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In 2015 Center for Pet Safety and Subaru of America renewed a partnership with the intent to study the crashworthiness of pet travel carriers that claimed “testing”, “crash testing” or “crash protection”. Additionally, other popular pet travel carriers were sampled and tested to help Center for Pet Safety educate pet owners about the performance differences of distraction prevention carriers and crash protection carriers.
The purpose of the 2015 Carrier Study is:
- Independently evaluate the current-state travel carrier products and carrier connection products that claim “testing”, “crash testing” or “crash protection”.
- Examine the safety, structural integrity and crashworthiness of carriers where the manufacturer makes no claims of “testing”, “crash testing” or “crash protection”.
- Determine top performing carrier brand(s).
Pet travel carriers can offer distraction prevention, which is important to prevent accidents. However, proper pet passenger restraint is critical for successful crash protection. Carriers that are not structurally sound or have insufficient connection strength can directly affect the safety of the pet and place human vehicle occupants at risk of injury should a crash occur.
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Product Selection for the 2015 Carrier Study
Manufacturer claims Crash Testing:
- Sleepypod Mobile Pet Bed
- Pet Ego Jet Set Forma Frame Carrier (and ISOFIX-Latch Connection)
- PetBuckle Auto Kennel Restraint
- Snoozer Roll Around Travel Dog Carrier Backpack 4-in-1
Manufacturer does not specify testing, however product is marketed for use in a vehicle:
- Petmate Compass Dog Carrier (tested with the PetBuckle Auto Kennel Restraint)
- PetMate Vari-Kennel Plastic Carrier
- Kurgo Wander Carrier
- Pet Ego Pet Tube
Test V15586 Sleepypod Mobile Pet Bed (pink) Test 1
Test Dog Size: 15# (Kitty)
Connection Notations: Lap/Shoulder Belt
Test Results: Upon impact the top Velcro connection of the Sleepypod Mobile Pet Bed released and while the lower anchor point remained intact, the product flipped off of the test bench. The test simulant was fully contained.
The Center for Pet Safety team reviewed Sleepypod’s published test evidence and contacted the manufacturer to discuss the test result. Sleepypod’s representative arrived at the MGA Research Corporation within 3 hours of notification of the problem to inspect the test evidence. (See Test V15592 and V15639-Rear for Retest Results)
V15586 from Center for Pet Safety on Vimeo.
Test V15592 Sleepypod Mobile Pet Bed (black) Test 2
Test Dog Size: 15# (Kitty)
Connection Notations: Lap/Shoulder Belt
Test Results: Upon impact the top Velcro connection of the Sleepypod Mobile Pet Bed released and while the lower anchor point remained intact, the product flipped off of the test bench. The test simulant was fully contained.
Manufacturer opted to perform additional due diligence at their test facility. Center for Pet Safety agreed to evaluate the test evidence collected from the manufacturer’s test facility. Additionally, the manufacturer tested a remediation device to prevent the Velcro from detaching.
The manufacturer’s testing did not return the same result as Center for Pet Safety’s testing. (See Test 15639-Rear for Retest Results)
V15592 from Center for Pet Safety on Vimeo.
Test V15639-Front Sleepypod without PPRS Handilock (Tandem Test)
Test V15639-Rear Sleepypod with PPRS Handilock (Tandem Test)
Test Dog Size: 15#
Connection Notations: Lap/Shoulder Belt
Test Results: The Center for Pet Safety’s Analysis of the manufacturer’s test evidence determined variations in the test bench design, including D Ring placement, as well as test simulant size differences and Velcro texture that could have accounted for the performance variations.
Manufacturer arrived at MGA Research to witness a tandem test of two new Sleepypod Mobile Pet Beds, one with the PPRS Handilock and one without. Center for Pet Safety’s team conducted the test using two CPS 15 lb. simulants. Both Sleepypod Mobile Pet Beds successfully met Center for Pet Safety’s criteria for a successful product performance. The simulants were fully contained and the carriers remained wholly connected to the test bench for the duration of the test.
While the manufacturer believes that “tufting” the Velcro (opening and closing the connection several times) will fully resolve the adhesion issues of the Velcro and successfully secure the carrier, Center for Pet Safety feels it is in the consumer interest to recommend the use of the PPRS Handilock with the Sleepypod Mobile Pet Bed.
Test V15639-Front Sleepypod without PPRS Handilock (Tandem Test)
V15639 – Front from Center for Pet Safety on Vimeo.
Test V15639-Rear Sleepypod with PPRS Handilock (Tandem Test)
V15639 – REAR from Center for Pet Safety on Vimeo.
Test V15584 Pet Ego Jet Set Forma Frame
Test Dog Size: 15#
Connection Notations: Fabric Connection Straps (Included)
Test Results: The Jet Set Forma Frame carrier connections failed and released the product from the test bench.
With the claims of crash testing and publication of pictures of due diligence performed with IMMI, Center for Pet Safety reached out to Pet Ego directly with questions. The manufacturer’s representative responded within 4 hours, and scheduled a follow-up call for the following week. CPS was informed that the new attachment point, the ISOFIX-Latch Connection was in production and the manufacturer arranged for Center for Pet Safety to purchase a new carrier and the crash tested connection for examination in this study. (See Test V15638 for Retest Results with the ISOFIX-Latch Connection System.)
V15584 from Center for Pet Safety on Vimeo.
Test V15638 Pet Ego Jet Set Forma Frame with ISOFIX-Latch Connection
Test Dog Size: 15#
Connection Notations: ISOFIX-Latch Connection
Test Results: The Pet Ego Jet Set Forma Frame Carrier with ISOFIX-Latch Connection successfully met Center for Pet Safety’s criteria for a successful product performance. The test dog remained fully contained, and the connection system remained wholly connected to the test bench throughout the testing. Expected deformation to the connection base and the plastic buckle system was anticipated based on discussion with manufacturer.
V15638 from Center for Pet Safety on Vimeo.
Test V15583 PetMate Compass Carrier w/ PetBuckle Kennel Restraint
Test Dog Size: 45#
Connection Notations: PetBuckle Kennel Restraint w/Lap/Shoulder Belt
Test Results: The PetBuckle Auto Kennel Restraint remained intact for the entirety of the test, however, the restraint contributed to the plastic PetMate Compass Carrier fracture. The 45 lb. simulant was caught by the PetBuckle Kennel Restraint System. Additionally, the excursion measurement of the both the kennel remnants and the test simulant indicates an increased risk of injury to the dog and the human passengers in the vehicle in the event of an accident.
V15583 from Center for Pet Safety on Vimeo.
Test V15587 Snoozer Roll Around
Test Dog Size: 20#
Connection Notations: Lap/Shoulder Belt
Test Results: Upon impact the test simulant launched out of the carrier. The stitching failed around the front mesh panel of the carrier.
With the claims of crash testing by the manufacturer, Center for Pet Safety reached out to Snoozer (via email and via phone call) to request test evidence. The manufacturer did not respond to either the email or the phone message left on the company president’s voicemail system. Center for Pet Safety did not offer a retest. Test evidence was not received from the manufacturer.
V15587 from Center for Pet Safety on Vimeo.
Test V15585 PetMate Vari Kennel Carrier
Test Dog Size: 15#
Connection Notations: Lap/Shoulder Belt
Vari Kennels (and other similar plastic carriers) are exceptionally popular travel options for small dogs and cats. This product is marketed by the manufacturer as appropriate for auto travel, however, they do not claim “Testing”, “Crash Testing” or “Crash Protection”. Tested with a 15 lb. CPS Crash Test Dog (Dachshund)
Test Results: Upon impact the test simulant struck the side of the carrier and the plastic fractured. The carrier remained on the seat, however, the test simulant was fully released (ie: projectile) from the carrier opening producing a complete failure.
V15585 from Center for Pet Safety on Vimeo.
Test V15588 Kurgo Wander Carrier
Test Dog Size: 15# (Kitty)
Connection Notations: Lap/Shoulder Belt
Kurgo markets their Wander Carrier primarily as an “Airline Approved” carrier. They also provide guidance that the product can be used on car trips and secured with a vehicle seatbelt. The weight limit stipulated by the manufacturer is 18 lbs. The manufacturer does not claim “Testing”, “Crash Testing” or “Crash Protection”. Tested with a 15 lb. CPS Crash Test Kitty.
Test Results: Upon impact, the connection point released producing a complete failure.
V15588 from Center for Pet Safety on Vimeo.
Test V15589 Pet Tube with Beds
Test Dog Size: 75#
Connection Notations: Fabric Connection Straps (Included)
Pet Tube is a popular collapsible travel device manufactured by PetEgo. Center for Pet Safety has received numerous questions about this product from pet owners. The manufacturer stipulates that the product is for use in a vehicle, however, does not claim “Testing”, “Crash Testing”, or “Crash Protection”. Tested with a 75# CPS Crash Test Dog.
Test Results: Upon impact, the connection points released producing a complete failure.
V15589 from Center for Pet Safety on Vimeo.