthermore, the comfort and acceptance of the harness by the dog are vital. Each harness was reviewed for its fit, ease of use (both for putting on and taking off), and the overall comfort experienced by our canine tester during travel.
Top Crash-Tested Dog Harnesses Reviewed
BEST OVERALL
OptimusGear Defender Harness
The OptimusGear Defender Harness stands out for its exceptional durability. Engineered to withstand impact forces, it features stress-tested custom metal buckles, high-strength webbing, and padded chest and back panels for enhanced comfort. Its dual leash attachment points (chest and back) also offer convenience for short walks. This harness is crash-tested according to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard – FMVSS213 and is available in sizes S to XL, suitable for dogs weighing 25 to 75 pounds. Installation involves attaching the tether to two LATCH anchors and connecting the carabiner to the seatbelt, then linking the tethers to the harness.
RUNNER UP
SleepyPod Clickit Sport Harness
SleepyPod is renowned for its thoughtfully designed, high-quality products. The Clickit Sport Harness, featuring the Infinity Loop design, combines a padded vest, seat belt-grade straps, and stress-tested buckles to effectively absorb impact forces. With three seat belt contact points, it offers superior security. This harness has been crash-tested and certified by the Center for Pet Safety. It’s available in sizes S to XL for dogs weighing 18 to 90 pounds. Installation is straightforward: pass the seat belt through the two loops on the back of the harness.
BEST FOR ESCAPE ARTISTS
Ruffwear Load Up Harness
Built for adventure, the Ruffwear Load Up Harness is both strong and durable. It has undergone dynamic crash testing and static tensile testing of all critical components, featuring all-metal hardware and a robust polyester shell. The generous belly panel is particularly effective in preventing escape artists from wriggling out. This harness is crash-tested for dogs up to 75 pounds. Sizes range from XXS to L/XL, with girth capacity from 13 to 42 inches. Installation requires passing the seat belt through a loop at the back of the harness.
MOST CONVENIENT
Kurgo Enhanced Strength Tru-Fit Harness
The Kurgo Enhanced Strength Tru-fit Harness was crash-tested at a facility adhering to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 213 for Child Restraint Systems. It boasts all-steel hardware for maximum strength and comes with both front and back D-ring leash attachments. Its convenient installation allows the seat belt to remain buckled with the carabiner attached, simplifying the process of securing and releasing your dog. This harness is suitable for dogs weighing 5 to 105 pounds and is available in sizes XS to XL.
MOST VERSATILE
Sleepypod Clickit Terrain Harness
The Sleepypod Clickit Terrain Harness builds upon the safety features of other SleepyPod models with the added versatility of transforming into a backpack with the optional Terrain Pack. It incorporates the Infinity Loop design, padded vest, and robust construction for optimal protection in a car accident. This harness is crash-tested and certified by the Center for Pet Safety, available for dogs from 18 to 110 pounds in sizes S to XL. Installation involves passing the seat belt through both sides of the harness.
Other Highly-Rated Crash-Tested Dog Harnesses
AllSafe Comfort Harness
Developed in Germany, the AllSafe Comfort Harness has a long history of expertise in pet safety. It has been crash-tested according to ECE R-17 and ISO27955 standards and stress-tested to withstand significant force. The padded chest and back plates are designed for a comfortable, body-conforming fit. Installation is slightly more complex, involving screw locks and clasps attached to the seat belt. This harness is available in sizes S to XL.
EzyDog Drive Harness
The EzyDog Drive Harness is a robust and structured option, crash-tested at Automotive Safety Engineering in Australia. It features an ergonomic molded chest plate, seat belt webbing, and aluminum alloy glides for maximum safety. Installation is achieved by passing the seat belt through two loops on the back of the harness. This harness is designed for dogs weighing 15 to 75 pounds and comes in sizes S to L.
Kurgo Impact Harness
Constructed with 4,000-pound tubular webbing and all-steel buckles, the Kurgo Impact Harness is exceptionally strong and durable. It was crash-tested at Calspan using current PPSC testing guidelines for dogs up to 108 pounds. While durable, the over-the-head design and the need to feed the dog’s legs through restraint loops can make it less convenient to put on. It is available in sizes S to XL.
Properly Using Crash-Tested Dog Harnesses for Optimal Safety
The effectiveness of any crash-tested dog harness hinges on a perfect fit. A harness that allows a dog to wriggle out offers no protection. Carefully consult the manufacturer’s sizing charts and fitting recommendations. If your dog falls between sizes, opting for the larger size generally allows for more secure tightening.
While some dogs may initially dislike being restrained, their safety is the priority. Making the harness as comfortable as possible is key. Introduce the new harness around the house, allowing your dog to get accustomed to it. Practice buckling them in for short periods, rewarding them with treats and praise before releasing them. Gradually increase the duration they spend buckled in, and start with short car trips. Ensure these initial trips end at positive destinations, like the dog park or a friend’s house, to build positive associations with car travel.
References:
- Center for Pet Safety: https://www.centerforpetsafety.org/
