Keeping Your Pet Safe in Your Car—Harder Than You Think

The Center for Pet Safety is debunking claims about pet safety harnesses that are “crash-tested.”

A recent story by local ABC affiliate WJLA reported on a 100 percent failure rate of so-called “crash-tested” pet harnesses assessed by the center.

The center, based in Reston, VA, uses new technology—a sensor-rich stuffed animal—which is subjected to a simulated crash at 30 mph.

“When you actually take the harness and look at it, there’s a metal carabiner that says it’s tested to 2,000 pounds—the rest of it failed miserably, Lindsey Wilco, the center's founder, told WJLA in reference to one product.

Wilco said companies are able to make such claims since there is no industry oversight.

The story also offered several suggestions for safely traveling with your pet:

• You should never allow your pet to ride in the front seat or on your lap. Not only is it distracting but when airbags deploy they can seriously injure or kill your dog.
• The safest restraint system is a crate with padded sides that is attached to a seat belt or secured to a D-ring.
• Feed your pet a light meal a few hours before your trip to reduce the chances of car sickness.
• Plan ahead. Pack things you may need in advance, especially for long road trips, including a bowl, leash, waste bags, any medication needed, a pet first aid kit and necessary travel papers (some states require rabies vaccination records).