Recent articles and videos question the safety of pet harnesses for automobiles. The not-for-profit Center for Pet Safety found a majority of pet harnesses marketed today do not work during sudden maneuvers. Supported in part by Subaru, CPS conducted tests on 25 harness products. Of these, only four protected a pet according to its protocols.
Source: The Huffington Post, January 5, 2016.
Meanwhile, Lindsay Wolko, CPS founder, has a strong piece of advice for people looking to keep their pets safe in a car: Never buy a product that has an extension tether or zip line that attaches to a pet’s walking harness or collar. Not only do they give the animal free range of the car, causing driving distractions, but the devices allow pets to be launched inside the car during certain maneuvers, Wolko said. “A pet could be ejected from the vehicle and still be attached to the seat,” she said.
Source: Today, January 4, 2016.
Many pet owners enjoy taking their dog or cat for a ride in the car, but experts say that when you do, you should keep your pet restrained — for your own good as well as theirs.
INSIGHTS: Veterinary teams have a responsibility to provide this information to clients via their websites, newsletters and in-clinic and ensure they understand it. Consider including this information in puppy kits as well as working with the home delivery platforms to stock and supply the safe products. Related, we highlighted concerns with electronic door locks in a post on December 14, 2015.