Introduction to Dog Safety Seat Harnesses
Car accidents injure over 100,000 pets annually in the United States. A quality dog safety seat harness can reduce your pet’s injury risk by up to 75% during sudden stops or collisions. With dozens of harnesses available, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. In this article, we will explore the different types of dog safety seat harnesses, their features, and what to look for when selecting a harness for your pet.
Types of Dog Safety Seat Harnesses
There are several types of dog safety seat harnesses available, each with its own unique features and benefits. The three main types of harnesses are vest-style, step-in, and over-the-head designs.
Vest-Style Harnesses
Vest-style harnesses provide superior protection by spreading crash forces across your dog’s chest and shoulders rather than focusing impact on the neck. The Sleepypod Clickit Sport harness is an example of a vest-style harness that has been crash-tested and certified by the Center for Pet Safety. This style of harness is ideal for dogs that weigh between 25 and 105 pounds.
Step-In Models
Step-in harnesses allow your dog to place their front paws through loops before you buckle the back straps. The Kurgo Enhanced Strength Tru-Fit is an example of a step-in harness that meets child restraint standards for dogs up to 105 pounds. However, step-in models can create more potential failure points than vest-style options, and dogs can escape from poorly fitted step-in harnesses.
Over-the-Head Designs
Over-the-head harnesses slide down over your dog’s head before you secure chest and belly straps. The Ruffwear Load Up harness is an example of an over-the-head design that works exceptionally well for strong pullers or dogs that resist other harness types. This style of harness typically features the most adjustment options and allows for a custom fit around your dog’s unique body shape.
Safety Features to Look for in a Dog Safety Seat Harness
When selecting a dog safety seat harness, there are several safety features to look for. These include crash test certification, proper size, and material construction.
Crash Test Certification
Center for Pet Safety certification is the only reliable benchmark for dog harness safety. The organization crash-tests harnesses with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213, the same standard that applies to child car seats. Only a few harnesses have received this certification, including the Sleepypod Clickit Sport, the AllSafe Comfort, and select models that pass their rigorous impact tests.
Proper Size
The two-finger rule determines correct harness fit: you should fit exactly two fingers between the harness and your dog’s body at the chest area. Loose harnesses allow dogs to slip out during normal drives, while tight harnesses concentrate crash forces on smaller body areas and cause more severe injuries.
Material Construction
Crash-tested harnesses use automotive-grade webbing identical to seat belt materials, typically constructed from high-tenacity nylon or polyester fibers. Cheap harnesses rely on nylon straps rated for only 200 to 500 pounds, which snap instantly during real accidents. Look for harnesses with continuous strap designs rather than multiple connection points, as each buckle or D-ring creates a potential failure location.
Recommended Dog Safety Seat Harnesses
Based on our research and testing, we recommend the following dog safety seat harnesses:
The Sleepypod Clickit Sport
The Sleepypod Clickit Sport sets the gold standard after passing Center for Pet Safety crash tests with exceptional results. This harness costs $89 to $109, depending on size, and survived impacts that destroyed other harnesses during CPS tests.
Budget Options
The Kurgo Enhanced Strength Tru-Fit delivers legitimate crash protection for $45 to $65 while meeting child restraint standards. The EzyDog Drive costs slightly more at $55 to $75 but uses wider automotive webbing that spreads crash forces over larger body areas.
Premium Protection
The AllSafe Comfort harness costs $180 to $220 but earned Center for Pet Safety certification through German crash test protocols. This over-the-head design works exceptionally well for dogs over 75 pounds that generate massive forces during accidents. The Ruffwear Load Up offers another premium option at $120 to $150 with multiple adjustment points and escape-resistant design.
Conclusion
Choosing the right dog safety seat harness is crucial to protecting your pet during car accidents. By considering the type of harness, safety features, and recommended products, you can make an informed decision and keep your dog safe on the road. Remember, a quality dog safety seat harness can reduce your pet’s injury risk by up to 75% during sudden stops or collisions. Don’t compromise on your dog’s safety – invest in a reputable harness that meets Center for Pet Safety certification standards. With the right harness, you can enjoy car rides with your pet while minimizing the risk of injury or accident.