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10 Popular Crash-Tested Dog Harnesses Compared

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When it comes to car harnesses and safety restraints for dogs, the options are seemingly endless. Unfortunately, they’re also unregulated, which means choosing the right car harness for your pup can often be a little daunting. To help, we’ve rounded up a selection of 10 popular crash-tested dog harnesses for comparison and evaluation. Check out our findings below!

10 Popular Crash-Tested Dog Harnesses Compared - Featuring brands such as SleepyPod, Kurgo, ZuGoPet, PetSafe, EzyDog, Sherpa and more.

Photo by Karthik Sridasyam via Unsplash

Crash-Tested Dog Harnesses - Purchase Considerations

When deciding on a crash-tested dog harness that is right for you and your pooch it’s important to consider the following;

  • Crash-test parameters – for example, the type of test used, the weights/speeds tested, evaluation criteria, and standards used
  • Who performed the testing (and where) – for example, was the harness independently tested by a 3rd-party such as the Center for Pet Safety (CPS) (preferred), or was testing commissioned by the manufacturer, and if so, are the results publicly available (i.e. crash test reports, crash test videos) 
  • The size and weight of your dog
  • Convenience and adaptability
  • Harness fit, adjustability, comfort, and durability
  • Manufacturer guarantees and warranties
  • Any harness limitations in relation to your specific needs

10 Popular Crash-Tested Dog Harnesses Compared

Without further ado, check out our findings below…

Image via SleepyPod

1. SLEEPYPOD
Clickit Sport Plus

via Amazon

Crash-test credentials:

  • Certified and independently crash-tested by the Center for Pet Safety for dogs 18-90 lbs
  • Also sled-tested at MGA Research Corp. for SleepyPod using U.S. Child Safety Seat Standard FMVSS 213 (video link), Canada Child Safety Seat Standard CMVSS 213 (video link), and European Union Child Safety Seat Standard ECE R4 (video link)

Other features:

  • Connects directly to the car's seat belt system for added protection and safety (no tether required)
  • Padded chest plate, and adjustable straps for a custom fit
  • Quick connection and release, with stress-tested buckles
  • High-visibility reflective accents for safety
  • Can also be used as a walking harness
  • 4 sizes available
  • 7 colors available

Limitations:

  • Not suitable for Greyhounds, Whippets, Salukis, Afghan Hounds, Borzois
  • Not suitable for dogs under 18 lbs
  • Not suitable for dogs over 90 lbs
Shop via Amazon
10 Popular Crash-Tested Dog Harnesses Compared - feat. ZUGOPET The Rocketeer Pack Multifunctional Harness

Image via ZuGoPet

2. ZUGOPET
The Rocketeer Pack Multifunctional Harness

via ZuGoPet

Crash-test credentials:

Other features:

  • Custom-designed for small dogs
  • Car seat and front/back carry pack in 1
  • Prevents driver distraction
  • Multiple adjustment points
  • High-quality construction
  • Veterinarian approved
  • 5 sizes available

Limitations:

  • Not suitable for dogs over 25 lbs
  • Max. use 60-90 minutes at a time
  • Dogs with medical conditions should consult a veterinarian before use
  • Requires baby car seat connections to install correctly
Shop via ZuGoPet
10 Popular Crash-Tested Dog Harnesses Compared - feat. SLEEPYPOD Clickit Terrain Safety Harness

Image via SleepyPod

3. SLEEPYPOD
Clickit Terrain Safety Harness

via SleepyPod

Crash-test credentials:

  • Certified and independently crash-tested by the Center for Pet Safety for dogs 18-110 lbs
  • Also sled-tested for SleepyPod using U.S. Child Safety Seat Standard FMVSS 213 (video link), Canada Child Safety Seat Standard CMVSS 213 (video link), and European Union Child Safety Seat Standard ECE R4 (video link)

Other features:

  • Connects directly to the car's seat belt system (no tether or additional accessories required)
  • Can also be used for walking and hiking, and features connection loops for terrain pack compatibility
  • Adjustable straps for customized fit
  • Broad, cushioned, energy absorbing vest
  • Quick-connection and release
  • Heavy-duty, high-quality construction
  • Designed with working and service dogs in mind (with extra padding for all-day comfort)
  • Reflective patches on the rear can be interchanged with service patches for working dogs
  • 4 sizes available
  • 7 colors available

Limitations:

  • Not suitable for Greyhounds, Whippets, Salukis, Afghan Hounds, Borzois
  • Not suitable for dogs under 18 lbs
Shop via SleepyPod

Image via Kurgo

4. KURGO
Enhanced Strength TruFit Smart Harness

via Amazon

Crash-test credentials:

  • Sled-tested by Calspan Corp. for Kurgo
  • Tested using U.S. Child Safety Seat Standard FMVSS 213 (small dog video, medium dog video, large dog video)
  • Criteria tested; ‘remain within applicable head excursion limits’, and ‘maintain structural integrity post-crash’ (BOTH PASSED)
  • Crash-tested for dogs up to 75 lbs

Other features:

  • Connects directly to the car's seat belt system using the carabiner supplied
  • 5 adjustment points for a near-perfect fit
  • Durable all steel nesting buckle system
  • Can also be used for walking and features both front and back leash attachment points
  • Highly-rated and reviewed
  • Kurgo lifetime warranty
  • 5 sizes available
  • 2 colors available

Limitations:

  • Not CPS Certified
  • Failed CPS testing in 2013 (old model), the redesigned harness has not yet been retested by CPS
Shop via Amazon

Image via Kurgo

5. KURGO
Impact Dog Safety Harness

via Amazon

Crash-test credentials:

  • Sled-tested by Calspan Corp. for Kurgo
  • Tested using U.S. Child Safety Seat Standard FMVSS 213 (small dog video, medium dog video, large dog video)
  • Criteria tested; ‘remain within applicable head excursion limits’, and ‘maintain structural integrity post-crash’ (BOTH PASSED)
  • Crash-tested for dogs up to 108 lbs

Other features:

  • Connects directly to the car's seat-belt system (no tethers or additional attachments required)
  • 4 adjustment points for a near-custom fit
  • Ideal for medium and large dog breeds
  • Broad, padded chest plate for comfort and protection
  • Durable all steel nesting buckle system
  • 4 sizes available

Limitations:

  • Not CPS Certified
  • Not suitable as a walking harness
  • Not suitable for dogs with deep chests and narrow necks
  • Mixed customer reviews
Shop via Amazon

Image via EzyDog

6. EZYDOG
Drive Dog Car Harness

via Amazon

Crash-test credentials:

  • Sled-tested by Automotive Safety Engineering for EzyDog (small dog video, medium dog video, large dog video)
  • Voluntarily conforms to a combination of global child safety and vehicle interior standards incl. U.S. Child Safety Seat Standard FMVSS 213, Australian Design Rule 42/04 (General Safety Requirements), and United Nations Economic Commission for Europe Regulation No. 21 (Interior Fittings)
  • Crash-tested for dogs up to 75 lbs

Other features:

  • Connects directly to car's seat-belt system (no tethers or additional accessories required)
  • Sturdy, high-quality construction
  • Ergonomic, contoured padded chest plate
  • Quick on/off with Mag-Lok Instant Fit closure system
  • Multiple adjustment points
  • 3 sizes available

Limitations:

  • Not CPS Certified
  • Not suitable for dogs under 13 lbs
  • Not suitable as a walking harness
  • Crash-test video for large size harness shows dog leaving the back seat
Shop via Amazon

Image via 4×4 North America

7. 4×4 NORTH AMERICA
Original AllSafe Harness

via Amazon

Crash-test credentials:

  • Sled-tested by the German Auto Club at their ADAC Technology Centre for AllSafe against the criteria established in German Standard DIN-75410-2, European standard ECE R-17, and the U.S. Standard FMVSS 213
  • Also tested by the Test and Research Institute of Sweden and the Swedish Veterinary Office, and at MGA Research Corp for AllSafe in the USA
  • Also independently tested at MGA Research Corp for the Center for Pet Safety (FAILED CPS testing when extension tether used, however, results vastly improved when the harness was connected directly to the seat belt – refer to CPS case study findings)
  • Further reading and crash test videos from the manufacturer can be found here
  • Crash-tested for dogs up to 75 lbs

Other features:

  • Can be connected directly to car's seat belt system (tether also supplied)
  • Reinforced nylon and stainless steel construction
  • Reflective banding for increased visibility in an emergency
  • Soft padding reduces pressure and provides maximum comfort
  • Helps prevent driver distraction
  • Can also be used as a walking harness
  • 4 sizes available

Limitations:

  • Not CPS Certified
  • Use of extension tether increases the risk of potential injury to animal and humans in the event of an accident
Shop via Amazon

Image via Company of Animals

8. COMPANY OF ANIMALS
CarSafe Crash-Tested Dog Harness

via Amazon

Crash-test credentials:

  • Sled-tested at Michigan Transportation Research Institute for the manufacturer (self-certification) using Motor Vehicle Safety Standards for Child Restraint Systems – U.S. FDMVSS 213, and Canadian CMVSS 213 (extra small dog video, small dog video, medium and large dog video)
  • Crash-tested for dogs up to 70 lbs

Other features:

  • Robust, high-quality construction
  • Connects directly to the car's seat belt system (no additional attachments)
  • Multi-layered, padded chest plate
  • Can also be used as a walking harness (using front and/or back leash attachement points)
  • High-visibility reflective accents
  • 30-day satisfaction guarantee
  • 12 month warranty
  • 4 sizes available

Limitations:

  • Not CPS Certified
  • Top/neck strap is not adjustable
  • May not suit deep chested breeds
  • Based on the reviews from small breed owners, some small dogs may find this harness to be too heavy/bulky
Shop via Amazon

Image via PetSafe

9. PETSAFE (formally Solvit)
HappyRide Safety Harness

via Amazon

Crash-test credentials:

  • Sled-tested for the manufacturer in a DOT-approved facility according to standards set forth in the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS-213) and/or Transport Canada SOR (CMVSS213), Child Restraint Systems (crash test video link)
  • Crash-tested for dogs up to 75 lbs

Other features:

  • Can be connected directly to the car's seat belt system using the seat belt loops on the back of the harness
  • Padded chest plate for comfort
  • Static tested to 3000+ lbs for strength
  • Reduces driver distraction
  • Harness can also be used for walking
  • Included in PetSafe's Car Safety Harness Replacement Program if used during a crash
  • 45-day satisfaction guarantee
  • Affordably priced
  • 4 sizes available

Limitations:

  • Not CPS Certified
  • In 2013, the original version of this harness failed CPS testing (refer to note below)
  • Crash-test rating by the manufaturer does NOT apply to the XL size harness
  • Use of the supplied extension tether may increase the risk of potential injury to animal and humans in the event of an accident

Note: In 2013, the original version of this harness (under the Solvit name) failed CPS testing (refer to video here). In a reply to a question on the product page for this harness on the PetSafe website, PetSafe claims that the harness has received many improvements since the 2013 CPS test. There is no evidence of re-testing on the CPS website for the improved harness.

Shop via Amazon

Image via Sherpa

10. SHERPA
Crash-Tested Dog Harness Safety Seat Belt

via Amazon

Crash-test credentials:

  • The manufacturer claims that this harness has been crash-tested for dogs at the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute following children’s car seat safety standards, however, no supporting documentation or crash-test videos have been made publicly available
  • Manufacturer claims the harness has been crash-tested for dogs up to 100 lbs

Other features:

  • Connects directly to the car's seat belt system (no additional tethers or accessories required)
  • Sturdy, heavy-duty construction
  • Convenient step-in design
  • 4 points of adjustment for a custom fit
  • Can also be used as a walking harness
  • Reduces driver distraction
  • 4 sizes available

Limitations:

  • Not CPS Certified
  • No evidence available to substantiate the manufacturers crash-testing claims
  • Crash-test parameters and certification information is not supplied
  • Mixed customer reviews
Shop via Amazon

NOTE: The Ruffwear Loadup crash-tested dog harness was considered for this ‘crash-tested dog harnesses’ post but not included due to a quality issue/product recall at the time of publishing.

Post publish date: March 17, 2022

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10 Popular Crash-Tested Dog Harnesses Compared - Featuring brands such as SleepyPod, Kurgo, ZuGoPet, PetSafe, EzyDog, Sherpa and more.

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