Most if not all know the importance of investing in a crash-tested harness. Yet one thing that’s equally crucial to answer is the question, “How are dog harnesses crash-tested? 

Understanding how it’s done and determining the effectiveness of the dog harnesses gives you a much better idea how the equipment can protect your dog in the event of a collision. 

In this article, we’ll explore the rigorous process behind crash-testing dog harnesses and how the results influence the safety ratings of these essential travel accessories. Let’s delve into the standards and methodologies that define this critical testing.

Why Crash-Test Dog Harnesses?

Crash-tested dog harnesses are essential car accessories that are capable of restraining your pet during the whole car ride. As you know, a dog that freely roams around the vehicle can become a deadly projectile in the event of a sudden stop or frontal collision. 

Such an event can significantly harm them and the other passengers. With this in mind, a crash-tested, durable dog harness does the job of keeping your canine in place in the back seat. With this installed on the seat belt, your dog can still lie down, sit, or stand comfortably, but their movements are limited for their well-being. 

Having your dog in their intended place in the car also keeps the driver from getting distracted. According to Volvo, drivers with unrestrained pets take their eyes off the road for a total of three hours and 39 minutes versus drivers with restrained pets who only spend an hour and 39 minutes. 

This suggests that a reliable dog car harness enhances safety on the road. Moreover, the fact that it’s crash-tested gives you the peace of mind that regardless of the force applied, for example, during a car crash, your dog won’t be thrown forward, therefore, avoiding severe injuries or even death. 

Standards for Crash-Testing Dog Harnesses

Standards for crash-testing dog harnesses are established by various safety organizations, including Calspan Corporation and other independent testing facilities. 

These standards often take guidance from existing vehicular safety protocols, such as the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 213. This pertains to child restraint systems—the FMVSS 213 has become the basis for crash tests due to the lack of a specific pet restraint standard. 

The procedures and criteria used to evaluate the safety and efficacy of pet harnesses in simulated crash scenarios adapt these established benchmarks. Testing protocols cover a range of critical factors listed below:

  • The speed at which tests are conducted (generally 30 mph)
  • The types of impacts simulated to mimic real-world crashes
  • And the specifications of the dummies used, designed to represent different sizes and weights of dogs. 

By employing these rigorous and comprehensive testing standards, dog harnesses are thoroughly assessed for safety before they reach the consumer. This significantly promotes the well-being of pets during car travel.

The Crash-Testing Process

Crash-testing dog harnesses involves a meticulous and systematic procedure to ensure the harnesses meet stringent safety standards. 

This subsection provides a step-by-step breakdown of the process, highlighting the preparation, testing, and evaluation phases.

Preparation and Setup of Test Environment

  • Facility preparation: The testing is conducted in a controlled environment. It typically is a crash test lab equipped with high-speed cameras, sensors, and measurement tools to capture data accurately.
  • Vehicle setup: A test vehicle, which simulates a typical car interior, is prepared. The vehicle’s seats are fitted with standard car seat belts to which the harnesses will be attached.
  • Safety checks: All equipment, including the sled and impact barriers, are inspected to ensure they meet operational standards for simulating realistic crash conditions.

Deployment of Crash Test Dummies

  • Dummy selection: Dummies modeled after different sizes and weights of dogs are used to represent a wide range of pet sizes. These dummies are specially designed to mimic the biomechanical characteristics of real dogs.
  • Positioning: Each dummy is positioned in a seated or prone position, depending on the test’s specific requirements. It is then secured using the dog harness under examination.
  • Instrumentation: Dummies are equipped with sensors that measure forces, torques, and other relevant parameters to assess potential injuries during a crash.

Detailed Description of Harness Fitting and Evaluation During Tests

  • Harness fitting: Each harness is carefully fitted to the appropriate dummy according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This includes adjusting straps for a snug yet comfortable fit, ensuring that the harness can perform effectively under crash conditions.
  • Test execution: The test begins with the vehicle (or sled) being propelled at a speed that simulates a real-world crash, typically at speeds reflecting typical city driving accidents. This tests the harness’s ability to maintain structural integrity and keep the dummy securely in place.
  • Data collection: Throughout the test, data is collected in real-time from the sensors on the dummies. This data includes impact force, harness stability, and any potential points of failure in the harness design.
  • Post-crash analysis: After the crash, the condition of the dummies, the harness, and the attachment points are analyzed. This analysis helps determine the likelihood of injury and the harness’s overall effectiveness in a real-world crash.
  • Review and adjustments: Based on the findings, the harness may be adjusted and retested, or recommendations may be made for design improvements. This iterative process ensures that the final product offers maximum safety for pets during car travels.

Interpreting Crash-Test Results

Let’s guide you through understanding and evaluating the outcomes of crash tests, focusing on how these results translate into safety ratings and their implications for pet owners.

Understanding Crash-Test Outcomes

  • Data analysis: The initial step in interpreting crash-test results involves a thorough analysis of the data collected from sensors equipped on the crash test dummies. This includes measurements of forces exerted on the dummy at various points, which indicate the level of stress and potential injury a real dog might experience during a crash.
  • Visual inspection: Post-test, a detailed examination of the harness and the dummy is conducted. This inspection assesses any visible damage or failure points on the harness, such as torn straps or broken buckles, which could compromise the harness’s effectiveness.
  • Performance criteria assessment: The harness is evaluated against specific performance criteria established by safety standards. These criteria might include the harness’s ability to remain intact and securely fastened to the seat belt, the dummy’s position during and after impact, and the dummy’s overall integrity post-test.

Evaluating Safety Ratings

  • Rating system explanation: Safety ratings are typically assigned based on a scale that evaluates the harness’s performance during the tests. These ratings can range from excellent to poor and are intended to give a straightforward assessment of a harness’s safety.
  • Criteria for ratings: Ratings are determined by several factors, including:
    • Durability: How well the harness materials withstand the forces of a crash.
    • Retention: The ability of the harness to keep the dummy in place during a crash.
    • Dummy Protection: The level of simulated injury risk to the dummy, based on sensor data.
  • Implications for pet owners:
    • High ratings: Harnesses that achieve high safety ratings are proven to provide effective protection, significantly reducing the risk of injury to the pet. These harnesses maintain their structural integrity and keep the pet securely restrained during a crash.
    • Low ratings: Lower-rated harnesses may have shown weaknesses during testing, such as hardware malfunctions or inadequate restraint capabilities, suggesting a higher risk of injury during an accident.

What These Ratings Mean for Pet Owners

Safety ratings serve as a crucial guide for pet owners in choosing the right harness for their dogs. A high-rated dog harness assures the owner of a product tested and proven to protect their pet effectively in the event of a collision.

It encourages owners to make informed decisions based on empirical evidence and expert evaluations, ultimately promoting safer travel experiences for pets.

Choosing a Crash-Tested Harness

When selecting a dog harness that has been subjected to crash-testing, it’s crucial to consider several factors to ensure you’re choosing the safest option for your pet. 

Below are the key features to look for and the importance of proper sizing and fit.

Key Features to Look For

  • Material quality:
    • Durability: Look for harnesses made from strong, durable materials that can withstand high forces without tearing or breaking. High-quality nylon or polyester with reinforced stitching is typically recommended.
    • Comfort: Ensure the material is also comfortable for your dog, with padding to prevent chafing and ensure comfort during long trips.
  • Design and construction:
    • Safety features: Features such as metal buckles are often more robust than plastic alternatives. Double stitching and multiple attachment points can also enhance safety.
    • Ease of use: Consider how easy it is to put on and adjust. A user-friendly harness ensures that it can be fitted correctly each time it’s used, which is critical for safety.
  • Adjustability:
    • Custom fit: Adjustable straps are essential for ensuring the harness fits snugly around your pet’s body without being too tight or too loose. A well-fitted harness distributes force more evenly and reduces the risk of injury.

Importance of Choosing the Correct Size and Fit

  • Proper sizing:
    • Measurement: Always measure your pet as recommended by the harness manufacturer. This typically includes measurements around the neck, chest, and sometimes length of the back.
    • Size guides: Refer to the manufacturer’s size guide to choose the harness that best fits these measurements. Avoid guessing based on your pet’s breed or weight alone.
  • Fit testing:
    • No escape: Once fitted, ensure your pet cannot slip out of the harness. An escape-proof design is crucial in an accident.
    • Comfort check: Watch for any signs of discomfort or restriction in movement, which can indicate a poor fit.
  • Trial and adjustment:
    • Initial fitting: Adjust all straps according to the manufacturer’s instructions when fitting the harness for the first time.
    • Ongoing adjustments: Check and adjust the fit periodically, especially if your pet’s weight changes or as the harness wears over time.

Challenges in Crash-Testing

Crash-testing dog harnesses is a critical step in ensuring pet safety during travel. However, like any testing process, it comes with its own set of challenges and limitations. Understanding these issues can help improve methodologies and lead to the development of even safer pet travel products.

Current Limitations

  1. Standardization Issues:
    • Lack of uniform standards: There is no universally accepted standard for crash-testing dog harnesses. Different organizations may use varied protocols, which can lead to inconsistencies in how safety ratings are assigned and interpreted.
    • Updating standards: As vehicle interiors and safety features evolve, testing standards can become outdated, necessitating regular reviews and updates to remain relevant.
  2. Test Rigor and Realism:
    • Simulation limitations: Crash tests often use dummies and standardized testing setups that might not perfectly simulate all real-world scenarios. Factors such as the angle of impact, variations in car seat designs, and real-life distractions are challenging to replicate accurately.
    • Range of test subjects: Most tests are limited to a few dummy sizes which represent a range of dog sizes but might not cover the full spectrum, particularly very small or large breeds.
  3. Technological and Methodological Constraints:
    • Sensor technology: While advancements have been made, the sensors and data collection technologies used may not capture all relevant data points, such as specific stress points on a harness during a crash.
    • High costs: Crash-testing is expensive, which can limit the frequency of tests and the ability of smaller manufacturers to participate in these programs.

Potential Areas for Improvement

  1. Enhanced Standardization:
    • Development of global standards: Establishing a set of global standards, perhaps led by a centralized pet safety organization, could harmonize testing protocols and ensure consistent safety measures are applied worldwide.
    • Regular standard reviews: Standards should be reviewed and revised regularly to adapt to new research findings and automotive advancements.
  2. Increased Test Realism:
    • More diverse dummy models: Expanding the range and diversity of test dummies to better represent different breeds and sizes could improve test outcomes and applicability.
    • Advanced simulation techniques: Utilizing more sophisticated simulation tools and techniques can help replicate a wider array of crash scenarios, providing a more comprehensive assessment of harness safety.
  3. Technological Integration:
    • Improved sensor technology: Incorporating more advanced sensors that can measure finer details and forces exerted on the harness and dummy during a test would provide deeper insights into the performance and safety of the harnesses.
    • AI and machine learning: Leveraging AI to analyze test data could uncover patterns and insights that manual methods might miss, leading to better designs and safety features.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Kurgo Actually Crash-Tested?

Yes, Kurgo dog harnesses are indeed crash-tested. The Kurgo Enhanced Strength Tru-Fit Dog Car Harness has been tested to ensure it meets safety standards, which includes using a simulated crash testing process at facilities like Calspan Corporation. 

Do note that their harness is crash-tested for up to 50 pounds. The result showed a satisfactory outcome in retaining the dummy, although the carabiner has clearly broken due to the impact. 

Below is a video of the Kurgo crash test on a 50-pound dummy: 

Are Julius K9 Harnesses Crash-Tested?

Julius K9 harnesses are not explicitly crash-tested for vehicle safety according to standard crash-test protocols used for pet safety devices in vehicles. While some of their harnesses feature durable components like crash-tested buckles, the overall harness systems themselves are not certified or advertised as crash-tested. 

This means they may not provide the same level of safety as those specifically tested and certified for vehicle crash conditions.

Is Ruffwear Crash Tested?

Yes, Ruffwear harnesses, specifically the Ruffwear Load Up Harness, are crash-tested. They undergo rigorous testing at an independent facility, the MGA Research Corporation, to ensure they meet safety standards akin to those used in human vehicle safety devices. 

The tests are based on the protocols outlined in FMVSS 213 for Child Restraint Systems, involving simulations like frontal crashes at about 30 mph. 

Final Word

Understanding how dog harnesses are crash-tested is crucial for ensuring the safety of your pet during car travels. This comprehensive overview gives you insights into the rigorous standards and procedures that underpin the development of crash-tested dog harnesses. 

As technology and vehicle safety standards evolve, so too must the criteria and methods used for testing dog harnesses. Keeping up with these changes ensures that your pet’s safety gear meets the highest standards of protection and effectiveness. 

Additionally, by prioritizing products that have been rigorously tested and certified, you contribute to fostering industry standards that emphasize pet safety and well-being.

Key Takeaways

  • Crash-testing for dog harnesses often follows protocols similar to those used for child safety devices, ensuring thorough evaluation.
  • Facilities like Calspan Corporation play a crucial role in verifying the effectiveness of dog harnesses under crash conditions.
  • Choosing harnesses that have undergone certified crash tests can significantly enhance pet safety.