Crash Test Approved Dog Harnesses | Two That Pass the Test

Only two dog harnesses hold independent CPS crash-test certification for US vehicles: the Sleepypod Clickit Utility and the Clickit Sport.

Most “crash tested” dog harnesses have never actually been crash tested, and finding genuinely crash test approved dog harnesses means looking past the marketing claims. The independent Center for Pet Safety (CPS) has certified exactly two models for US vehicles: the Sleepypod Clickit Utility and the Sleepypod Clickit Sport. A third model, the RC Pet Canine Friendly, qualified in testing back in 2013 but appears to be discontinued.

These harnesses are tested at 30 MPH using instrumented dog simulants under Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard FMVSS 213, the same standard used for child car seats. The test measures forward head excursion — how far the dog’s head moves during a sudden stop — and bans any extension tethers that add dangerous slack.

Two CPS-Certified Dog Harnesses and Their Key Differences

The Sleepypod Clickit Utility was the 2013 CPS Top Performer. It uses a 3-point design and comes in Small, Medium, and Large. One important caveat: the Large size exceeded FMVSS 213 head excursion limits during testing, so careful size matching matters more with this model. The Sleepypod Clickit Sport is the current certified model, also 3-point and tested at 30 MPH, with a universal seatbelt fit that adapts to most vehicles without special hardware. The Utility is older and may be harder to find in stores, while the Sport is more widely available across major retailers.

Both models connect directly to your existing seatbelt system with no proprietary adapters needed. The 3-point design distributes crash forces across the harness rather than concentrating them on the dog’s neck or chest.

If you’re comparing these two certified options for your dog, our tested roundup of the best car harnesses for dogs covers real-world fit and sizing guidance across the available models.

What CPS Certification Actually Means

The Center for Pet Safety is the only independent organization in the US that crash-tests pet restraints using a standardized, repeatable protocol. CPS’s 2013 crash test study used instrumented simulants and tested against FMVSS 213 forward excursion limits. A harness that passes this test has proven it can keep your dog on the seat during a 30 MPH impact.

Many brands claim their harnesses are “crash tested” based on internal tests with no published methodology or independent oversight. CPS certification is the only verified standard in the US. Without it, a “crash tested” label carries no measurable guarantee. Because there is no government mandate requiring crash testing for pet restraints, manufacturers have little incentive to pursue expensive independent testing — which makes the two Sleepypod models stand out as the only verified options on the market.

FMVSS 213 is a US federal standard. European crash tests use different protocols with different speed, weight, and excursion requirements. A harness that passes a European test may not meet US safety limits, and vice versa.

How to Install a Certified Harness Correctly

Start with the harness snug against the dog’s body using the broad padded chest plate. Attach the top tether loop to your vehicle’s rear seat belt anchor. Thread the seat belt through the harness’s designated webbing slot and buckle it. The dog should not be able to shift weight forward — if there’s more than a finger-width of slack, tighten it. Before driving, double-check that all connectors are fully locked and the belt is routed through the correct slot.

The single most common mistake is adding an extension tether or leash between the harness and the seat belt. This creates dangerous slack that lets the dog move forward during a crash, defeating the entire purpose. Size mismatches are another frequent issue — always measure your dog against the manufacturer’s chart rather than guessing by breed or weight. The 2013 Utility’s Large size exceeded head excursion limits, proving that correct sizing is just as important as certification.

FAQs

Is the Sleepypod Clickit Sport safer than the Clickit Utility?

Both passed CPS testing at 30 MPH, but the Sport is the current certified model with a more universal seatbelt fit. The Utility was the 2013 Top Performer, though its Large size exceeded head excursion limits. For most dogs, the Sport offers simpler sizing and broader availability, while the Utility requires more careful size selection — especially for larger dogs.

Can I use a crash-tested harness with a seatbelt extension?

No. CPS testing explicitly prohibits any extension tethers or adapters that add slack between the harness and the vehicle’s seatbelt system. The harness must connect directly without modifications to maintain its certified safety performance. Even a short tether creates enough extra movement to fail the excursion limits.

How often should I replace a CPS-certified harness?

Replace it after any significant car accident, even if the harness appears undamaged. The webbing and stitching may have sustained invisible stress that compromises performance in another crash. Otherwise, inspect regularly for fraying, rust on buckles, or deformed hardware, and follow the manufacturer’s normal wear guidelines.