Pet travel and safety tested products you need to know about

The approaching spring and summer months bring many happy times with many outdoor activities for you and your pet. If you must take your pet for a ride in the car, it is important to be certain that they are secure in the vehicle. If you slam on the brakes at just 10 m.p.h. your pet has the risk of flying through your windshield. If the worst does not happen, they can still injure themselves by hitting object such as the seat or dashboard. Having your pet on your lap is just as hazardous, if not more. This scenario puts other drivers on the road at risk in addition to you and your vehicle.

The following safe pet travel information is from the "Center for Pet Safety”:

Distraction Prevention vs. Crash Protection:

Preventing distraction is critical to help avoid an accident. However, if you are a discerning pet owner and want more than distraction prevention from a pet travel product here’s what we’ve learned

1. Not all manufacturers are telling you the truth. Yes, there are some responsible manufacturers out there…but the majority of them want you to spend your money on an unproven design and simply use marketing spin to get you to buy their product.

2. When it comes to harnesses – Long Extension Tethers and other Add-On Devices negate crash protection. These tethers actually increase the risk of injury.

3. Yes, there are products that have performed well in CPS ‘ testing – they are the following:

A: Harnesses: for dogs 16 lbs – 90 lbs. Ideal for use in any vehicle’s rear passenger seat.

The Sleepypod Clickit Sport Harness has received a 5 Star Crash Test Rating from Center for Pet Safety.

B: Carriers: for dogs and cats 15 lbs. and under. CPS recommends full containment for the smaller dog and cat.

The Sleepypod Mobile Pet Bed with PPRS Handilock and the PetEgo Jet Set Forma Frame Carrier with ISOFIX –Latch Connection were named Top Performers in our 2015 Study.

C: Crates: For dogs 75# and under (other sizes pending future testing).

Crates are typically used for the larger dogs, and need to be secured with a strength rated anchor strap system in the SUV cargo area. They should not rely on the seatback for additional support. You don’t need to spend $800 – $1000 for a good crate.

The Gunner Kennel G1 Intermediate with Strength Rated Anchor Straps was named Top Performer in our 2015 Study.

D. Pet Travel Seats: at this time, Center for Pet Safety does not recommend the use of pet travel seats. We have conducted a pilot study looking into the safety of these products, with poor results.

Never connect your dog’s collar or walking harness to a safety device or assume they will offer sudden stop or crash protection to you or your pet. These products are simply not strong enough – and may cause your dog injury if used in this way.