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The safety of our beloved canine companions is paramount, especially when traveling by car. While many focus on human safety measures like seatbelts and airbags,equally important is securing our pets during car rides. Unrestrained dogs pose a significant risk to themselves and other passengers in the event of an accident. This is where crash tested dog crates come into play, offering a vital layer of protection. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the world of crash tested dog crates, exploring what makes them safe, reviewing top options, and providing essential details to help you make the best choice for your furry friend.
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Transporting your dog without proper restraints, such as a car harness or a high-quality crate, can led to severe repercussions in the event of a collision. During a sudden stop or impact, an unrestrained dog can become a projectile, possibly injuring themselves and/or human passengers in the car. Here’s why this is a serious concern:
Risk of Injury to the Dog: An unrestrained dog could be thrown around the interior of the car, hitting dashboards, windows, or other objects, resulting in broken bones, head trauma, or other injuries.
Risk to Passengers: A flying dog can cause significant harm to human occupants.In worst cases, a dog could cause a human to lose control of the vehicle, exacerbating an already dangerous situation, or add considerably to the damage and injury caused.
Distraction for the Driver: An unrestrained dog moving around the vehicle can distract the driver, increasing the risk of an accident. Ejection from the Vehicle: in severe accidents, unrestrained dogs can be ejected from the vehicle, increasing the risk of serious injury or death.
It’s crucial to understand that not all dog crates offer the same level of protection. A standard home crate, while suitable for training purposes, is generally not designed to withstand the forces of a car crash. Here’s the distinction:
Standard Home Crates: These crates are built for comfort and containment at home. They are often made of plastic, wire, or a combination of both. While helpful for house training and providing a safe space for your dog, they frequently enough lack the structural integrity and securing mechanisms required to withstand a vehicle collision which puts other drivers at a risk due to projectiles.
Crash Tested Dog Crates: These crates are specifically engineered and rigorously tested to meet certain safety standards. They typically feature reinforced frames, heavy-duty materials, secure latches, and attachment points to prevent them from becoming projectiles during an accident.These crates help to minimise personal injuries as well a vehicle damage.
The term “crash tested” is critically important but it is indeed essential to know what it actually means. It signifies that a particular crate design has gone through a series of simulated crash tests to evaluate its performance under different levels of impact. This testing typically includes:
Impact Simulations: These tests simulate various types of crashes, including frontal collisions, side impacts, and rollovers, assessing how well the crate holds up.
securing and Anchoring: The tests consider whether the crate remains secured to the vehicle during impact and does not become a hazard.
Structural Integrity: Testing is done to identify if the dog’s space remains secure so the dog is not harmed. Material Strength: Assessments are made on the ability of the crate’s components to resist bending, breaking, or dislodging, under the forces of impact.
It’s important to note that not all crash test certifications are the same. Ideally, look for products certified by a reputable self-reliant organization or standards like the Center for Pet Safety (CPS), a non-profit research organization whose rigorous tests provide an independent assessment of performance [1].
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When evaluating crash tested dog crates,several features are essential for safety and performance:
Heavy-Duty Frame: Look for crates with a sturdy and robust frame,typically made from high-quality materials like thick polymers,or reinforced metal.
Durable Walls and Doors: The walls and doors should be constructed from materials that can withstand high impacts without shattering or breaking.Be sure that the hinges are well made. Reinforced Corners: Look for crates with reinforced corners and edges, which tend to be the weakest points of many crates. These reinforce the overall integrity and the safety of the crate for both animal and other travelers.
Secure Latches: High-quality, heavy-duty latches are essential to keep the door securely closed during a crash. these will ensure that the dog remains safely within the confines of the crate.
Anchor Points: The crate should have secure anchor points or straps that can be connected to the vehicle’s frame or seat belt system. These anchor points prevent the crate from shifting, or moving around during a collision, which could cause injury.
Attachment Straps: It’s critically important for the crate to be attached and secured to your car with heavy tested straps that provide further impact and displacement resistance.
Adequate Ventilation: The crate should have ample ventilation to ensure your dog remains comfortable during car rides. It is imperative that all of the interior parts of the crate are made of breathable materials.
Comfortable Interior: A comfortable interior is beneficial, especially on longer travels so it’s worth considering adding a comfortable mat to the inside. It reduces stress and makes this safe space pleasant. A non-slip mat will also minimize injury to the dog.
Appropriate Size: The crate should be large enough for your dog to stand, sit, turn around, and lie down comfortably, but not so large that they can move around excessively during travel which increases the impact on safety mechanisms.
Secure Fit in Vehicle: Ensure the crate fits securely in your vehicle,considering its size and weight. If the fit is not tight, then the impact can potentially be more damaging, or lessen the efficacy of the mechanisms.
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While the market is filled with various dog crates, few are specifically designed and tested for crash safety. Here’s a review and comparison of several leading options:
Overview: The MIM Variocage is renowned for its extraordinary safety standards and is frequently cited as one of the safest options available [4].It’s constructed from high-quality steel and features a telescopic design, allowing it to conform to most cars
Features:
Crash Tested: The Variocage is rigorously crash tested and certified to meet stringent safety criteria. It has performed well in several independent tests.
Adjustable Size: The telescopic design allows you to adjust the crate’s size to fit your dog and vehicle perfectly.
High-Quality Steel: Made from durable steel to withstand high impact forces.
Built-In Crumple Zone: Designed with a built-in crumple zone to help absorb impact energy.This increases safety as it will act as a buffer between the dog and the force of the impact.
Emergency Exit: Equipped with an emergency exit for quick access to your dog in the event of an accident. Pros:
Exceptional crash test performance.
Adjustable size for a custom fit.
High-quality materials and construction.
Cons:
Higher price point compared to other options making it inaccessible for some buyers
can be heavier due to the steel construction.
Overview: Gunner Kennels are known for their durability and are popular with outdoor enthusiasts and working dog owners [2]. These crates are built to withstand extreme conditions and provide excellent protection in the event of a crash.
Features:
Double-wall Rotomolded Construction: The crate features a double-wall design, making it impact-resistant.
Reinforced Door: The door is reinforced for extra security, and high resistance to impact.
Tie-down Straps: The crate is equipped with tie-down straps to secure it to the vehicle.
Drainage: They feature drains to ensure easy cleaning.
Certified Crash Test: These crates are rigorously tested in an accredited laboratory.
pros:
Robust and built to withstand heavy impact. Excellent construction with high resistance to damage. Suitable for large breeds and for regular travelling with your dog. Cons:
can be quite expensive.
Might potentially be bulky and harder to move when empty.
Overview: Rock Creek Crates are built with a focus on safety and durability, offering a crash tested option with practical features for pet owners [5].
Features:
Crash Tested: The company has conducted multiple crash tests of its products, indicating a commitment to safety.
Heavy-Duty Materials: Constructed from durable materials designed to withstand impact. Secure Tie-Down Straps: Includes robust tie-down straps for securing the crate inside the car, or to the vehicle bed.
Good Ventilation: Designed with ample ventilation to keep pets comfortable during travel.
Variety of Sizes: Available in different sizes to accommodate a variety of dog breeds.
Pros:
Solid crash test performance, having been tested multiple times.
Designed for safety and durability.
Practical features for pet owners such as good ventilation.
Cons:
Not all sizes received the highest crash rating which may make it a less suitable option for some.
While the above brands are leaders in the market, other crash tested alternatives are available that may also be suitable depending on budget and requirements. It’s recommended to conduct thorough research to see which is best for you.
Sleepypod Mobile Pet Bed: While not a rigid crate, this soft carrier has undergone crash testing and can be a viable option for smaller dogs. Impact Dog Crates: These offer a range of high-quality crash tested crates with customizable options.
To help you quickly compare these options, here’s a table summarizing key characteristics:
| Brand | Material | Crash Tested | Adjustability | Key Features | Price Point |
|—————-|————————–|————–|—————|——————————————————-|————–|
| MIM variocage | Steel | Yes | Yes | Telescopic design, crumble zone, emergency exit | High |
| Gunner Kennels | Rotomolded Polymer | Yes | No | Double-wall, heavy-duty, water drainage, tie downs | High |
| Rock Creek Crates| Heavy-Duty Materials | Yes | No | Durable materials, secure tie downs, good ventilation | Moderate |
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Selecting the best crash tested dog crate requires careful consideration of your dog’s needs, your vehicle, and your budget. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
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Once you have purchased your crash tested dog crate, it is important to install, and use it effectively. Here are some tips for using it in the right way to maximize its efficacy:
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While crash tested dog crates offer a high level of protection, crash tested dog harnesses are another viable option, especially for car systems that don’t accommodate crate systems easily. Here’s a brief comparison [3]:
Flexibility: Harnesses offer flexibility for a variety of dogs of different sizes.
Space Saving: Harnesses do not take up as much interior space,and won’t restrict the vision of drivers and other passengers.
Ease of Use: Easier to put on and take off a dog than positioning one in a crate
Cost Effectiveness: Generally, crash tested harnesses are usually more affordable than high quality crash tested crates.
Less Protection: Compared to a crate, a harness may offer less protection in severe accidents as they are not a fixed space.
Proper Fit: Harness must be properly fitted to prevent injury during impact.if not, there is a risk of injury to the animal.
Distraction Some harnesses may cause some dogs to be restless which may be a distraction for drivers.
Small Dogs: For smaller dogs, a crash-tested harness can be a good choice to a bulky crate.
Limited Vehicle Space: If your vehicle lacks the space to accommodate a large crate, a harness might potentially be more convenient.
* Short Trips: Harnesses are better suited for short trips and errands where a crate might not be necessary.
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The safety of our pets should always be a priority, and crash tested dog crates provide a vital line of defence in the event of a car crash. While no system can entirely eliminate risk, these crates are designed to minimize the potential for injury to your dog whilst also making sure other travelers are safe. By understanding what to look for in a crash tested crate, carefully evaluating the best options, and ensuring that the product is properly installed and maintained, you can significantly improve your dog’s safety and your peace of mind when traveling. Whether you choose a high-quality steel crate, or a reinforced polymer, or opt for a crash-tested harness, being informed and proactive is the key to keeping your four-legged friend safe throughout any car journey. Ultimately, the investment in a crash tested solution is an investment in your dog’s well-being, and the well being of those traveling with you.
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