Those of you with pets may remember our article regarding the partnership of Center for Pet Safety (CPS) and Subaru of America, who have worked together to test out the road safety of pet crates and carriers. The study has been completed and there are both “promising and shocking” results according to Subaru’s press release.
Through extensive testing financially supported by Subaru, CPS discovered the top choices among pet crates and carriers:
2015 TOP PERFORMING PET CRATE
Gunner Kennels G1 Intermediate with 8’ Tie Down Straps
*Noted as the most impressive crate by far
2015 TOP PERFORMING PET CARRIERS (TIE)
PetEgo Forma Frame Jet Set Carrier with ISOFIX-Latch Connection
Sleepypod Mobile Pet Bed with PPRS Handilock
These products proved to successfully secure pets and maintain their structural integrity when put through extensive crash tests simulations. This means you can feel confident that they will keep your furry friends safe and not turn into projectiles that could injury passengers when an accident occurs.
Many manufacturers of pet containment devices claim that their products have been tested for crash safety, but currently the U.S. has no standard testing protocols, which is why CPS teamed up with Subaru to see how these products really perform in collision situations.
CPS conducted the tests at MGA Research Corporation, where the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) conducts its vehicle crash tests. Instead of test dummies the pet safety company used specially designed crash test dogs.
While the above products performed well, there were many crates and carriers that claimed to be safe for travel which did not pass the crash tests. In fact, Lindsey Wolko, founder and CEO of Center for Pet Safety, told CBS News, "One carrier made very egregious claims saying the product was crash tested up to 30 pounds, 30 miles per hour. That product failed at 20 pounds, and the stitching was just not crash-worthy at all."
Overall, six crates and eight carriers were tested. Crates that failed the test included MIM Safe's Variocage Single, Roto Mold's Ruff Tough Kennel and 4pets' Proline Milan. Carriers that failed to pass included the Snoozer Roll Around Travel Dog Carrier Backpack 4-in-1, PetBuckle Auto Kennel Restraint, Petmate Vari Kennel plastic carrier, Petmate Compass dog carrier, Kurgo Wander carrier and PetEgo Pet Tube.
Through this testing CPS would like to establish protocol for pet crate and carrier testing, with a mission to set ratings guidelines and ultimately certify products.
