Consumer Reports: Traveling safely with family dog

With summer well underway, and fall and winter holidays right around the corner, you might be planning a trip with the family pets included. But before you hit the road with your pooch in tow, you’ll want to consider a few safety measures.

During a crash or if you slam on the brakes, pets can act as projectiles if they are not secured. They can also distract drivers from keeping their eyes on the road.

The market is full of pet restraining products, everything from harnesses to carriers. Many are labeled “crash tested,” but the label is based only on manufacturers’ claims.

The Center for Pet Safety along with Subaru conducted tests in 2015. They tested harnesses, crates for bigger dogs, and carriers for small dogs and cats. They concluded that among the top performing pet restraints are the Sleepypod Air carrier for about $160, the Gunner Kennels G1 Intermediate crate for $500, and the Sleepypod Clickit Sport, which will run between $70 and $80.

Traveling safely with pets takes some extra planning, but in the end, Consumer Reports says it’s worth it.

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