Best RV Pet Restraint Systems — Crash-Tested Harnesses and Crates Compared

Why Most Pet Restraints Fail

The Center for Pet Safety (CPS) conducted crash tests on major pet restraint products in 2013 and 2015. Of the products tested, the majority failed — harnesses broke apart, buckles released, and dogs were projected forward. Many products marketed as 'crash-tested' had been tested to very low standards or not tested at all.

A 10-lb dog in a 35 mph collision exerts approximately 500 lbs of force. A 60-lb dog exerts over 2,700 lbs. Most harness clasps and stitching simply cannot withstand these forces. This is not a minor concern — it is a life-or-death issue for both the dog and front-seat passengers (an airborne dog strikes with devastating force).

Crash-Tested Harnesses

Sleepypod Clickit Sport: one of the few harnesses to pass CPS testing. Uses a unique tri-loop design that distributes force across the chest and shoulders. Connects directly to the vehicle's seat belt buckle. Available in sizes for dogs 6–110 lbs. The premium price (~$90) is justified by the test results.

Kurgo Tru-Fit Smart Harness with Steel Nesting Buckles: CPS-certified, with a steel buckle that holds in crash testing. Comfortable for everyday wear as well as vehicle travel. Well-regarded by veterinarians and professional pet transport services.

Ruffwear Load Up Harness: designed specifically for vehicle use with a reinforced force-distribution system. One of the few harnesses that specifically prohibits use as a walking harness — designed only for vehicle restraint. Strong independent test results.

Travel Crates

Gunner Kennels G1 Intermediate: the most crash-tested crate on the market with independent certification from the CPS. Rotomolded HDPE construction, welded steel hardware. The G1 in a proper size for the dog is considered the gold standard by professional dog trainers and transport specialists. Expensive (~$600–$900) but widely considered the best investment for canine vehicle safety.

Impact Dog Crates: an aluminum crate system with excellent independent testing results. More expensive than the Gunner but preferred by some for its weight and custom sizing options. Prominent in the working-dog and K9 handler community.

Both crates must be secured to the vehicle — either with the manufacturer's anchor system or ratchet straps to the vehicle floor. An unsecured crate, regardless of quality, becomes a dangerous projectile in a collision.

Booster Seats and Barrier Nets

Dog booster seats are not crash-tested to a meaningful standard. They provide light restraint and elevation — appropriate for small dogs in urban driving, not for highway travel.

Cargo barrier nets and metal grilles (between cargo area and passenger area in SUVs/wagons) contain the dog in the cargo area but provide no crash protection for the dog itself. They prevent the dog from becoming a passenger-area projectile but do not protect the dog in a rear-impact collision.

For SUVs and wagons with large cargo areas, a secured Gunner or Impact crate in the cargo space remains the safest option.

Recommendations by Dog Size

Under 20 lbs: Sleepypod Mobile Pet Bed or Sleepypod Air (in-cabin carrier, airline approved) are the top CPS-certified options. The carrier secures to the seat with the seat belt.

20–60 lbs: Sleepypod Clickit Sport or Kurgo Tru-Fit in the rear seat, or a secured Gunner G1 Small in the rear cargo area of an SUV.

Over 60 lbs: Gunner G1 Intermediate or Large, or Impact Dog Crate, anchored to the cargo area floor. For large dogs in a Class A or C motorhome, a secured crate in the bedroom or living area is preferable to a harness given the distance from the driver.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which dog harness is crash-tested and safe for car travel?

The Center for Pet Safety (CPS) certifies a small number of harnesses. The Sleepypod Clickit Sport, Kurgo Tru-Fit Smart Harness, and Ruffwear Load Up are among the most consistently cited crash-tested options.

Is a crate or harness safer for a dog in a vehicle?

A properly secured, crash-tested metal crate is generally considered the safest option for dogs in vehicles. It contains the dog and provides structural protection. However, proper crate anchoring to the vehicle is essential — an unsecured crate is dangerous.

Are soft-sided travel crates safe for dogs in cars?

Soft-sided crates are generally not safe in a vehicle collision. They provide no structural protection. Only use crash-tested hard-sided crates (aluminum or reinforced plastic) for vehicle travel.

What is the Center for Pet Safety?

The Center for Pet Safety (CPS) is a nonprofit research organization that conducts crash testing on pet travel products. Their certification is the most rigorous standard available for pet vehicle safety products in the U.S.