WASHINGTON — When it comes to traveling with your pet, not all carriers and crates are created equal.
The Center for Pet Safety and Subaru recently teamed up to put 14 carriers to the test.
The three that received high marks are:
- Gunner Kennels G1 Intermediate with 8′ Tie Down Straps
- PetEgo Forma Frame Jet Set Carrier with ISOFIX-Latch Connection
- Sleepypod Mobile Pet Bed with PPRS Handilock
“We also found big concerns with the marketing claims of some of the brands,” Lindsey Wolko, founder and CEO of Center for Pet Safety, told CBS News. “One carrier made very egregious claims saying the product was crash tested up to 30 pounds, 30 miles per hour. That product failed at 20 pounds, and the stitching was just not crash-worthy at all.”
Wolko says a big problem for pet owners is that the pet product industry is not regulated. This means that companies are not required to test their products and those companies that do, might use different criteria.
The Center for Pet Safety also has these additional tips for picking out a good carrier for your pet:
- Make sure your pet has the right size crate. They should fit snugly with just enough room to be comfortable.
- Secure crates and carriers using strength-rated cargo area anchor straps and stay away from rubber bungee cords.
- Make sure to factor in the size and shape of your dog before deciding to use a crate, carrier or harness.
Watch the Gunner Kennel crash test here.