Keeping your dog safe and secure during a car journey can be challenging at times for Pet Pros and dog guardians alike! But have you ever considered a dog car harness? They are designed to not only keep dogs comfortable and content while on the road but also to enhance safety.
These dog car harnesses are carefully crafted to prevent your pooch from shifting around in the vehicle, ensuring their well-being and your peace of mind. By restraining them comfortably, these harnesses significantly reduce distractions for the driver, contributing to the safety of everyone in the car and on the road. What’s more, many of these harnesses can transition from car rides to strolls in the park, thanks to their compatibility with dog leads.
Now, you might be wondering: is it a legal requirement to harness dogs in cars? In response to this concern, The Dogs Trust launched ‘The Houndway Code’ , a car safety awareness campaign. Statistics revealed that one in five dog owners frequently travels with their unsecured dog in the passenger seat, and 10% even place their pet on their lap while driving. Yikes!
Surprisingly, nearly half of British dog-owning drivers, amounting to over 2.5 million people, don’t know that such practices break the law and violate the highway code. Not only that, 44% of dog owners don’t use harnesses in the car, with a quarter admitting to finding their loose dogs distracting. In some cases, drivers even take their hands off the wheel to manage their doggo co-pilots! To meet legal obligations and prioritise safety, it’s really advisable to keep dogs away from the front seats.
Concerns about the impact of harnesses on a dogs well-being are valid. However, it’s important to choose a properly fitting harness that does not put pressure on the throat. A well-designed harness should be harmless and comfortable, eliminating the risk of injury to the dog’s thyroid, esophagus, and trachea.
So stay with us at Yappily as we explore some top crash tested harness options, designed to enhance your dogs safety so you can travel with confidence.
CarSafe Crash Tested Harness
This exceptional dog harness is not your average pet accessory – it’s a certified crash-test hero. This harness is crash-test certified for pets up to 32kg, ensuring their safety during car rides. Developed over two years, it combines strength with a lightweight design. It utilises your car’s seat belt system, With its cushioned and breathable layers, your dog can enjoy a cosy and secure dog car seat belt experience. This harness is suitable for various dog sizes and breeds, and it easily transforms into a walking harness when you reach your destination.
Kurgo Enhanced Strength Tru-Fit Dog Car Harness
The Kurgo crash-tested harness is designed to provide safety for dogs up to 34 kg. Featuring all-steel buckles and hardware, it ensures secure restraint during transit. With lead attachments on both the back and front, a broad, padded chest plate for comfort and protection, and compatibility with any vehicle seat belt system, it’s a versatile choice. Beyond car trips, it’s suitable for everyday use too. It includes a carabiner and a 25.4 cm dog seat belt loop for added convenience. Cleaning it is easy – it’s machine washable making it the perfect all-in-one solution for your dog. Nice one Kurgo!
EZYDOG Drive Crash Tested Car Harness
Commitment to your safety and your dog’s well-being is at the heart of this product’s design. EZYDOG have selected high-quality, strong, materials to ensure your peace of mind. The Tri-Glides, constructed from lightweight yet, strong aluminum alloy, provide durable support.
They have chosen webbing crafted from the same materials as seatbelts, offering your dog the same level of protection as you have. Additionally, this harness features Crosslink™ technology at the front for added security.
While safety is the top priority, your dog’s comfort is equally important. That’s why they have incorporated the same padded chest plate found in their bestselling harness. It conforms to your dog’s shape, ensuring a comfortable and snug fit throughout the ride. With this product, both safety and comfort go hand in hand.
Load Up™ Crash Tested Dog Car Harness by RUFFWEAR
Introducing the Load Up Harness by RUFFWEAR. Engineered with strength-rated hardware and top-quality components, this harness is designed to excel! It’s not only easy to put on but also comfortable for pups during long journeys, and it’s been rigorously tested to ensure safety in vehicle crashes.
The universal seat belt loop seamlessly attaches to existing seat belts, giving your dog the freedom to stand, sit, and even take a nap while remaining securely fastened during sudden vehicle movements. Putting on and adjusting the Load Up Harness is a breeze, and it’s designed to stay on your dog for those quick leg stretches and pee breaks, making your travels smoother and safer!
SLEEPYPOD CLICKIT SPORT Car Harness
Introducing the revolutionary, crash-tested Sleepypod Clickit Sport harness, which features a patent-pending Infinity Loop design that eliminates the need for heavy, strength-rated steel hardware. This innovative Infinity Loop webbing, with a padded vest, works together to distribute and minimise harm during an accident. Just like the Clickit Utility, the Clickit Sport has three crucial points of contact. These three contact points play a crucial role in reducing both forward and lateral movement during a collision or sudden stop, preventing your pet from becoming dangerously hurt should the worse happen. Made from luggage grade nylon this harness is easy to clean can be used as a walking harness
So, is investing in a crash-tested dog harness worth it?
1000% yes! investing in a crash-tested harness for your dog is a decision that combines care, safety, and peace of mind. These harnesses are also great for Dog Pros who must transport dogs who are anxious and would prefer not to be in a car cage. Not only do they keep dogs secure, but they also prioritise their comfort. So whether you’re going on a short journey to the park or a cross-country adventure, these harnesses offer a reliable and versatile safety solution So hit the road, Jack! But understand a crash-tested harness is a must-have bit of dog travel kit if you do!
Find out more about safe dog transport
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