Introduction
Driving with unrestrained dogs in the car can be dangerous for both the dog and human passengers. An unsecured dog can become a projectile in the event of an accident, injuring themselves and others. Properly restraining your dog with a crash-tested car seat or harness can greatly reduce the risk of injury. With the right safety precautions, you can travel safely and enjoyably with your furry companion. This guide will cover the importance of choosing crash-tested dog car restraints along with tips for proper use, sizing, and installation. With a little preparation, you can ensure the safety of all occupants, both human and canine.
Why Unrestrained Dogs Are Dangerous
Dogs riding unrestrained in vehicles pose serious risks for both the dog and human passengers. When a vehicle brakes suddenly, crashes, or turns sharply, an unrestrained dog will keep moving forward at the vehicle’s original speed. This can cause the dog to be projected forward into the back of seats, side doors or windows, or even into the front seats towards the driver.
For the dog, being thrown about the vehicle often results in injuries like bruising, lacerations, concussions, broken bones, or even death. Unrestrained dogs have also caused accidents by distracting drivers or getting underfoot. For human passengers, an 80-pound dog turning into a projectile in a crash can cause significant injuries.
There have been many reported cases of unrestrained dogs critically injuring children after being thrown into car seats during an accident. Tragically, unrestrained dogs have also caused human fatalities in crashes by striking drivers or passengers. Securing your dog properly with a crash-tested restraint can help prevent these hazards and reduce risk for everyone in the vehicle.
Types of Dog Car Seats
When it comes to safely securing your dog in the car, there are two main types of dog car seats to choose from: booster seats and carrier seats.
Booster Seats – These are similar to toddler booster seats. They strap onto the car seat and raise your dog up so they can see out the window. Most booster style dog car seats attach via the seatbelt or latch system and have a tether that clips to your dog’s harness to keep them in place.
Carrier Seats – These consist of a sturdy plastic crate or carrier that is strapped into the car seat. The dog rides inside the crate, which provides containment and impact protection in the case of an accident. Carrier style dog car seats often have lids or doors so you can access your dog.
When choosing between a booster vs carrier style, consider your dog’s size and preferences. Boosters allow small dogs to see out but may not work for large breeds. Carriers provide more enclosure but restrict your dog’s view. It’s best to pick the style your dog seems most comfortable with.
Crash Test Standards
To determine how safe a dog car seat is, the best indicator is whether it has been crash tested. Crash tests assess how well a restraint will keep a dog secured in the event of a collision or sudden stop. Dog car restraints are not regulated by any government agency, so there are no mandatory crash test standards. However, the nonprofit Center for Pet Safety conducts voluntary crash testing and ratings to help consumers evaluate products.
The Center for Pet Safety uses specially designed crash test dog models that simulate an unrestrained 30 lb dog in a 30mph collision. The tests assess whether the restraint prevents a dog from becoming a projectile and how well it limits excessive movement and force on the dummy’s body. Restraints are rated from catastrophic failure to top performance. CPS also factors in ease of use and identifies potential design flaws.
While no restraint system can guarantee a pet’s safety, CPS crash testing provides an objective way to assess and compare products. When selecting a dog car seat, look for ones that have passed CPS testing with a top rating, as they offer the most crash protection.
Top Rated Crash Tested Models
When it comes to crash tested dog car seats, some top rated options include:
Sleepypod Mobile Pet Bed
The Sleepypod Mobile Pet Bed undergoes rigorous crash testing and has been rated a top pick by many experts. It has a five-point harness system and flexible sides for security and comfort. The crash test videos are viewable online for transparency.
Kurgo Impact Dog Car Harness
The Kurgo Impact Harness is crash tested at the Center for Pet Safety and features a broad chest plate to distribute force on impact. It has an easy adjustment system and comes in multiple sizes. Many pet owners and reviewers praise the sturdy quality.
Ruffwear Load Up Harness
Ruffwear’s Load Up Harness has five evaluation points and undergoes transportation safety testing. It secures the torso for reduced motion in a crash. The strength rated aluminum nest buckles and wide straps provide safety.
There are a variety of highly crash tested and rated models on the market to choose from. Review testing data and video, sizing, adjustability, comfort, and additional safety features when selecting the right one for your dog.
Proper Use and Installation
Using a dog car seat properly is crucial for protecting your pet in the event of an accident. Here are some tips for proper use and installation:
Securing the Seat
The dog car seat must be securely fastened into the vehicle according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This usually involves attaching to the headrests or using the seatbelt system. Make sure it is touching the back seats and cannot slide around.
Securing Your Dog
Use the provided harness and straps to properly restrain your dog inside the car seat. Attach the straps to the correct locations. Adjust the harness snugly but not too tight. Your dog should not be able to wiggle out of the restraints.
Proper Fit
Your dog should fit comfortably inside the car seat without excessive room to stand and move around. Measure your dog against size guidelines and choose the right sized seat. They should be able to sit, stand, lay down and turn around while inside the secured seat.
Practice
Take the time to practice securing your dog properly and get them comfortable with the car seat. Positive reinforcement goes a long way. This will make car travel less stressful for both of you.
Choosing the Right Size
When selecting a dog car seat, it’s crucial to choose the right size for your dog’s weight and measurements. Pay close attention to the listed weight limits for each model and don’t exceed them. Measure your dog while they are standing and get their height, length, and girth. Compare these dimensions to the interior dimensions listed for the car seat to ensure your dog will fit comfortably. You want your dog to be able to sit, stand up, lay down, and turn around while inside their car seat.
As a general rule, you’ll want the interior length of the seat to be 2-4 inches longer than your dog’s length from nose to rump. The interior height should allow 3-5 inches of clearance above your seated dog’s head. Measure girth at the widest part of your dog’s ribcage – the internal width of the seat should exceed this measurement by 2-4 inches. It’s better for the seat to be a little too big than too small.
If you have a puppy, anticipate their adult size and buy a seat that will accommodate their full grown proportions. Growing puppies need enough room to be secure. You may need to transition to a larger seat as your puppy matures if their adult size exceeds the seat’s parameters.
Added Safety Features
In addition to passing crash tests, some dog car seats come with added features to enhance your dog’s safety while traveling. These include:
Tethers
Tethers are straps that attach your dog’s harness to the car seat. They prevent your dog from leaping or being thrown around inside the vehicle during sudden stops or turns. For maximum protection, look for a dog car seat with a tether that attaches in multiple places.
Stabilization bars
Stabilization bars are pieces that extend from the sides of a car seat to the vehicle walls. They prevent the car seat from tipping or twisting during an impact. For boisterous dogs, stabilization bars provide extra protection and peace of mind.
Adjustable leashes
Some dog car seats include leashes that attach to the seat belt buckle. These leashes allow enough slack for your dog to sit, stand, or lay down comfortably. But in a crash, they prevent your dog from being launched. Adjustable leashes accommodate pets of different sizes.
Side walls
Look for a dog car seat with raised sides that create a cocoon-like interior. Higher walls provide added security for anxious pets and prevent them from jumping out. However, the walls shouldn’t be so high that your dog feels trapped inside.
Padding
Thick foam or cushioning around the interior protects your dog from impact. Some models have removable and washable padding for easy cleaning. Prioritize heavily padded headrests and restraints to shield your dog in a collision.
Traveling Safely with Dogs
Taking a road trip with your dog can be an enjoyable experience for both of you, but it’s important to prepare properly and keep your dog’s needs in mind throughout the journey.
Before heading out on a long drive, take your dog for a walk so he can relieve himself. Bring plenty of water and collapsible dog bowls so you can offer your pet water regularly. Don’t let your dog drink an excessive amount at once though, as this may lead to car sickness.
Plan to stop every 2-3 hours so your dog can get out of the car, stretch his legs, go to the bathroom, and have a drink. Look for pet-friendly rest stops or take him on a short walk with a leash. Avoid leaving your dog alone in the car, even briefly, as temperatures can rapidly climb to dangerous levels.
Pack toys that will keep your dog occupied during driving time. Bring their bed or a familiar blanket they find comforting. Consider using pheromone sprays or anxiety vests to ease stress if your dog struggles with car rides. Keep the temperature cool and comfortable.
Make sure your dog is microchipped and wearing identification tags in case you become separated during roadside stops. If you need pet-friendly lodging along your route, research and book accommodations in advance.
With the proper preparation and precautions, you and your furry friend can have an enjoyable road trip together!
Conclusion
In summary, properly restraining your dog while driving is extremely important for your dog’s safety as well as your own. Unrestrained dogs can become dangerous projectiles in the event of a crash or sudden stop. We covered the different types of crash tested dog car seats like crates, carriers, and harnesses that will keep your dog safe. Look for brands and models that meet crash test standards and certification. Be sure to choose the right size seat for your dog, read installation instructions, and use the seat properly every time. Added safety features like tethers, zippers, and outer straps provide extra protection. With the right dog car seat and proper use, you can travel worry-free knowing your furry friend is safe and secure.