Is It Important to Have a Crash-Tested Harness or Carrier?

Britt
by Britt
Published:  May 7th, 2024
Photo credit: New Africa / Shutterstock.com

We all love traveling with our best friends, creating lasting memories together. However, wherever the road takes us, ensuring their safety is a top priority.


While some pet parents are comfortable riding around with their pet seated proudly in the passenger seat, this could be a life-threatening decision in an unexpected stop or accident. Is it worth taking the risk? We don’t believe so!


In this post, we will explore the different options for safely restraining your pet during your next road trip. More importantly, we’ll examine what makes a crash-tested harness or carrier different from the non-tested options and how they can offer you, as a pet parent, peace of mind.


Do Pets Have to Be in a Carrier in the Car? What Are My Options?


When discussing how to keep our pets safe in the vehicle, the most common recommendation is to keep them secured in a crate or carrier. In fact, in some states, laws require that pets be restrained to avoid becoming a distraction when driving.


A well-ventilated crate will keep your pet contained and prevent them from being thrown about in an accident. But it’s not your only option. If you have a larger dog, you may not have enough space for an appropriately sized crate in your vehicle. Others may have a pet that is uncomfortable or anxious in a crate. In these cases, a pet seatbelt can keep your pet safe.


But it’s important to note that not all carriers and harnesses are created equally. There are a few additional considerations, including whether your gear is crash-tested and how they are secured within your vehicle.


What is a Crash-Tested Harness or Carrier?


You may be wondering what exactly a crash-tested harness or carrier is and what sets it apart from other travel gear. The products we refer to as crash-tested are those that passed the rigorous independent testing carried out by the Center for Pet Safety (CPS).


Not only do these products pass the initial testing, but they also continue to be evaluated. Certification can be revoked if a product falls below the standards and requirements set out by CPS. On the CPS website, you can see details about the testing each product undergoes, including video evidence of the test and the date that it was tested.


If you are road-tripping with your pet and searching for a CPS-certified harness or carrier, here are a few options that we highly recommend:


A complete list of CPS-certified crash-tested products is on the CPS website.

Should I Use a Carrier or a Harness?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer when deciding between a carrier or harness. Instead, you must consider which option will suit your dog (and your vehicle) better. Several different factors could influence your decision.


The smallest size of the Sleepypod Clickit Sport Plus Car Seat Belt Harness that we recommended above is only suitable for pets over 18lbs. If you are traveling with a young puppy, toy breed dog, cat, or other small animal, they will need the added protection of a carrier to keep them safe.


For larger pets, deciding between a seatbelt or harness is mainly about personal preference.


If you drive a smaller vehicle or a car, you may be limited by the space in your vehicle. A smaller carrier will fit securely in the backseat, but a larger kennel requires the added space of a van or SUV. A harness will allow your medium or large dog to fit comfortably in the back seat.


Do you have a pet that is overly nervous or fearful when traveling? Pay careful attention to what triggers their stress and anxiety. Some pets find the den-like setting of a carrier to be comforting, while others will find the confinement to be stressful. Depending on your carrier, it may limit your pet’s ability to see you clearly, which can also increase anxiety. You know your pet best!


How Do You Secure a Dog or Cat Carrier in a Car?


A carrier is a great way to keep smaller pets secure, such as small dogs, cats, and even rabbits (yes, you can road trip with a rabbit). However, in an accident, the carrier itself could be thrown around the vehicle, causing severe injuries to you and your pet. We need to secure the carrier in the vehicle to prevent this from happening.


For smaller carriers, those that can fit on the vehicle's back seat, you can feed the seatbelt through the top handle of the carrier before buckling it in. If you have to slam on the brakes or make a sudden movement in the vehicle, the belt will hold the carrier securely in place and prevent it from moving around.


Larger carriers or kennels may need to be placed in the back of your van or SUV.

Tie-down or ratchet straps can be used to secure the kennel in the back using the vehicle anchor points. Make sure the straps you are using are crash-tested for the weight of your dog and the kennel combined.

Photo credit: Aleksey Boyko / Shutterstock.com

Where Should a Dog Sit in a Car?


The idea of having your dog next to you in the passenger seat is tempting – but you may want to reconsider before allowing your pup to call shotgun. Like young children, pets shouldn’t be placed in the front seat when you’re driving. The force of an airbag could be life-threatening for a dog, even a large or extra-large breed. For their safety and well-being, secure your pet in your vehicle's backseat or cargo area.


Tips and Tricks for a Successful Road Trip with Pets


Now that your pet is safe and secure in the vehicle let’s look at a few other steps you can take to ensure that your next road trip is safe and enjoyable for everyone involved!


Double-Check Your Pet’s ID


Before heading out, take a moment to verify that your pet has proper identification. Not only do you want to ensure that your pet has ID, but also that the information is accurate and up-to-date. It’s easy to forget to update your dog or cat’s tag when you change your phone number!


While you’re checking your information for accuracy, make sure that it is still legible. The popular aluminum ID tags that can be purchased in most pet stores do wear down over time. This could make reading the information they contain difficult, limiting their effectiveness if your pet goes missing. An ID tag is a low-cost investment that can make all the difference if your pet gets loose.


Plan a Vet Visit


No one wants to find out their pet is sick while confined in a vehicle for hours on end. A quick checkup with your vet will allow them to check for any signs of illness and verify that your pet is healthy enough to travel safely.


Research Emergency Clinics at Your Destination


Even if your pet is healthy before you leave, it is always possible that they will become sick or injured at some point during your travels. No one wants to be fumbling trying to find a vet in the area during an emergency.


Prepare a list of vets and emergency clinics in the area you are traveling to, as well as any major cities or locations you may stop at along the way. Your list should include all relevant details, including the name of the clinic, its address, and a phone number.


Bring a Copy of Your Pet’s Vet Records


To ensure that your pet receives the best possible care, bring a copy of your pet’s vet records along. This could be a printed copy placed in your glove box or a digital copy on your phone. It should include your pet’s vaccination records, any information about their medical history, and any medication they are currently taking.


Pack a Pet-Friendly First Aid Kit


Most regular travelers understand the importance of packing a first aid kit or emergency kit in their vehicle, but you may not realize that a human first aid kit doesn’t contain everything needed to treat a pet. Items like styptic powder for a broken nail or vet wrap bandaging to dress a wound are important. Create a pet-friendly first aid kit by adding the additional supplies to your current kit, or purchase a skit specifically for your furry travel buddy.


Always Have Fresh Water Available


Fresh water is essential to keeping your pet happy and healthy on the road. However, you shouldn’t assume there will be water available at any stops you make. Instead, make sure to pack fresh water in the vehicle to avoid any surprises. Don’t forget a water bowl!


Ease Anxiety with Familiar Items


If you have a pet that is newer to road-tripping or nervous in a vehicle, you can help ease their nerves with familiar items like bedding or a favorite toy. These items carry a familiar smell, which can be comforting in the vehicle and when you reach your destination. However, if you have a pet who becomes destructive while stressed, you may want to reconsider placing a soft item like a blanket in their carrier that could be ripped up or ingested.


Plan Stops in Advance


We would LOVE to say that every hotel or campground will happily welcome your travel buddy, but this, sadly, isn’t the case. To avoid unwelcome surprises or difficulty finding a place to land, take the time to plan where you are going to stay before leaving. This includes identifying local pet-friendly hotels or campgrounds and familiarizing yourself with their rules and pet fees.


Many hotels will have restrictions on the number of pets or the size of dogs allowed. While most hotels use the phrase “pet-friendly,” they may limit the invitation to dogs only, excluding cats. In some areas of the country, parks and campgrounds may restrict access based on a dog’s breed. Knowing these details will allow you to find the perfect place to enjoy your big getaway.

Final Thoughts: Is It Important to Have a Crash-Tested Harness or Carrier?


Dogs, cats, and other pets can be great road trip companions. Exploring the world together is a fun opportunity to make memories and build a stronger bond. But before you head out on the open road, take a moment to consider your pet’s safety.


Just as we have a responsibility to wear a seatbelt when driving, we also have a duty to ensure our pets are safely restrained.


Whether you prefer using a carrier or a harness with a pet seatbelt, always stick with a crash-tested option with CPS certification. These products have been carefully tested to ensure that they can keep your pet safe and secure even in an accident.


Here’s to your next pet-friendly road trip!


Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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Britt
Britt

Britt Kascjak is a proud pet mom, sharing her heart (and her home) with her “pack” which includes her husband John, their 2 dogs – Lucifer and Willow – and their 2 cats – Pippen and Jinx. She has been active in the animal rescue community for over 15 years, volunteering, fostering and advocating for organizations across Canada and the US. In her free time, she enjoys traveling around the country camping, hiking, and canoeing with her pets.

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Scientists Reveal Why Cats Scratch Furniture and How to Stop It

Many cat owners get used to seeing torn cushions, carpets, and furniture that bear their felines’ claw marks. Scratching is normal behavior for cats but is often considered a behavioral problem by cat owners who sometimes turn to painful procedures, like declawing, as a quick fix.This has prompted an international team of researchers to investigate which factors influence undesired scratching behavior in domestic cats. The team surveyed over 1,200 cat owners in France about the daily lives and characteristics, as well as undesired scratching behavior of their cats. Their findings were published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science. “Here we show that certain factors - such as the presence of children at home, personality traits of cats and their activity levels -significantly impact the extent of scratching behavior,” explained Dr. Yasemin Salgirli Demirbas, the first author of the study and a veterinary researcher at Ankara University. “Our findings can help caregivers manage and redirect scratching to appropriate materials, which could help foster a more harmonious living environment for both cats and their caregivers.”Researchers discovered a link between certain behavioral and environmental factors and increased scratching behavior in cats. “Specifically, the presence of children in the home as well as high levels of play and nocturnal activity significantly contribute to increased scratching,” explained Salgirli Demirbas. Nocturnal activity in cats consists of behaviors exhibited at night. Heightened vocalization and playfulness during the night are usually the result of poor daytime stimulation or lack of social interactions. But it may also be a cat’s way of seeking attention. “While cats are naturally nocturnal, they can adjust to a human diurnal schedule if provided with structured and engaging activities during the day,” said the survey’s lead author.However, researchers found that stress is the main reason behind increased scratching. For example, the presence of children in the home, especially while they’re small, might increase stress levels and be one of several factors that can cause cats to scratch. Although it may seem unlikely, playfulness is another factor that can be associated with stress. You see, when cats play for a long time without a break, their stress levels can become high because of uninterrupted stimulation. Unsurprisingly, researchers discovered that cats described as aggressive and troublesome also exhibited higher levels of unwanted scratching. Although some factors that contribute to unwanted scratching - such as the cat’s personality and the presence of young children at home - can’t be changed, others can. For example, placing scratching posts in areas a cat spends a lot of time in or near their favorite resting spot can lessen the cat’s urge to scratch the furniture. Using pheromone diffusers and sprays is also an effective way to help your cat feel calm and confident in their environment. Pheromone therapy is often used for cats that show signs of anxiety and can prevent stress behaviors like scratching, crying, and hiding. “Providing safe hiding places, elevated observation spots, and ample play opportunities can also help alleviate stress and engage the cat in more constructive activities,” explained researchers.Engaging a cat in multiple play sessions that mimic hunting behavior is a great strategy to reduce stress and excessive scratching. This type of play will keep the cat mentally stimulated and help deepen the bond between the owner and the cat.“Understanding the underlying emotional motivations of scratching behavior, such as frustration, which seem to be linked to personality traits and environmental factors, allows the caregivers to address these issues directly.” Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Kevin the Gentle Giant Crowned World’s Tallest Dog

Some dogs are simply born to be famous! Some do it with their accomplishments, others with their latest tricks, but Kevin the Great Dane did it with nothing else but his size. He is officially recognized as the world’s tallest living dog, and he is described as a true gentle giant.Named after the main character from the movie “Home Alone”, Kevin officially claimed the world record title after he was measured at 3ft 2in (0.97 meters) from his feet to his withers. For comparison, that is the average height of a three-year-old child. An average Great Dane, on the other hand, is around 2ft 6in (0.76 meters) to the withers. The record was previously held by another Great Dane, Zeus, who tragically died at the age of three this past year, leaving the title to Kevin. Living in West Des Moines, Iowa, USA, Kevin is in the loving care of his owners – Tracy and Roger Wolfe, and their children, Alexander (12) and Ava (10). He is not the only pet in the family: he is accompanied by three other doggos, four cats, and a multitude of chickens, horses, and goats. And, besides being so tall and majestic, Kevin is just an ordinary pooch. He loves to snooze on the couch and won’t hesitate to protest if his favorite spot is taken. Still, his owners describe him as a real gentle giant. According to Tracy Wolfe, he is a true fan of snuggles and is very afraid of the vacuum cleaner. He was similarly spooked by the officials who came to measure him for his record. The measuring tape really gave him the heebie-jeebies. “Kevin is the epitome of a gentle giant,” Tracy said. “In fact, he is scared of most things. He is terrified of the vacuum. He won't let it come within 6 feet of him! He will jump and run to get away from it.”Kevin’s owner Tracy, herself employed at a vet clinic, says that he is just a big baby, and often acts as if he has no idea how big he is. “When Kevin, or any of my dogs, come to my clinic, I put a baby gate up in the door of my office. That way I can keep my door open, but keep the dogs in,” she added. “Kevin is hilarious. He will be in there and stay whenever I am in there. However, if I leave, he just steps right over the baby gate like it's nothing! I don’t think he’s aware he is as big as he is. He’s continuously trying to squeeze into small beds and sit on top of us, and do everything that the smaller dogs do.”Of course, as all dogs do, Kevin also has his naughty side. He is adept at snatching food off of counters, aided by his great height. “Kevin can be stubborn,” Tracy said. “He can be naughty. It’s usually food-related. Otherwise, he’s usually a pretty good kid.”

Your Dog Actually Knows When You Mean Well

Mean-spirited or well-intentioned - our dogs have it figured out.

How Much Playtime Does My Cat Need?

Sure, cats tend to spend a lot of their day seemingly lazing about, basking in the sun, meticulously cleaning themselves, and snoozing away. However, that doesn’t mean that cats are not active animals that need daily exercise – they have an instinct to hunt, explore, and engage in different activities that stimulate their minds and bodies. Without adequate mental and physical stimulation, cats can become bored, stressed, and even develop behavioral issues. This is why playtime is not “just” a matter of playing for felines. It meets their most basic needs and it's an essential component of their overall well-being.What Are the Benefits of Playtime for Cats?Engaging your cat in interactive play stimulates their cognitive abilities, keeping their minds sharp and active. Activities like chasing toys, solving puzzles, or hunting for treats mimic their natural hunting instincts, providing mental enrichment. Enrichment is crucial to prevent destructive behaviors, aggression, and other behavioral issues that stem from boredom and lack of mental stimulation. In addition to keeping your kitty’s mind sharp, playtime will keep them fit as a fiddle and in their top form. Regular play sessions help cats balance extra energy, maintain a healthy weight, and prevent obesity-related health issues. It also promotes muscle tone, flexibility, and overall physical fitness, reducing the risk of joint problems as they age.Last but not least, interactive play presents a unique bonding opportunity. Playing together with your cat will strengthen your relationship, fostering trust and affection. It's a chance to spend quality time together and will provide your cat with a sense of security and happiness.How Much Playtime Does My Cat Need?The importance of your cat having regular playtime is indisputable, but how much playtime do they need? Well, as it usually goes with these things, the answer will largely depend on your pet’s specific traits, such as their age, breed, and health status. However, for most cats, that “magic” number ends up being between 20 to 30 minutes of playtime each day. This could be your starting point to determine the right amount of play for your pet, just tailor it to their needs – for instance, younger cats and kittens will need longer and more frequent play sessions to burn off excess energy and engage their curious minds. How To Make Playtime Engaging for Your CatAs intelligent and sometimes finicky animals, cats can be a bit hard to please. A new toy might bore them in a matter of hours, or they might prefer scratching your couch rather than the new cat tree you bought them – but if you rely on the following tricks, it’s much likelier that your kitty will enjoy playtime.#1 Rotate ToysKeep your cat's interest piqued by rotating their toys regularly. Introduce new toys periodically to prevent boredom and stimulate their curiosity, but don’t overdo it – bringing home new toys too often will ensure they get bored of each one too quickly. #2 Variety is KeyExperiment with different types of toys, such as wand toys, laser pointers, puzzle feeders, and interactive play circuits. Cats have unique preferences, so observe what activities your cat enjoys most and tailor playtime accordingly. Usually, a safe bet is going for a catnip-filled toy such as the well-loved  Yeowww! Catnip Yellow Banana Cat Toy. Popular for its shape that makes it perfect for cats to grab onto and forcefully scratch with all fours, this toy will keep your kitty engaged thanks to the organic catnip stuffing that fills this banana-shaped toy to the brim.

PetMeds Makes It Easier To Protect Your Pets

As the sun starts shining brighter and the days get warmer, it's the perfect time to plan some outdoor adventures with your furry companions! Whether you're hitting the slopes, swinging on the golf course, or just soaking up the sunshine on a hiking trail with your loyal sidekick by your side, it's important to ensure your pet is well-protected – and that's where PetMeds steps in to lend a helping paw.One of the biggest concerns for pet owners as the seasons change is dealing with those pesky fleas and ticks. These tiny troublemakers not only make your pet itch and scratch, but can also bring some serious health risks along for the ride. From annoying skin irritations to more severe conditions like anemia, dermatitis, Lyme disease, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever, fleas and ticks can cause real problems for our furry friends. And let's not forget the headache of dealing with a full-blown flea infestation in your home – it's a nightmare! But fear not, because PetMeds has all the tools you need to keep your pet safe and happy.To tackle this challenge, PetMeds offers a wide range of highly effective flea and tick prevention products, including NexGard, Seresto collars, Simparica Trio for dogs, and Revolution Plus for our feline companions. These products are specially formulated to zap fleas and ticks on contact, stopping infestations in their tracks and shielding your pet from all kinds of nasty diseases.But fleas and ticks aren't the only villains lurking in the shadows. With warmer weather comes an increase in mosquito activity, and that means the risk of heartworm disease skyrockets. Heartworm disease is a potentially deadly condition transmitted by infected mosquitoes. Once those pesky parasites make their way into your pet's system, they can wreak havoc on their heart, lungs, and other vital organs, leading to serious health issues. Needless to say, protecting your pet from these heart-wrenching parasites is a top priority!Thankfully, PetMeds has you covered with a variety of heartworm prevention products, including Heartgard Plus and Trifexis. These monthly medications are a breeze to administer and are incredibly effective at keeping heartworms at bay. By staying on top of your pet's heartworm prevention, you can give them the gift of year-round protection and ensure peace of mind for yourself.So as you gear up for some fun in the sun, don't forget to arm your pet with the best defense against fleas, ticks, and heartworms with PetMeds. Your furry friend will thank you with plenty of tail wags, purrs, and maybe even a slobbery kiss or two!Why PetMeds?

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