Car safety that is actually easy to use.

Designed to be easy enough for everyday use

Put on the Harness

The Defender Harness is worn like a regular walking harness, so your dog stays comfortable and secure before you even get in the car.

Connect the Tethers

Attach the Lower Tether first to keep your dog stable in the seat, then connect the Upper Tether to the seatbelt to engage in the event of a crash.

Drive with Confidence

Your dog stays secure on every ride, while still able to sit or lie down naturally, so travel feels calm, controlled and comfortable.

Successfully Crash Tested
Made in Canada
Free Crash Replacement Warranty

Our two-tether system spreads crash forces across two anchor points instead of concentrating them on one.

Built in-house because it had to be.

We couldn’t find a manufacturer equipped to build the Defender System to the standard we needed.

Over 100 individual steps go into every Harness System.

That’s why we manufacture in Canada
using high-strength webbing, custom aluminum hardware, and durable Cordura in our own small-batch production facility.

Man unrolling purple fabric in a workshop setting
Need help with fit, setup, or your vehicle? Talk directly to Andrew.

Defender Harness Systems are built in small batches by Optimus Gear.
If you have questions about your dog or your vehicle, you can call or text Andrew directly.

Usually replies within a few minutes during business hours.
Call Andrew
What size does my dog need?

You do not need to choose a size before ordering.

After purchase, we will ask for your dog’s measurements, riding position, and vehicle information. We personally review everything before production and contact you if anything needs clarification.

The size option appears as “Fits My Dog” because your dog’s final size is confirmed through Guided Fit before we build.

What if the final fit is not right?

After your Defender arrives, you can send us photos for a personal fit and setup check.

If something does not feel right, we will work with you directly to review the fit, adjust the setup, and help make it right. Your purchase is also protected by our 60-Day Fit Guarantee.

What if I get in a crash?

If your Defender Harness is involved in a vehicle collision, we will replace it at no charge.

We cover shipping both ways and may ask for a few details about what happened so we can continue learning and improving the system.

Even a minor collision may qualify. The harness is designed to manage force during a crash, so we do not want you continuing to use equipment that may have been compromised.

Why aren’t the crash-test videos available?

The Defender was tested using canine surrogates owned by the independent testing facility. We do not own the rights required to use that footage for marketing.

As we continue developing and testing the Defender, we plan to produce testing footage that we can share publicly.

Why the Defender Harness over everything else out there?

The Defender was created because we could not find a system that combined meaningful crash testing, everyday ease of use, comfort, and direct personal support.

Here is what makes it different:

  1. The Defender was successfully tested under the same dynamic sled test conditions used for child restraint systems.
  2. Its two-tether design connects quickly without requiring you to thread a seatbelt through the harness for every ride.
  3. Your dog can remain connected while moving between the vehicle and leash, giving you better control during loading and unloading.
  4. Every system is made in Canada using durable materials, custom aluminum hardware, and small-batch production.
  5. Guided Fit gives you personal sizing and vehicle-setup support before and after delivery.

The result is a complete vehicle safety system designed to be practical enough for everyday use.

Still have questions?

You can speak directly with Andrew about your dog, vehicle, fit, or setup before ordering.

We make the Defender in small batches and want every customer to feel confident using it. Call or text us and we will help you determine whether it is the right solution for your dog.