Its happening less frequently, but it still occurs: people placing their small dogs on their lap while they drive (pardon the graphic image, but that action essentially turns your dog into an airbag), letting their pets crowd to the front of the car in an effort to reach the front seat (creating a HUGE distraction for drivers) and allowing their pets to wander in the back of pickups and SUVs (which can propel them forward towards you and the window at outrageous speeds if you have to stop quickly).
Over the years, we’ve all become more aware of the importance of keeping our pets safe while traveling. But, we’re all still on a learning curve when it comes to selecting the safest harnesses, crates and other travel gear.
Fortunately, we have some companies taking the lead on crash testing and safety while on the road. At no time is that more important than during the holidays. SleepyPod is one of those companies…
The SleepyPod Clickit Utility dog safety harness was named the 2013 Top Performing Pet Safety Harness by both Subaru and the Center for Pet Safety (CPS) during a collaborative test designed to test effectiveness of pet harnesses. This is great news for people who travel with their dogs. Clickit Utility been crash tested up to 75lbs (34kg).
[heading style=”2″ color=”#996633″ style_color=”#996633″]Crash Testing(and Why Not All Tests Are Equal)[/heading]
There are very few harnesses that have been crash tested, but SleepyPod’s harnesses have been. To accomplish this, they used two specialized crash test dummies (named Max and Duke – you can read more about their adventures here)
You may not think that crash testing is important, but I can promise you it is. Want to see some really intense crash videos (with stuffed dogs, not real dogs)? this is what happens when a 75 lb dog is suddenly stopped from 30 mph wearing a ClickIt Sport Utility Harness:
As you can see, there is a huge difference between harnesses and how safe your dog will be in an accident.
[heading style=”2″ color=”#996633″ style_color=”#996633″]What Makes ClickIt Safety Harness So Safe[/heading]
During extensive studies, experts have come to find that there are three critical points of attachment for optimum safety. The ClickIt Utility dog safety harness is the first to incorporate this 3-point attachment system. ClickIt’s wide straps enclose the padded vest, which hugs the dog’s upper torso. This helps anchor the lower torso to reduce forward and lateral movement, while absorbing force and dissipating energy in the case of a collision.
This unique system also keeps your prized pooch anchored in place, which is super important in case of a crash. The last thing you or your pet needs is a 10-100 pound dog being tossed around in a tiny area. It sounds terrible, I know. But it’s important you realize the gravity of the situation and understand why an effective restraint is so critical to you and your pets.
[heading style=”2″ color=”#996633″ style_color=”#996633″]Side Strap System[/heading]
The Side Strap System helps keep pets in place during impact. It’s important that you install them correctly. If you have a car that pre-2002, you may need to purchase the Latch Anchor Kit. It’s something that can be easily installed by you (but preferably by your mechanic). If you travel with your pet often, this is very important.
Your dog can still lie down or sit, they can still see out windows. It’s just a safer way to travel than traditional harnesses. Since it’s designed with a specialized D-ring on the back of the vest, it can also be used as a walking harness – which makes it super easy when traveling! Just unhook the Side Strap Safety and your pets are ready to walk to the nearest potty area!
The unique set up also allows your dog to ride in the cargo area of an SUV. Note that the cargo anchors are sold separately. Since accredited crash test facilities don’t test for human safety in the cargo area, SleepyPod took the initiative to crash test it themselves using the FMVSS No. 213 standard for child safety restraints. The results, once again, were outstanding.
[heading style=”2″ color=”#996633″ style_color=”#996633″]How effective is YOUR harness?[/heading]
SleepyPod has created a simple test to verify your safety restraint’s effectiveness – I hope you’ll take a look at this very informative infographic!
[heading style=”2″ color=”#996633″ style_color=”#996633″]Costs and Designs[/heading]
The ClickIt Utility Harness is available in three colors (Jet Black, Strawberry Red, and Orange Dream) and the costs begin at only $89.99 which includes the Side Strap Safety system. That’s a very small price to pay for ensuring your pet’s safety. I can’t think of a better holiday gift that the safety of a pet!