Subaru and the Center for Pet Safety Complete Pet Travel Study
Subaru and the Center for Pet Safety most recently studied pet travel seats to determine the actual safety value
Over the last four years, Subaru and the non-profit research and consumer advocacy organization, Center for Pet Safety, have been working hand-in-hand on research to determine the safest way to transport pets behind the wheel. The first part of the study examined the overall safety of pet harnesses and specific products to use; the second part instead looked at pet crates and carriers; and the most recent and final part of the study tested pet travel seats.
The conclusion? Pet travel seats are bad. Really bad. Subaru and the Center for Pet Safety conceded that these travel seats do “offer distraction prevention” for the pet (meaning your dog won’t be running all around the car like a drunk marathon runner), but do little to nothing in terms of offering protection to the animal or human occupants in the event of a crash.
The result? No actual value.
It looks like the best option for pet parents is a pet crate or carrier, properly strapped in. The best crates and carriers to use include the Gunner Kennels G1 Intermediate with 8” Tie Down Straps, PetEgo Forma Frame Jet Set Carrier with ISOFIX-Latch Connection, and the Sleeypod Mobile Pet Bed with PPRS Handilock.
Gunner Kennel was the top choice for crates
“Many consider their pets much more than just a pet; they are members of their family,” remarked Michael McHale, Subaru’s director of corporate communications. “While pet parents take necessary steps to ensure their pets are safe at home, most are unaware of essential safety measures needed to protect both drivers and their four-legged friends when traveling with them in a vehicle. As part of our continued support for pet safety, we want to help make pet parents aware of all the options available to them and the measures they can take to make everyone in the vehicle are as safe as possible.”
No pets were harmed during these studies
For more research out of the Center for Pet Safety, visit www.CenterforPetSafety.org. The website isn’t that pretty, but the work they do is magnificent.
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