Traveling with a pet can be stressful. Safety worries make it harder. Many pet carriers and restraints fail crash testing, which is lab testing that simulates a car crash. That puts pets and people at risk during a sudden stop. This guide shows safe choices for pet transportation. You will see how a travel harness, a barrier, and a travel crate work together for impact protection.
Importance of Crash-Tested Pet Travel Products
Crash testing proves a product can manage crash forces. It shows how a restraint protects your pet, and how it protects passengers too. The Center for Pet Safety, an independent nonprofit, publishes test results for pet safety gear. Those results help you choose safety approved products with real data.
Why crash-tested harnesses, crates, and barriers matter for safety
Dogs and cats need real restraint in a car. Unrestrained pets can turn into projectiles in a crash. Good gear prevents injury and reduces driver distraction.
- Harnesses spread crash force across the chest and shoulders. Models like the Sleepypod Clickit Sport show strong results in independent tests.
- Barriers block pets from the front seat, which reduces sudden movement and keeps eyes on the road.
- Crash-tested crates act like strong shells. Products such as the Gunner Kennel G1 with Anchor Straps stay anchored to the vehicle to limit motion.
- Proper size matters. A snug harness or crate reduces impact force and helps calm anxious pets by creating a secure space.
- Vehicle fit matters too. Some setups work best in larger SUVs, others in sedans.
- Inspect gear often. Check every buckle and anchor point; keep straps clean so they hold under stress.
Best Crash-Tested Harnesses
A few travel harnesses meet strict safety standards. These options focus on pet safety without giving up comfort. See test videos and certifications before you buy.
Sleepypod Clickit Sport
Sleepypod Clickit Sport protects dogs during car rides. Sizes range from small, up to 25 pounds, through XL, up to 90 pounds. Each size uses the same heavy-duty materials and hardware for safety. All sizes provide the same level of protection, even for big dogs who fit medium or large but weigh up to 90 pounds.
This harness was crash-tested in July 2014 using the CPS-001-014.01 protocol. The Center for Pet Safety ran the tests and awarded five stars. Video from those tests shows how this restraint performs during a collision. Many dog owners choose it because independent testing supports the claim of real impact protection.
AllSafe Harness
The AllSafe Harness aims for maximum safety in vehicles. It holds top marks for tensile strength, which means how much force the straps can take before breaking, and for crash test results across the category. Crash testing over 17 years shows a perfect safety record in those trials. That record points to strong protection during car accidents.
Built with strong nylon and stainless steel parts, it also has reflective bands for night visibility. A short, adjustable tether limits movement, and you can switch from walking to car rides with simple changes. Four sizes fit most dogs, from Small to Extra Large.
The AllSafe Harness meets well-known vehicle test standards like DIN-75410-2, ECE R-17, and FMVSS 213. Those standards involve measured impact forces and restraint strength. Meeting them signals a proven safety certification for daily travel.
Best Crash-Tested Crates
Crash-tested travel crates add strong impact protection for pets. Anchoring the crate to factory tie-downs or seat belts improves stability and safety. Choose models with clear test data and rated anchor straps.
Gunner Kennel G1 with Anchor Straps
Gunner Kennel G1 with Anchor Straps keeps dogs secure during travel. It is CPS Certified and crash tested with a 5 Star safety rating. The crate uses extra-thick cambuckle anchor straps to hold it in place in your vehicle. Only strength-rated anchor straps count for certification, so the strap rating is key.
Made in America, this crate focuses on long-term durability and pet safety. It suits working dogs, yet works great for family pets too. The sturdy design resists heavy impact and rough roads. Every Gunner dog crate includes a lifetime warranty, which adds peace of mind for years.
MIM Safe Variocage
MIM Safe Variocage stands out as the only certified crash tested dog crate on the market. It comes in 14 adjustable sizes and four models, which helps you match both car and dog. A double-door system with strong locks holds pets secure during trips and after a crash.
The cage uses sturdy materials that resist impact forces during accidents. Large ventilation openings allow plenty of airflow for comfort. Certified testing supports its safety for car travel, which helps families feel confident on the road. MIM Safe offers a warranty and free shipping on all Variocage and VarioGate orders.
Best Crash-Tested Barriers
Crash-tested barriers add another layer of pet safety in your car. They control space in the cabin and reduce distraction, which also improves vehicle safety for everyone.
MIM Safe VarioBarrier
MIM Safe VarioBarrier helps protect pets and people during travel. It stops pets from jumping into the front seat and limits flying cargo during a crash. The barrier is built with ASTM A366 steel and carries crash-test approval from the SP Technical Research Institute of Sweden.
Five sizes fit most vehicles, including Small, Medium, Large, Small HR, and Medium HR. HR models attach to second-row headrests. Height, width, and angle adjust without tools, so setup is straightforward. Prices range from $349.99 to $479.99 based on size and features.
MIM Safe VarioGate System
The MIM Safe VarioGate System offers another level of vehicle protection for pets. It turns an SUV or wagon cargo area into a secure zone. Steel construction with a powder coat finish helps resist wear.
Choose Double 3 Bar at $1,329.99 or Double 4 Bar at $1,479.97. The system is crash-tested by ISO and ECE standards for front, rear, and rollover accidents. Size adjustments fit most cargo areas without permanent changes. Installation uses straps and adjustable poles.
Owners value the locking mechanism with built-in key locks for extra security. Customer feedback reports an 85 percent positive rating for crash-tested performance and setup. A Fit Guarantee helps you choose the right size with less guesswork.
Tips for Helping Pets Adjust to Travel Products
Slow, steady training builds confidence. A calm pet travels safer and stays relaxed.
- Make the crate a safe spot at home. Keep it open in a quiet room. Toss treats inside and praise calm behavior.
- Start with short sessions. Close the door for a minute while your pet stays calm. Increase the time slowly.
- Take brief practice drives. Use a crash-tested harness or a secured crate like the Gunner Kennel G1. Add time and distance only when your pet seems relaxed.
- Bring familiar items. A favorite toy or blanket helps reduce stress during the ride.
- Check fit every trip. Tighten harness straps so they are snug but not painful. Confirm seat belt points and anchor straps are secure.
- Clean and inspect gear often. Replace worn straps or buckles right away.
Some pets need extra time before each step. If anxiety is severe, talk with your veterinarian or a qualified trainer for more support.
Bottom Line
Safe travel with pets is possible. Use crash-tested harnesses, sturdy barriers, and strong crates for real impact protection. Look for clear safety certification from trusted groups before buying. Brands like Sleepypod, Gunner Kennel, and MIM Safe provide tested pet restraints you can consider for daily use.
Follow all product instructions and vehicle guidelines for installation. If your pet has medical issues or high anxiety, ask your veterinarian for advice. Make smart, informed choices so every mile supports pet safety and your peace of mind.
