The Center for Pet Safety (CPS) recently tested several popular pet crates and small carriers to see how well they would hold up in vehicle collisions. The results were eye-opening, to say the least!
The results of their 2015 crash-test study conducted in partnership with Subaru of America, reveal that many pet products aimed at securing cats and dogs in cars do not do a very good job. For the testing, CPA (which is a non-profit consumer advocacy group) used weighted dog and cat dummies. No live animals were used.
Taking eight models of carriers, they simulated a front crash at speeds of 30 mph. For the carrier to be considered safe, the dog needed to be fully contained within the carrier and remain fixed. Unfortunately, only two carriers successfully met CPS’s safety criteria. The others can be seen in the video recordings as detaching from their anchors or failing to keep the dog (stuffed dummy) inside.
Products tested:
- Pet Ego Jet Set Forma Frame Carrier (and ISOFIX-Latch Connection) – rated TOP PERFORMER by CPS
- Sleepypod Mobile Pet Bed – rated TOP PERFORMER by CPS
- PetBuckle Auto Kennel Restraint
- Snoozer Roll Around Travel Dog Carrier Backpack 4-in-1
- Kurgo Wander Carrier
- Pet Ego Pet Tube
- Petmate Compass Dog Carrier (tested with PetBuckle Auto Kennel Restraint)
- Vari Kennel Plastic Carrier
A complete summary of the carrier results can be read here.
CPS also tested four pet crates. Again they tested to see how the structure and anchor straps held up during collisions of 31 mph. The crates needed to maintain structural integrity and ensure the animal remained inside to pass their test. Only one crate met their standards.
Products tested:
- Gunner Kennel G1 Intermediate – rated TOP PERFORMER by CPS
- 4Pets Proline Milan
- MIM Safe Variocage Single
- Roto Mold, LLC. Ruff Tough Kennel
For a complete summary of the crate results click here.
CPS also tested pet travel seats, but these products did not withstand the safety tests. This testing was the first time pet seats have been subjected to a CPS study.
The Center for Pet Safety published their results and it appears that although the products may keep pets secure in the car, many will not provide adequate protection in a crash. As the video states, “many manufacturers claim their products pass crash testing, but without uniform test standards these claims cannot be substantiated.”
For pet owners this means doing your research when purchasing any car product, be it harness, carrier or crate. Be fully aware of the strengths and weaknesses of the products and know what you are getting!
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