There might be a safer option when traveling with your pet

There might be a safer option when traveling with your pet

While more pet owners than ever are traveling by car with their pets, particularly around the holidays, the Center for Pet Safety (CPS) says don't be too sure about your pets' safety. Allowing a pet to roam without restraint may be the most dangerous option.

However, it turns out that even if you think you're doing the right thing by placing your puppy inside a booster seat, pet seat or strapping your pet in by a harness, your pet may not be so safe.

Subaru of America, Inc. recently funded a pilot study conducted by the nonprofit and independent Washington D.C.-based CPS. Results indicate that despite marketing claims of safety, the pet booster seat and pet seat products tested were in fact unsafe. CPS CEO and founder Lindsey Wolco calls these recently tested products "a complete disaster."

She explains the products were put through their paces at MGA Research Corporation, an independent National Highway Traffic Safety Administration contracted testing laboratory. The Pet Travel Seat Pilot Study focused on crash testing products using the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard crash conditions for child safety seats. Tests were conducted using specially designed crash test dogs of a variety of different weights and sizes.

Wolco says this was the first independent and professional testing of booster and pet seats for pets. "The industry has a long way to go," she adds.

The problem is that some products connect to dog collars and harnesses. Connecting to a collar around a dog's neck seems an obvious problem, potentially choking the dog. Connecting to the harness simply wasn't effective, as the connection itself (to the booster or pet seat) often failed.

"Certainly, restraint and confinement is the way to go, as the driver is less likely to be distracted by a pet," says Wolco. "Distraction might cause an accident, which obviously we don't want. But we also want products which prove to not only safe but life-saving."

The CPS certifies pet products using standardized and published standards and protocols. Some products are certified 5-stars, others 4-stars, or some fail certification.

The CPS is modeled after Consumer Reports and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Wolco says that at this time the organization has only investigated pet travel products, but the long-term goal is to consider authenticity of claims of other pet products.

"Obviously pet food and pet pharma work within government restrictions, but there is no oversight for safety and efficacy of other pet products," Wolco adds.

Based on the scientific tests and evidence collected over the past four years, in part through its partnership with Subaru, CPS can now identify the safest travel options for most pets from research conducted since 2011:

Harnesses (dogs 16-90 pounds): Currently the Sleepypod Clickit Sport Harness holds a 5-Star Crash Test Rating. Wolco adds, "We know of several manufacturers who are working toward certification but it takes time and a firm commitment to safety."

Crates: 2015 Top Performer is the Gunner Kennel G1 Intermediate with Strength Rated Anchor Straps.

Carriers: Center for Pet Safety recommends that small dogs travel in a carrier. 2015 Top Performing Carriers: Sleepypod Mobile Pet Bed with PPRS Handilock, and the PetEgo JetSet Carrier with ISOFIX-LATCH Connection.

The Center for Pet Safety does not recommend the use of any pet travel seat or pet booster seat at this time.