Thousands of dog owners are not new to the idea of harnessing their dogs. Harnesses are essential accessories that allow them full control of their pets during walks, runs, and other activities. Apart from that, harnesses have also evolved into dog safety restraints for car use.
That being said, a question lingers: “Should a car harness be crash-tested?” While a plethora of dog harnesses on the market promise to be of good quality, not all are designed and tested to withstand the load of a car crash.
If you’re constantly hitting the road with your dog, their safety and well-being are paramount, so asking this question is sensible. In this article, we’re diving into the importance of crash-testing car harnesses, how they are performed, which harnesses were tested, and more as you read on.
What Are Car Harnesses for Dogs?
Car harnesses for dogs are safety accessories used to secure dogs in a vehicle. They’re likened to human seat belts. Their primary purpose is to protect pets during car travel. As you know, unrestrained dogs can become projectiles in the event of a sudden stop or car accident.
Securing dogs using a car harness also helps minimize distractions for the driver. A restrained dog becomes limited in movement—they cannot roam freely inside the car or jump onto the dashboard, which can obstruct the driver’s view.
Although car harnesses vary by design, they generally share the same characteristics, such as the ones listed below:
- They consist of a set of straps that fit around the dog’s body.
- They’re made of strong, durable materials like polyester and nylon.
- They often feature padded chest plates for better pressure distribution and comfort.
Harnesses for car use are integrated with the vehicle’s seat belt system (located in the back seat, not in the front seat or passenger seat, since head-on collisions are deadly for dogs). Some models provide varying degrees of mobility so dogs can sit, lie down, or stand comfortably without roaming freely around the car.
On a different note, while the primary use of these harnesses is for car travel, many are versatile enough to be used for walking and training. These harnesses may feature several attachment points, like front clips, back clips, or dual clips. These enable you to control your dog in certain ways, depending on their behavior.
Why Is Crash-Testing Important for Dog Harnesses?
Crash-testing is important for dog harnesses used in vehicles since it ensures safety and effectiveness in protecting pets during a car crash. It’s not too different from the seatbelts and airbags for humans—dog harnesses also need to undergo rigorous testing to verify if they can indeed withstand the forces of an accident.
For the most part, crash tests evaluate whether the dog harness can keep the dog in place through the seatbelt attachment point without losing its integrity or causing injury to the animal. Also, considering that dog weight and size vary according to breed and age, a crash test is crucial for developing harnesses that can safely protect all kinds of dogs.
To elaborate further, crash-testing reassures dog owners of their pets’ safety while traveling since it provides evidence of its ability to protect and meet certain safety standards. Remember, several products on the market are not regulated regarding their efficacy, which makes it all the more important to opt for those that are proven and tested.
Benefits of Using a Crash-Tested Harness
When traveling with your dog, safety shouldn’t be overlooked. Using a crash-tested dog harness is not just a recommendation but a critical measure that will keep your pet from severe injury during a collision.
Beyond that, there are more benefits of using a crash-tested harness, and they’re all discussed in the subsequent sections:
Prevention of Driver Distraction
Dogs that are not secured in the car seats can increase the risk of car accidents. They can also become distractions to the driver if they roam freely around the vehicle or suddenly jump into the driver’s lap or dashboard, obstructing the road view.
However, with a crash-tested harness on, your dog is securely seated or lying down. The harness is kept in place, allowing the driver to focus on the road.
Protection from Sudden Stops
Crash-tested harnesses don’t only protect dogs in actual collisions; they’re also invaluable for sudden stops, which may be less severe but can still cause injuries to an unrestrained animal. So long as the harness is well-designed, every time there’s a sudden stop, the force due to that vehicular motion is evenly distributed across the dog’s chest and shoulders. This effectively reduces the strain that sudden movements can cause to your pet.
Legal Compliance
Note that in some states, securing your pet during car travel is required by law. Using a crash-tested harness helps ensure you’re in compliance with these regulations. With a dog restrained properly in the vehicle, you’re not only prioritizing safety but also protecting yourself from potential fines and legal issues.
Versatility and Ease of Use
Nowadays, many crash-tested harnesses are not exclusive to car use. Understanding consumer needs, manufacturers have innovated their products, turning them into versatile, quintessential accessories that serve dual purposes.
You can expect to see many crash-tested harnesses that can function as regular harnesses for walking or hiking. This flexibility adds value for the owner, making them worth the investment.
How Is Crash-Testing Performed on Dog Harnesses?
Crash testing is often performed on dog harnesses through a systematic and rigorous process aligned with established safety standards. In this case, most dog harness manufacturers conform to the renowned Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 213.
Although FMVSS No. 213 primarily governs child restraint systems in vehicles, its principles and testing methods have been adapted to fully evaluate the safety of dog harnesses.
The subsequent sections below discuss further how dog harness crash tests are typically conducted.
Setup and Preparation
Harness crash-testing starts with a thorough set-up of a crash test sled, which simulates the conditions of a vehicle collision. Next, a harness is fitted onto a crash test dummy, which is designed to represent a dog. This dummy comes in various sizes and weights to mimic different breeds of dogs.
Note that the dummy is also instrumented with highly sensitive sensors to accurately measure the forces exerted on it during the simulated crash. A representative from the harness brand is usually present to check all conditions and ensure that the harness is secured to the test bench restraint system according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Execution of the Test
Once the preparation is complete, it’s time for the test’s execution. The sled is accelerated, mimicking the impact of a realistic car crash, typically at speeds used in FMVSS No. 213. To be specific, the test replicates a frontal collision at 30 miles per hour.
Throughout the test, sensors and high-speed cameras record data on how the harness performs. The judgment regarding the crash-test quality of the harness is based upon its ability to keep the dummy secure and in place without breaking and prevent harm to potential contact points on the crash-test dummy.
Data Collection and Analysis
After the test, the data collected will consist of the harness’s ability to keep the dummy in place, the forces experienced by the dummy, and the failure points present in the harness system.
This data is then used to evaluate how safe the harness is. It further helps determine the following:
- If the harness evenly distributes force.
- If the harness prevents the dummy from going forward excessively.
- If the harness remains intact without tearing or coming undone.
Safety experts will analyze this information and assess the harness’s effectiveness in protecting dogs during a car crash scenario.
Revisions and Improvements
Crash tests are invaluable, as the evaluation of the harness allows manufacturers to identify any specific weaknesses in their design or construction in case their product fails to meet safety standards.
The information provided after the sled crash test will help them improve the harness material, redesign the structure for enhanced force distribution, or modify attachment points for better durability. Once the changes are made, the harness may be retested before it is released to the market.
Challenges and Considerations on Crash-Tested Dog Harnesses
Crash-tested dog harnesses do have several benefits. However, like other products, they also come with challenges and considerations dog owners like you should take into account. Understanding these vital aspects can help you make informed decisions that ensure both safety and value.
Availability and Selection
One primary challenge you’ll face when looking for a crash-tested dog harness is its limited availability. Even though there are thousands of dog harnesses in the market, only a few have undergone crash testing, mainly due to the additional costs and complexities involved.
This limited selection makes it difficult for owners to find appropriate options that cater to their needs. This includes a crash-tested harness that fits their dog’s size, breed, or behavioral considerations.
Moreover, since there’s no mandatory regulatory oversight for pet safety products, expect variation in testing standards and a lack of uniformity in how the crash tests are conducted. These differences can make comparisons between or among brands, confusing consumers who may not be familiar with the specifics of testing protocols.
Cost Considerations
The market is currently flooded with harnesses that come at very cheap price points. This draws a drastic difference since crash-tested dog harnesses come at a premium price.
While this may be the case, there are several factors why manufacturers sell their crash-tested harnesses at a higher price point:
- Development and testing costs: Crash-testing and research to develop a high-quality harness that can survive a car crash can be costly. Manufacturers need to cover all expenses involved, which automatically leads to higher retail prices.
- Quality of materials: Harnesses that have undergone crash testing are typically made from durable materials that can withstand the force of a crash. These materials, along with meticulous design features like reinforced stitching and high-grade buckles, contribute to the overall cost.
- Marketing: Promoting their crash-tested dog harnesses and advocating for dog safety in the car can also influence the price of the product.
While crash-tested dog harnesses are generally more expensive than non-tested alternatives, the potential safety benefits they offer outweigh the cost. Investing in a high-quality, well-made restraint system for your dog for car trips significantly reduces the risk of injury to a pet in the event of a car accident.
This potentially saves you from getting set back on veterinary bills and, more importantly, sparing the dog from harm.
Top Crash-Tested Dog Car Harnesses
Understanding how overwhelming it can be to find the right crash-tested dog harness for your dog, below are some of the top-rated ones for your perusal. Each harness has been crash-tested, but the difference lies in its design, material, and value.
Note: Prices for each harness are subject to change depending on the Manufacturer.
1. Säker Canine Canyon Pro Harness – Starts at $139.95
The Säker Canine Canyon Pro Harness comes in three varieties: the core, extended, and pack versions. While all three are crash-tested, the core is the most ideal for car use. This is because you only need the standard structure to protect your dog during travels. The extended and pack differ only due to their unique additional features.
As the latest development following their Ascension Harness, the Canyon Pro lineup has undergone rigorous testing through Calspan facilities, and it has earned a 5-star rating. Note that the crash test through Calspan was conducted using the same standards as the Center for Pet Safety tests.
Take a look at the crash testing made for the Canyon Pro using a 75-pound canine crash test mannequin below:
2. Sleepypod Clickit Harness – Starts at $103.49
The Sleepypod Clickit Harness is primarily intended for car use. Its materials include ballistic nylon, neoprene padding, automotive-grate seat belt material, and plastic and metal buckles.
Like the Canyon Pro, the Sleepypod has also been crash-tested, but it’s through the Center for Pet Safety. It was given a rating of five stars as it withstood the impact of the simulated car crash.
Below is a short video of the Sleepypod Clickit Harness worn by a 75-pound dummy:
3. Ruffwear Load Up Harness – Starts at $53.21
The Ruffwear Load Up Harness is another crash-tested harness that is available. It is composed of an outer shell, padding, lining, straps and handles, and buckles. As a high-quality dog harness, Ruffwear has proven itself to maintain its integrity through passing the crash test.
The rigorous testing was conducted by the MGA Research Corporation, an independent testing facility. Dummies weighing 25, 45, and 75 pounds were used.
The video below shows one of the Ruffwear crash tests:
With these selections, looking for a trusted car harness for your dog becomes easier. The manufacturers of these products have taken due diligence to get these evaluated with dog safety in mind.
While investing in a crash-tested harness won’t 100% guarantee your pet’s safety, using it significantly reduces the risk of injury. This is in case you encounter an accident on the highway. This is a realistic perspective you may have to contemplate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Car Harnesses Safe?
Car harnesses, particularly the crash-tested ones, are generally safe for dogs. In fact, they’re highly recommended for car travel. They practically provide essential restraint, protecting your dog from becoming a deadly projectile in an accident.
Yet, while no safety device is infallible, a crash-tested car harness enhances pet safety and reduces driving distractions.
What Is the Safest Harness for a Dog in a Car?
The safest harnesses for dogs in cars are those rigorously crash-tested. These are designed to withstand the collision while keeping the dog restrained. Examples of safe car harnesses include the Säker Canine Canyon Pro, Sleepypod Clickit Sport, and Ruffwear Load Up Harnesses.
How Do I Choose a Dog Harness for My Car?
When choosing a dog harness for your car, opt for those that have been crash-tested. They shouldn’t just pass this rigorous test but also have a great design and structure that can well accommodate your dog’s size and physique.
Ideally, they should come with adjustable straps that don’t cause discomfort or affect your dog’s gait and posture. The harness must also be made of strong, durable materials with secure, easy-to-use buckles.
Also, don’t forget to consider the harness’s compatibility with your car’s back seat belt strap. If it’s installed, your dog must still be able to sit, lie down, and stand up comfortably. Finally, read customer reviews and product ratings to gauge user satisfaction and product performance in real-world scenarios.
Final Word
Having known the answer to the question, “Should a car harness be crash-tested?” it’s sensible to invest in one now. If you frequently hit the road with your dog, know that accidents can virtually happen anytime and anywhere.
That said, it’s a must to always take precautionary measures to ensure your dog is safe from harm and injury in the case of a car collision.
It’s also worth noting that apart from the crash-tested harnesses mentioned above—the Säker Canyon Pro, Sleepypod Clickit Sport, and Ruffwear Load Up harnesses—you may encounter other products similar to them. It’s necessary to look into their claims before purchasing.
Key Takeaways
- A car harness that’s been crash-tested is generally more expensive than those that have not undergone rigorous testing.
- A car harness needs to be crash-tested to prove that it can effectively withstand the load of a car impact and protect your dog from severe injury and harm.
- Crash-tested dog harnesses are well-designed and versatile. If they have leash attachment points, they can be used for the usual car ride as well as walks or hikes.
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