Crash-tested crates and carriers to ensure pet safety

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A crash-tested crate or crate is the safest way to travel with your dog or cat. But most dog crates and cat carriers wouldn’t protect your pet in the event of an accident. Here are a few that can.

What is a crash test?

An accident is the worst way to know if your carrier or crate is safe. Fortunately, the Center for Pet Safety (CPS) tests cages and crates for you.

They simulate crash conditions (and no, they don’t use live dogs or cats in their tests) to see how the crates and carriers perform. Those that offer the best protection are certified. CPS provides videos and test results on its website.

While child safety seats are regulated, the United States does not have crash test standards for pet carriers. Pet product manufacturers can claim to have tested a product. But that doesn’t mean it’s actually safe. Or that it would protect your pet in the event of an accident. That’s why you need to see the test results for yourself.

LEARN MORE ⇒ Best Crash Tested Dog Harnesses for Car Travel

Brindle puppy in a red safety harness in the back seat of a car

Why crash-tested crates are important

People mostly think about safety when they are on a long trip. But whether you’re heading to the vet across town or taking a trip across the country, a protective crate or carrier will keep you safe. And your pet.

A restrained pet distracts you less than an animal climbing all over the car. And the most survivable accident is the one that doesn’t happen at all.

But anything loose in a car that crashes becomes a dangerous projectile. And believe me, the fur doesn’t soften the blow.

If you get hit at 50 miles per hour, your unrestrained 10-pound pet becomes 500 pounds of projectile force. For your 60-pound dog, that force could exceed 3,000 pounds!

Some states even require you to restrain your pet in your car. And even in states that don’t have pet restraint laws, a police officer could still ticket you for distracted driving, especially if you cause a collision.

With all of this in mind, it’s essential that the crash-tested dog carrier or crate you use keeps your pet in place.

LEARN MORE ⇒ State Pet Car Restriction Laws

The Difference Between Carriers and Crates

So we continue to talk about carriers and crates. What is the difference?

According to the CPS, a crate is held in the back of a pick-up truck or SUV. A carrier sits in the back seat. To receive certification, carriers and crates must both be securely attached to the car. For a carrier, the attachment point is usually a seat belt.

Tabby cat in a travel crate in a pet-friendly rental car

Crash-tested crates and carriers

CPS provides ongoing testing and certification for car crates, carriers and harnesses. Below is a list of crates and carriers that have been tested and certified by CPS as of the date of this article.

Keep in mind that CPS can revoke a company’s certification. And pet product makers stop making models or go out of business. So check the CPS website before buying your dog or cat’s return trip.

Crash tested carriers

Only five pet carriers are currently certified by CPS.

You can watch the videos and read the results of all pet carriers tested by clicking on the link for each product name.

pet carrier

CPS tested the Away Pet Carrier in January 2020 and gave it a 5 star rating. It is certified for animals up to 18 pounds.

Away is unusual for being a company best known for its luggage, not its pet products.

This stylish pet bag is airline approved and is available in black or grayish blue. It has a mesh for ventilation. And it includes pockets for the little extras as well as the ability to attach it to your wheeled suitcase.

You can purchase the Away Pet Carrier directly from AwayTravel.

Photo credit: AwayTravel website.

Diggs Passenger Carrier

Tested in October 2021, the Diggs Passenger Carrier achieved a 5-star rating from the CPS. The rating applies to pets weighing up to 18 pounds.

Suitable for airlines, this unusual bag also offers bespoke pee pads. And it has a side zipper to clean up accidents on the go.

At 4.5 pounds, it’s a bit heavier than some of the other carriers. So you’ll want to make sure you meet airline pet requirements before you travel with your pet.

The bag is available in limited colors and you can buy it directly from Diggs or Amazon (affiliate link).

Photo credit: Diggs website

Gunner Kennel G1 Small with Rated Anchor Straps

Gunner is the only kennel to receive carrier (up to 30 lbs) and crate (for large dogs) certification.

CPS tested the crate in June 2017. They note that the winter door option does not meet certification standards.

Gunner makes sturdy crates that are popular with people who show and compete with their dogs.

You can buy them directly from Gunner.

Photo credit: Gunner’s website

Paravel hut holder

CPS certified the Paravel Cabana Carrier for animals up to 20 pounds in April 2022.

The Cabana Carrier is an attractive option for someone who wants a safe and stylish carrier. And an added bonus: they used post-consumer plastic waste to make their products.

This baby carrier is beige but comes with four color options for the strap and trim. And a bonus feature is that it folds flat when you’re not using it.

You can buy the Cabana Carrier from Paravel or Amazon (affiliate link).

Sleepypod Mobile Pet Bed

Sleepypod was the first company to be certified by CPS. Following initial testing, Sleepypod has added logins to make its carrier even more secure.

Sleepypod Mobile Bed with Handilock PPRS
Photo credit: Sleepypod website

The Sleepypod mobile pet bed is available in a wide range of fashionable colors. You can also choose from additional accessories, including an ultra-plush liner, an electric warming kit and a zippered mesh mattress topper.

You can buy the Sleepypod Mobile Pet Bed directly from Sleepypod or on Amazon (affiliate link).

Crash-tested crates

Five crates made by 3 manufacturers are named top performers by the Center for Pet Safety (CPS).

Crates are much more utilitarian than cages for small dogs and cats. So you won’t find trendy colors or comfortable features.

You can watch the videos and read the results of all tested pet cages by clicking on the related product names.

Gunner’s kennels

Gunner makes three kennels that have been certified by the CPS. The Gunner Kennel G1 Small is rated up to 30 pounds. (This crate was also tested as a backseat rack.) The Gunner Kennel G1 Medium is rated up to 45 pounds, and the Gunner Kennel G1 Intermediate is rated up to 75 pounds.

All four anchor straps must be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions to meet certification requirements.

You can purchase these kennels from Gunner’s website.

Gunner Kennel G1 Intermediate
Photo Credit: Gunner Kennel Website

Lucky Duck Kennels

CPS has certified two travel crates manufactured by Lucky Duck. The Lucky Kennel – Intermediate is designed for pets up to 75 lbs. And the Lucky Kennel – Large is rated up to 110 pounds.

Note that the large crate has an option for a metal door for air travel. This option is not included in the security certification.

You can purchase Lucky Kennels from the Lucky Duck website or at many outdoor stores.

Photo credit: Lucky Duck website

Rock Creek Crates

Rock Creek Crate Medium Aluminum Kennel has been certified by the CPS and is rated at 50 lbs.

The crate that passed the certification test was equipped with secondary door bolts and strength rated anchor straps which are options you can purchase from the manufacturer.

You can purchase this crate from the Rock Creek website.

Photo credit: Rock Creek website

Help your pet love their crash-tested carrier or crate

Don’t wait until the week of your big trip and assume your pet will be happy to travel in their carrier or crate. Especially if they are not used to it.

Help your dog or cat acclimate to the crate or carrier by keeping them in the house. Add treats and let them explore on their own. Be sure to allow them to leave whenever they want too.

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As your pet becomes more comfortable, practice moving the latch and gently closing the door while offering high value treats.

Slowly increase the time your pet spends in the carrier or crate. And move it to different places in the house. Then outside. And finally in the car.

When your pet is comfortable, try a short drive around the block.

Keep building up the length of your trips, making sure destinations are always “happy places” like the dog park or visiting their favorite person or furry friend.

In no time, your pet will be happy traveling in style in their carrier or crash-tested carrier. And you’ll be happy to know they’re safe!

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