Defender Harness System

✔ Crash-Tested Safety – Built to the same safety standards as child car seats
✔ Heavy-Duty Materials – Made with Nylon Cordura® for superior durability
✔ High-Strength Webbing – Soft yet incredibly strong, ensuring both comfort and protection
✔ Crash-Tested Hardware – Designed to withstand extreme forces, keeping your dog secure in any situation

With multiple connection points and versatile accessories, the Defender Harness Kits are designed for both car travel and everyday use—so your dog is always safe, wherever life takes you.

• Download: Defender Harness Sizing Guide

⚠️ Important Notes:

• X-Small – Contact us at contact@optimusgear.com all X-smalls are custom made.
• X-Large – Not crash-tested yet, but built with the same safety technology as the tested sizes.

• Download: Defender Harness Installation & Use Instructions

Watch these detailed installation videos to get a better idea on how it works:

Yes! The Crash Safe Dog harness allows your dog to sit or lay down comfortably while still being securely restrained. The lower tether helps keep them stable, preventing them from shifting too much during the ride. This setup ensures both comfort and safety.

Absolutely! If you frequently switch between vehicles, we recommend using a second tether system instead of purchasing multiple harnesses. This allows for quick and easy transitions while maintaining safety.

Yes! Our harness has passed the same tests as child car seats, ensuring the highest safety standards for your dog in case of a collision.

Step 1: Attach the Upper Tether

Open the carabiner on the Upper Tether and clip it around the active (moving) portion of your vehicle’s seatbelt.

Close and lock the carabiner fully.

Step 2: Secure the Lower Tether

The installation method depends on your dog’s harness size.

For XS, Small, and Medium Harnesses

Insert the seatbelt receiver on the Lower Tether into the seatbelt buckle, just like buckling your own seatbelt.

• The vehicle seatbelt itself should remain unbuckled
  
• You’ll hear a click when it’s properly engaged
  

For Large and XL Harnesses

Locate your vehicle’s child seat anchors (UAS / LATCH anchors) in the back seat.

1. Place the UAS connector over the metal anchor bar
   
2. Pull firmly toward you until it locks into place
   
3. Repeat on the other side
   

You should feel both connectors seat securely.

Step 3: You’re Ready to Ride

Once both tethers are secured, your dog is safely installed and ready for the drive.

Before driving, always double-check that all connectors are fully locked and secure.

Prefer to Watch Instead?

If you’d rather see the installation step by step, watch our short setup video below:

▶ Watch the Installation Video

https://youtu.be/Aq2umgMay0g?si=7JmCKoCysYfJOznO

1. Have your dog sit in the back seat.
2. Clip the lower tether to the harness to keep them stable.
3. Attach the upper tether to the seatbelt for added security.
4. To exit, unclip the upper tether, attach a leash, and release the lower tether.

Our harness is successfully crash tested, easy to use, and made in Canada. Unlike many harnesses that rely on plastic buckles and weak stitching, our design prioritizes safety with high-strength metal components and reinforced webbing. The patented Optimus Buckle system is engineered for durability and real crash protection, meeting the same standards as child car seats. We avoid plastic where it matters most, ensuring our harness holds up in extreme conditions and high-impact scenarios. Designed for both safety and ease of use, our system is simple to put on, adjust, and secure in any vehicle.

We periodically streamline our colour lineup to improve manufacturing efficiency and maintain our quality standards. Seasonal colours remain available while fabric lasts.