</p><h2 class=”body-h2″>Things to Consider</h2><p>We love our pets—and we’re sure you love yours too. But it’s important to know that, like your child (it <em>is</em> your fur baby, after all!), your pet should always be secured—and, preferably, contained—when your vehicle is in motion. That is to say, those simple open <a href=”https://www.amazon.com/dog-car-seat/s?k=dog+car+seat” target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow”>pet car seats</a> (like home pet beds) are not enough; the CPS does not recommend them, and we wouldn’t use them for our pets, so we declined to include them in this test or this article. </p><p>If you’re shopping for a cheap, unrestrained pet car seat, you’ll need to look elsewhere. But if you want to keep your pet safe while driving, here’s what you need to know about car pet carriers and harnesses.</p><h3 class=”body-h3″>Safety and Independent Testing</h3><p>While consumables like pet food, treats, and pharmaceuticals are subject to premarket standards, dog and cat car seats are not. This lack of regulation means that any restraint can claim to be safe for your pet.</p><p>To ensure your pet’s safety, the <a href=”https://www.caranddriver.com/about/a40230623/about-hearst-autos-gear-team/” target=”_blank”>Gear Team</a> recommends choosing restraints tested by the leading independent pet product testing group, the Center for Pet Safety (CPS). All restraints mentioned in this article have met the CPS’s strict criteria. The guidance in this article is directly from CPS, and we thank them for their mission and assistance in creating this informative piece.</p><h3 class=”body-h3″>Type</h3><p>Pet seats fall into three categories: <strong>crate</strong>,<strong> carrier</strong>,<strong> </strong>and<strong> harness</strong>. A <a href=”https://www.amazon.com/s?k=dog+car+crate” target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow”>crate</a> is generally used for larger dogs and placed in your SUV hatch or truck bed, then secured with tie-down straps to anchor points. A <a href=”https://www.amazon.com/s?k=dog+car+carrier” target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow”>carrier</a> is for smaller dogs and cats (generally under 18 pounds), portable, and secured to the rear seat using seatbelts and headrests. The last is the <a href=”https://www.amazon.com/s?k=dog+car+harness” target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow”>harness</a>, which rests on a dog’s upper body and is secured by the seatbelt.</p><h3 class=”body-h3″>Fit <strong><br></strong></h3><p><strong>Harness</strong>: The industry standard for harnesses is the “two-finger fit,” meaning that a harness is a good fit if you can comfortably fit two fingers between it and the pet’s body. CPS implements this fit standard in its testing.</p><p><strong>Carrier: </strong>When choosing a carrier, pay close attention to the weight rating and the measurement of your dog’s body. A pet can feasibly fit into the weight rating but may be too leggy to fit comfortably inside. If you are unsure, weighing and measuring your pet is recommended. Carriers are usually suitable for both cats and dogs.</p><p><strong>Crate:</strong> A snug fit is critical for crates. This <a href=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0nAl14RH4Ng&t=11s” target=”_blank”>video</a> from Gunner Kennels does an excellent job of demonstrating the importance of a snug fit for your dog. Too much room leaves your dog vulnerable to additional g-forces within the restraint system, so ensure you get the correct measurements and the right-size crate for your animal. </p><h3 class=”body-h3″>Travel</h3><p>While these restraints are tested for vehicle safety, they are also ideal for other types of travel. If you and your small pet fly regularly, consider a duffle-style carrier that fits onto luggage and underneath plane seats. </p><h3 class=”body-h3″>Price</h3><p>You may be a little shell-shocked by the prices, but consider these an investment. Companies that offer safety-certified products have spent considerable time and money to prove their product will protect you and your pet. Also, it’s important to remember that if your pet is injured in an accident, the vet bill will likely far exceed the price of the car seat. </p><hr><h2 class=”body-h2″>How Dog Car Seats & Restraints Were Evaluated</h2><p>When purchasing a pet restraint for the car, safety should be every pet owner’s primary concern. Cost and convenience can be factors, but they should never be the deciding ones. Given that crash testing with live pets is not feasible, we relied on the expertise and data from a leading pet-product advocacy group. However, subjective analysis is also crucial. </p><p>We asked the <em>Car and Driver</em> staff to bring their pets in for a photo shoot on testing day. Our work mainly consisted of installing the seats into our long-term Toyota Tundra to understand the ease of use and features that each seat offered. In this test, our role as the Gear Team was to evaluate the following aspects:</p><ul><li>Installation</li><li>Features</li><li>CPS safety testing guidance </li></ul><p><em>Note: All products featured were purchased using a personal account. Companies were not made aware of this test.</em><em></em></p>”/>
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How the Experts Test Pet Car Carriers
As for things like crash testing, etc., obviously we weren’t going to put our personal pets at risk or crash any cars. Instead, we relied on testing data obtained from the experts at the Center for Pet Safety.
CPS grades on a point system for specific elements and uses high-level measurement tools like digital calipers and high-speed cameras to assess their work. The testing elements below are not the entirety of their scientific approach to testing, but they are intended to give you a good idea of what they are looking at to ensure safety. We thank CPS for their hard work.
CPS has strict criteria for passing these products. All products are tested at 30 mph.
HARNESSES
- Tested on second-row benches
- Excursion distances (how far the pet launches forward)
- Strap movement (how much does the harness loosen during impact)
- The legs of a pet cannot come loose during impact, the harness cannot break, and any product with an extension tether is immediately disqualified
CARRIERS
- Tested on second-row benches
- Excursion distances (how far the carrier launches forward)
- Carrier lift (measuring the largest angle between the bottom of the carrier and the bench seat)
- Stitching and zippers must remain intact
- Strapping at anchor points cannot tear or rip
- If any part of the carrier fails, allowing the pet to escape, the carrier automatically fails
CRATES + STRAPS
- Tested on carpeted sled machine (to simulate rear SUV hatch and truck bed)
- The doors and windows must remain closed and locked
- The crate and straps cannot fracture or break in any way
- All crates must be anchored down with straps that the company provides
The Best Pet Car Seats, Harnesses, and Restraints
Best Pet Car Crate
Gunner G1 Kennel
Best Pet Car Crate
Gunner G1 Kennel
It’s rare that we open a box and are immediately impressed, but that’s what happened with the Gunner G1. Gunner car kennels are designed and marketed with hunters in mind, yet we see no reason this crate wouldn’t be an excellent fit for anyone with a dog. We’d be hard-pressed to find a city-, suburban-, or country-living pet owner who wouldn’t be captivated by this crate. It’s that good.
The double-wall, rotomolded design results in sturdy walls. The robust door features three locking points—one key and two slider locks. And it comes in small, medium, intermediate, and large sizes. The small G1 is certified for the back seat and rear installation, while the other sizes must be in the truck bed or cargo hold only. Basically, the Gunner G1 car kennel is a tank and is clearly built to last. But quality comes at a cost, and its materials and construction also mean it’s relatively heavy and quite cumbersome.
Safety Testing
Gunner has done its work in research, development, and safety. In the video below, you’ll see some sliding about, but the carrier’s shape remains intact, the straps stay attached, and the door stays secure. Gunner has also tested with other third-party facilities, including running this enlightening drop-crushing test to simulate crumple zones in a car accident.
Notably, the G1 needs to be strapped down, of course, and Gunner’s accessory straps will set you back another $100. Now, while it would appear normal ratcheting cargo straps might work just fine to secure the crate, CPS does not certify non-OEM equipment. So, use your own straps at your own risk. (Moreover, CPS notes that the Large G1 did not pass its safety certification process.)
Still, there is plenty of anecdotal evidence by real users on the company’s testimonials page. Real dogs in Gunner kennels are coming out unscathed after some pretty gnarly pickup-truck accidents. If that doesn’t convince you that Gunner kennels are the best car pet crates you can buy, we don’t know what will.
Best Pet Harness
Sleepypod Clickit Sport
Best Pet Harness
Sleepypod Clickit Sport
Pros
- Plenty of color options
- Doubles as a walking harness
Cons
- Max pet weight is 75 lb
- The tightening/loosening mechanism takes some getting used to
If you’re looking for a walking harness and a safety-certified car restraint, the Sleepypod Clickit Sport is the perfect choice. The front portion of the harness is lined with a shock-absorbing padded vest. The back portion is typical of most walking harnesses, except for the addition of two automotive-grade seatbelt loops connecting the harness’s top to the bottom. Using the vehicle’s seatbelts, you run the latch plate through the two harness loops and into the buckle, and now you have a properly secured pet.
We were initially apprehensive, thinking a restraint on a dog’s back might be agitating. Yet, when we secured Bodie to the seatbelt, he seemed perfectly content, and we could see it wasn’t pulling with much pressure. The seatbelt is not meant to lock, so your pet should be able to sit up, lie down, and shift position comfortably. It turns out that what we thought would be a problem wasn’t much of one, at least for Bodie.
While we (and Bodie) were pleasantly surprised by the Clickit Sport, we must admit the harness’s double-looped strap system required serious brain power. Instead of pulling out your hair like us, we suggest you watch this instructional video on how to do it.
Safety Testing
For the harness testing, CPS looks at “excursion measurements,” meaning they are concerned with how far the pet will travel after impact. Paying attention to the red and yellow flags shows that the chest generally stays within the first flag. This is partly because of the seatbelt locking up but also, in part, because of the tight double-loop strapping mentioned above. CPS marks the initial buckle placement during testing and measures the loosening distance after impact. After realizing this was a testing parameter, it makes sense why the harness uses such a complex adjustment design.
Regarding harnesses, we were surprised that the product didn’t come with an extension. Like many people, we imagine dog restraints in cars with a harness attached to the seatbelt buckle or headrest. However, it turns out this setup is categorically unsafe for your pet. “Extension tethers are extraordinarily dangerous,” Wolko says. “If a brand includes an extension tether or component, they are automatically disqualified from participating in [CPS testing]” Wolko emphasized this in an interview. Please see our FAQ for more information.
Perfect for air travel
Diggs Travel Pet Carrier
Perfect for air travel
Diggs Travel Pet Carrier
of Diggs Travel Pet Carrier Designed with both car and air travelers in mind. The carrier is stacked on top of the roller luggage and secured with a secure strap on the carrier that passes through the handle. There are multiple storage pockets for quick access to your passport, cell phone, leash, etc.
Staff photographer Michael Simari took Diggs home and tested him with the cats. He said: “My cats recognized it right away and went in on their own. I never have “They avoid carrier bags at all costs,” Simali says. After a few days of acclimatization, his cats were free to enter their carriers, and he was able to buckle them in the car. I know this is anecdotal and that happens with all pets, but the difference is that if a few carrier-fearing cats got comfortable after a weekend, Diggs is wondering what. Conceivable.
There are three fixing points to consider during installation. First, wrap the waist belt around the bottom of the carrier and thread it through the two swivel clamps. Next, connect the chest belt to the clip loop at the top of the carrier. Our biggest complaint about Diggs was that it didn't come with instructions, so we had to look up how to use his TikTok online. This wasn't a big barrier for us, but it can be a big problem for those who aren't digitally proficient.
Safety test
When testing an aircraft carrier, CPS considers how far forward the carrier is launched, its lift angle, and whether features such as zippers or stitching are malfunctioning. In the footage, red and yellow flags can be seen indicating the maximum distance a carrier can travel and traverse, but Diggs Travelpet's career fell well below that limit.
Perfect for cats and small dogs
Sleepypod mobile pet bed
Perfect for cats and small dogs
Sleepypod mobile pet bed
If you value functionality and unique beauty, Sleepypod mobile pet bed It might suit you. Its round shape sets it apart from other carriers on the market, and in our professional opinion, pets somehow seem even more precious in round carriers than in square carriers.
What we especially liked is that the Sleepypod doubles as a bed, allowing the carrier to seamlessly integrate into your pet's daily life. Transporting your cat in the car can be stressful, so we appreciate that Sleepypod considers the entire pet-carrier relationship. Adapting the bed to the carrier is easy. Simply place the mesh dome over the bed, zip it up, and your pet will be safely secured in a safe location.
Installation is easy. The lap part of the seat belt wraps around the bottom of the round bed, and the shoulder part goes through the security strap at the top of the dome. The only struggle I had with this carrier was attaching the security strap to the plastic clip. I thought it would be tough to meet safety standards, and it definitely was.
Safety test
During impact testing, safety belts attached to the knee and shoulder straps ensure that forward movement is relatively limited. Rebound lift is minimal, and heavy zippers and straps remain in place even if your pet rebounds significantly inside.
Sleepypod has tested all products with CPS. While we specifically feature the Sleepypod mobile pet bed, note that the Sleepypod Atom (5 stars), Sleepypod Mini (5 stars), Sleepypod Air (4 stars), and both harnesses are also CPS certified It is important to do so.
best budget box
Cabela's Gundog Intermediate Kennel
best budget box
Cabela's Gundog Intermediate Kennel
Strong Points
- Comes with safety strap
- affordable price
Cons
- 1 color
- Lock pins are very important for safety.Don't lose it
GunDog is Cabela's line of hunting dog accessories. intermediate kennel This might be the best crate for an affordable price. This crate is similar to other crates you're probably familiar with, and is a single-layer molded plastic crate with a stainless steel door. The handle is part of the molding, making it durable and easy to move. Plus, it's lightweight, so our test team found it easy to move around.
GunDog doesn't have many notable features, but its simplicity is its strength. In a world full of bells and whistles, Cabela's keeps it straightforward. It comes in one color, comes with a strap, uses an additional manual slide lock for security, and is molded as a one-piece construction. It's not fancy, but the price reflects that. It's simple yet effective, making it a great budget option for a safety-tested box.
The main complaint we have with the Gun Dog is the strap-down pattern. Crates must be properly strapped to maintain safety certification. But, well, I found it difficult to get it right. I recommend double and triple checking your work, especially if you have poor spatial awareness. A wrong strap can unknowingly put your pet at risk during transport.
Safety test
The Pet Safety Center gave the Cabela's Gundog Crate 5 stars. This means the key conditions are met: the door stays locked, there is minimal slippage, the straps are not broken, and the crate is not cracked or damaged.
However, although the wooden frame meets safety standards, it can deform on impact as seen in the video. “It was quite a shock,” Wolko said. “But as soon as I took the straps off, it snapped back into place.”
FAQ
What is a dog car seat?
Pet car seats or restraints are specially designed to transport your pet safely in your car. Just like unrestrained car occupants, if pets are not properly restrained, they can fly around in the passenger compartment during an accident, potentially causing injury or worse. Your pet should be kept in a crate, carrier, or restraint during and after the accident.
The Gear team recommends that you only purchase carriers and car seats that have been tested and approved by the Center for Pet Safety.
Can my cat use these carriers?
Yes, any carrier in the carrier category is suitable for cats as long as it fits comfortably and is within the weight limits.
How can I be sure my pet sheet has been properly tested?
While this article features only a handful of dog car seats, there are several more on the market that meet strict safety standards. To learn more about the products that CPS has tested, please visit his website at CPS at www.centerforpetsafety.org. More information about other testing and certification products can be found under the CPS Certified tab.
Is it easy to install a dog or pet car seat?
Although these seats have passed rigorous testing, their effectiveness depends on proper attachment to anchor points. This ensures that your carrier will perform as expected in the event of an accident. Be sure to read and follow the installation instructions for best results.
Can pet car seats be used in any type of vehicle?
Yes and no. Harnesses are generally compatible with all seat belt restraint systems. The carrier is compatible with seat belt restraint systems, but must be used in the second row. The wooden box is compatible with the rear hatch of a large SUV or the bed of a truck. Please be sure to check with the seat manufacturer before purchasing to ensure it is compatible with your vehicle.
Can a dog car seat accommodate multiple dogs?
Would you put two children in car seats? Probably not. Please provide one carrier/restraint per pet.
Why shouldn't I attach my dog's harness and leash to the car's anchor points?
When choosing the harness route, you need to be clear about the difference between distraction devices and collision safety devices. Attaching the harness to the extension tether can effectively prevent driver distraction, but it is not safe for your pet in the event of an accident. According to CPS, harnesses that have an extension rope as part of the product are automatically excluded from crash safety certification. This video does a great job of explaining the risks of harness and extension combinations in a motor vehicle crash.
Why trust us?
Hearst Autos combines the talent, resources and expertise of three of the world's largest and most influential automotive publications. The Gear team has tested a variety of automotive products, parts, accessories, and gear, including dash cams, portable jump starters, snow brooms and ice scrapers, and more. We test all our products in person. Most have already been purchased. Some are provided by the manufacturer.
Hearst Autos doesn't have to manipulate algorithms to account for traffic or promote inferior products. We value our heritage, reputation and the trust of our readers more than ever. car and driver, auto weekand roads and tracks We provide honest opinions and expert reviews.
Please visit Tested and trusted On this page you will find the best automotive gear. Learn more about our product testing and evaluation process.
Katherine Keeler is an assistant test editor at Hearst Autos. She evaluates tools for your enjoyment every day. At night, she constantly transforms strange objects, like a rust bucket, in order to repair Frankenstein. Her dream is to open a roadside attraction, a warehouse full of curious cars, where the public can see, drive and learn to repair.
Collin Morgan is Commerce Editor at Hearst Autos. At Hearst Autos, the former Rust Belt mechanic and gadget enthusiast shares the best gear for your automotive endeavors.
Gannon Burgett loves cameras, cars, and coffee, the perfect combination for his job at Hearst Auto. His signature line is USA Today, gizmodo, tech crunch, digital trends, detroit free pressmore.
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