When choosing from the crash-tested dog harnesses available, your primary concern is probably keeping your pup safe in the car. But comfort, convenience, and durability are all factors that can influence your decision!
Why Are Crash-Tested Dog Harnesses Important?
Whether you’re taking a 10-minute trip to the dog park or traveling across the country, keeping your pet safe and secure in your vehicle is a top priority. Crash-tested dog harnesses cannot only help protect your pet from being injured in an accident, they can keep pets from distracting the driver and causing a crash.
When deciding on a crash-tested car harness, most owners are thinking about keeping their pet safe in an accident. But a good crash-tested dog harnesses will protect you and the other passengers in your car as well.
READ MORE ⇒ We Tested 12 No-Pull Dog Harnesses To See Which Ones Work
Did you know that in a 50mph collision, an unrestrained 10-pound pet becomes a projectile packing 500 pounds of force? And if your dog weighs 60 pounds that translates into 3,000 pounds of force!
In some states, it’s even illegal to drive with an unrestrained animal in your vehicle. And in states that don’t make pet restraints a legal requirement, motorists driving with loose pets can still receive tickets for distracted driving — especially in the event of a collision.
With all this in mind, it’s very important that your pet is buckled up in the car. And that the crash-tested dog harness you choose is comfortable for your dog, easy to use, offers convenient features, and holds up well over time.
READ MORE ⇒ States With Laws Requiring Pets To Be Buckled Up
Understanding The Crash-Test Standards
In 2011, the Center for Pet Safety (CPS), conducted an independent pilot study to investigate the crashworthiness of pet travel harnesses. Based on the findings of that study CPS went on to complete a landmark pet travel harness study in 2013.
Almost every car harness for dogs failed their tests, and many were deemed “catastrophic failures.” Fortunately, most of those harnesses are no longer available.
Unlike the regulations for child safety seats, there currently are no crash-test standards for pet car harnesses. And, while we only considered harnesses that the manufactures claim to have crash-tested for this post, it’s difficult to determine what that means.
Just because a manufacturer says they crash-tested a harness doesn’t mean it’s safe. The results of the studies performed by the manufacturers don’t have to be disclosed. So there’s no way to know for certain how the harness performed or if it would protect your pet or you in an accident.
Harness manufacturers can pay have an independent test and certification done by the CPS. We give more weight to those results, and the harnesses that have been tested and certified by the CPS are indicated below.
How We Chose
After 12 years of traveling full-time with our dogs and writing about the products we use, I’m familiar with the top pet brands and their standards for quality. We prefer products designed with the same attention to detail you’d expect when buying something for a human family member.
I also considered how Myles seemed to feel about each of the crash-tested dog harnesses. After all, he’s the one wearing it! I reviewed each of the harnesses to judge the fit, how easy it was to get on and off, and how comfortable Myles seemed to be riding in it.
READ MORE ⇒ How To Take A Cross-Country Road Trip With Pets
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Top Crash-Tested Dog Harnesses
I received the products discussed below free of charge. The opinions expressed here are my own.
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BEST OVERALL
OptimusGear Defender Harness
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Highlights
Crash-Tested using Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard – FMVSS213
Sizes Available: S to XL
Weight Capacity: 25 to 75 pounds
Installation: Attach tether to two LATCH anchors in your vehicle and attach carabiner to seatbelt. Then connect the tethers to the harness.
OptimusGear’s Defender Harness is the most durably constructed crash-tested dog harnesses we reviewed. It’s designed to withstand impact forces with stress-tested custom metal buckles and hardware and high-strength webbing. And the padded chest and back panels made the harness comfortable. And with chest and back leash attachment points, it’s also convenient for short walks.
What We Like:
- Excellent design that makes Myles look like a superhero
- Over-the-head style like many harnesses you might already use with your dog
- Easy-to-use, heavy-duty metal buckles
- Convenient leash attachments on the chest and back
- Available in a variety of colors
- Padded vest that is easy to clean
- Four adjustment points for a good fit
What We’d Change:
- Nothing we can think of!
RUNNER UP
SleepyPod Clickit Sport Harness
Highlights
Crash-Tested and Certified by the Center for Pet Safety
Sizes Available: S to XL
Weight Capacity: 18 to 90 pounds
Installation: Pass seat belt through two loops on the back of the harness
Like all SleepyPod products, the Clickit Sport Harness is thoughtfully designed and made from the highest quality materials. The Infinity Loop design combines a padded vest, seat belt grade straps, and stress-tested buckles, to absorb the damaging forces that can cause injury in a car collision. And the three seat belt contact points provide excellent security for your dog in the event of a collision.
What We Like:
- Simple design with no bulkiness
- Step-in style makes it easy to get on and off
- Double D-rings on the back are convenient to attach a leash for short walks
- Available in a variety of colors
- Durable ballistic nylon and neoprene padded vest that is easy to clean
- Available with the S-Clip and Buckle Shield to lock the seat belt strap in place and cover the seat belt release button
What We’d Change:
- The straps can be difficult to adjust
- Might not fit deep-chested breeds like Greyhounds, Whippets, Salukis, Afghan Hounds, and Borzoi
BEST FOR ESCAPE ARTISTS
Ruffwear Load Up Harness
Highlights
Crash tested at a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration contracted test facility for dogs up to 75 pounds
Sizes Available: XXS to L/XL
Girth Capacity: 13 to 42 inches
Installation: Pass seat belt through one loop at the back of the harness
The Load Up harness, like all Ruffwear gear, is built for adventure. This harness has been through dynamic crash testing and static tensile testing of all critical components. It features all-metal hardware with a tough polyester shell and polyester lining, so it’s both strong and durable. And the large belly panel provides ample coverage to thwart most escape artists!
What We Like:
- Durable construction
- Hand washable
- Four points to adjust for size
- Velcro tabs to hold excess straps
- Comfortable for extended wear
What We’d Change:
- The large belly panel can make the harness hot to wear
- No rings to attach a leash
MOST CONVENIENT
Kurgo Enhanced Strength Tru-Fit Harness
Highlights
Crash tested at a university testing facility for dogs up to 75 pounds at 30 miles per hour
Sizes Available: XS to XL
Weight Capacity: 5 to 105 pounds
Installation: Use included carabiner to attach harness straps to seat belt
Kurgo‘s Enhanced StrengthTru-fit harness was crash tested at a facility that maintains Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 213 for Child Restraint Systems. It features all-steel hardware for strength and durability, and comes with both front and back D-ring leash attachments.
It’s the most convenient of the harnesses to install, because you can leave the seat belt buckled with the carabiner attached and just release the harnesses straps when it’s time to get your dog out of the car.
What We Like:
- Simple design with no bulkiness
- Over-the-head style like many harnesses you might already use with your dog
- D-rings on the front and back make it great for walks
- Five adjustment points for a great fit
- Machine washable for easy cleaning
- Comes with an all-steel carabiner that makes buckling up easy
What We’d Change:
- Nesting buckles are difficult for some people
- On deep-chested dogs, the straps might chafe behind the front legs
MOST VERSATILE
Sleepypod Clickit Terrain Harness
Highlights
Crash-Tested and Certified by the Center for Pet Safety
Sizes Available: S to XL
Weight Capacity: 18 to 110 pounds
Installation: Pass seat belt through both sides of the harness
When it comes to crash-tested dog harnesses, Sleepypod leads the pack for quality, safety, and ingenuity. Their Clickit Terrain harness incorporates the Infinity Loop design, padded vest, seat belt grade straps, and stress-tested buckles to protect your pet in a car accident. But this harness turns into a backpack with the optional Terrain Pack!
What We Like:
- Step-in design for easy on and off
- Double D-rings on the back for convenient leash attachment
- Available in a variety of colors
- Durable ballistic nylon and neoprene padded vest that is easy to clean
- Available with the S-Clip and Buckle Shield to lock the seat belt strap in place and cover the seat belt release button
- Optional Terrain Pack turns the harness into a backpack
What We’d Change:
- The straps can be difficult to adjust
- Might not fit deep-chested breeds like Greyhounds, Whippets, Salukis, Afghan Hounds, and Borzoi
Other Crash-Tested Dog Harnesses
AllSafe Comfort Harness
Highlights
Crash tested in Germany according to ECE R-17 and ISO27955
Sizes Available: S to XL
Girth Capacity: 6.4 to 12 inches
Installation: Attach screw locks and two clasps to seat belt, then use swivel snap to attach tether to harness
The AllSafe Comfort harness was developed in Germany by a company with 18 years of experience in the design of Crash Tested Pet Safety Harnesses. It was crash-tested in Germany according to published safety standards ECE R-17 and ISO27955 and stress-tested to withstand a minimum of 4,410 pounds of force (sizes M, L, XL — Size S stress-tested to 2,205 lbs). It has a padded chest and back plates that mold to your dog’s body for comfort.
What We Like:
- Harness design is simple with no bulkiness
- D-rings on the back for convenient leash attachment
- Constructed of high-strength polyester fabric for durability
- Can be spot cleaned or washed by hand
- Includes a seat belt tether with swivel snap, making it easy to connect the harness to the seat belt
What We’d Change:
- Installing the tether is more complicated than most harnesses, requiring two clips on the seat belt and threading the seat belt through the screw locks
- The over-the-head design with one side release buckle requires the dog’s front paw to be fed through the harness, which makes it a little harder to get on and off
EzyDog Drive Harness
Highlights
Crash tested at Automotive Safety Engineering in Australia
Sizes Available: S to L
Weight Capacity: 15 to 75 pounds
Installation: Pass seat belt through two loops on the back of the harness
The Drive harness by EzyDog is the most structured and substantial of the harnesses we tested. It’s been crash tested at the Automotive Safety Engineering in Australia, which is recognized by the American, European, and Australian regulatory agencies responsible for child-restraint standards.
With an ergonomic molded chest plate that conforms to your dog’s shape, straps made of vehicle-tested seat belt webbing, and aluminum alloy glides, it’s the beast of crash-tested dog harnesses.
What We Like:
- Step-in design for easy on and off
- Double D-rings on the back for convenient leash attachment
- Durable and hand washable for easy cleaning
- Webbing is marked for balanced measurements on both sides of the harness
- Hook-and-loop tabs to hold excess straps
What We’d Change:
- Sturdy chest plate is less comfortable for long rides
- Bulky for small dogs
- Wide chest plate might not fit narrow-chested dogs
Kurgo Impact Harness
Highlights
Crash tested at Calspan using current PPSC testing guidelines
Sizes Available: S to XL
Weight Capacity: 10 to 108 pounds
Installation: Pass seat belt through both restraint straps on the back of the harness
Constructed of 4,000-pound tubular webbing and all-steel buckles and hardware, Kurgo‘s Impact harness is strong and durable. It was crash-tested up to 108 pounds at Calspan, an independent, engineering and test services company, in 2020, using the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard for child restraint systems (crash test video provided).
What We Like:
- D-ring for convenient leash attachment on the back
- Spot cleaning or hand washable
What We’d Change:
- The harness goes on over the head, and the dogs legs must both be fed through the restraint loops, so it’s not as easy to get on and off
- Nesting buckles are difficult for some people
- Webbing slides through the buckles, requiring frequent re-adjustment
- Restraint loops get in the way when used as a walking harness
Using Crash-Tested Dog Harnesses
To keep dogs safe in the car, their crash-tested dog harnesses should fit perfectly. The harness won’t help if your dog can squirm out while you’re driving. So, make sure to carefully review the manufacturer’s sizing chart and fitting recommendations. If your dog is between sizes, it’s generally best to go with the larger size so you can tighten the straps to fit.
We understand that some dogs dislike the confinement of a seat belt. But this is about keeping him safe. It’s worth the effort to make sure you choose a car harness that makes your dog as comfortable as possible.
READ MORE ⇒ My Dog HATES The Car — Now What?!
We recommend allowing your dog to acclimate to the new crash-tested dog harness around the house. Then practice buckling him in, waiting a minute or two, and releasing him. Remember, plenty of tasty treats make training easier!
Slowly increase the time your pet spends buckled in, and when he’s comfortable try a short drive around the block. From there, keep building the length of your trips, making sure that the first few end in “happy places” like the dog park, or a playdate with a furry buddy.
Safe travels to you!
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Thank you for this detailed guide on crash-tested dog harnesses! As someone who writes about pet care and travel, I know how challenging it can be to ensure our furry companions are both safe and comfortable on the road. I’ve noticed that some dogs experience anxiety during car travel, even with a secure harness. Tools like anxiety jackets can work wonders in calming nervous pets and making trips more enjoyable for everyone involved. I recently explored this topic in depth by writing this article for Best Dog Anxiety Jackets for Travel. I’d love to hear if others have tried using anxiety jackets along with crash-tested harnesses. Do you think it could make travel even better for our four-legged friends if there were a product developed that combined the two? I am very interested in hearing your thoughts.