Crash Tested Dog Harnesses Explained: What Pet Parents Should Know

Most dog parents want the same thing on every car ride: a safe, secure trip with their best friend buckled in beside them. But when a product claims to be “crash tested,” what does that really mean? The truth is, not all harnesses that use the term have been tested the same way or to any real safety standard at all. Understanding what genuine crash testing looks like can help you make an informed choice and keep your dog truly protected.

Why “Crash Tested” Does Not Always Mean Safe

As more people travel with their pets, the market has filled with harnesses labeled as “crash tested.” Unfortunately, there is no official regulation in North America that defines or enforces what that term means for dogs. Some brands only run light pull tests or computer simulations. Others might test a single part, like a buckle or strap, but not the entire system in a real crash scenario. That is why it is important to know the difference between marketing claims and true dynamic crash testing, the kind that follows recognized vehicle safety standards.

The Gold Standard: FMVSS 213

In the automotive world, the benchmark for restraint safety is FMVSS 213, the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213, set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This is the same standard used to test child car seats. It involves a 30 mph (48 km/h) crash simulation that replicates the force of a real collision. The test measures whether a restraint system holds securely, how far the occupant moves forward, and whether any part of the system fails under pressure. When a dog harness is tested to FMVSS 213, it means the product has been evaluated under real world conditions, not assumptions.

What Happens During a Crash Test

During an FMVSS 213 style crash test, a life sized dog dummy weighted to match a real dog is placed in the harness and secured to a seatbelt system. The sled is then propelled forward to simulate a frontal crash. High speed cameras and sensors record every moment, how the harness stretches, how much the dummy moves, and whether the materials stay intact.

Afterward, engineers review the results. Did the harness stay in place? Did any buckles, seams, or webbing fail? Only harnesses that keep the dummy restrained and minimize movement can truly claim to be crash tested to recognized standards.

Canadian and North American Safety Context

While pet restraints are not yet regulated by law in Canada, most North American manufacturers follow FMVSS 213 in the United States or its Canadian equivalent, CMVSS 213, for child safety seats. Crash Safe Dog follows these same standards through independent, accredited automotive testing facilities that perform dynamic crash evaluations to FMVSS 213 protocols. These are the same procedures recognized by both Transport Canada and NHTSA as the gold standard for vehicle restraint systems.

Why It Matters for Dogs and Their Humans

In a 30 mph crash, a 50 pound dog can exert more than 1,500 pounds of force. Without proper restraint, that can seriously injure both the dog and passengers. A harness that has been dynamically tested to FMVSS 213 standards helps prevent ejection, reduces impact forces, and keeps your dog safer during sudden stops or collisions. It is not just about protecting your pet; it is about protecting everyone in the vehicle.

How to Tell If a Harness Is Truly Crash Tested

Not every harness labeled “crash tested” meets recognized automotive safety standards. Here are five key signs that a company has done real, verifiable testing:

1. Mention of FMVSS 213 or CMVSS 213 Testing

These are the recognized crash test standards used across North America for child restraint systems. If a harness has been tested under these protocols, it has been evaluated under proven, repeatable conditions.

2. Independent Testing Laboratories

Legitimate crash tests are performed in accredited automotive facilities, not in house workshops. Look for references to third party or certified crash labs.

3. Full System Testing

A true crash test evaluates the entire restraint system, including the harness, hardware, stitching, and vehicle tethers working together, just as they would in a real vehicle crash.

4. Verified Results

Reputable brands can confirm that formal testing has taken place and can describe the methods and standards used.

Crash Safe Dog’s Standard of Proof

Crash Safe Dog harnesses are tested to FMVSS 213 standards at independent, accredited automotive testing facilities using dynamic crash simulations. Each harness is built with reinforced stitching and the patented Optimus Buckle System engineered to withstand real crash forces. Every product is designed, built, and assembled in Canada, allowing full control over materials, construction, and performance consistency. This combination of Canadian manufacturing and verified North American testing ensures each harness meets the same standards trusted for child safety systems.

Conclusion: Proven Safety, Real Trust

When you see “crash tested” on a dog harness, look beyond the label. True crash testing means meeting real automotive safety standards, not marketing claims. Harnesses evaluated under FMVSS 213 or Transport Canada recognized protocols provide verified, measurable protection. Brands like Crash Safe Dog demonstrate that pet safety does not need to be simplified or scaled down. It can meet the same standards that keep the rest of the family safe on every drive.

References and Resources

• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration – FMVSS 213 Overview

• Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213 (Full Text)

• Transport Canada – Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations

• Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) – Testing Standards Overview