New crash-tested dog harness highlights the need to keep our animals safe on the road

Driving with an unrestrained pet, as is the case with a child that’s not buckled in, is a dangerous game of Russian Roulette for every occupant inside the vehicle.

Not only can our furry friends distract us while we’re driving, potentially leading to an accident, but they can also act as projectiles during a crash, where the extreme g-forces involved can endanger our lives as well as theirs.

Thankfully, South Africans are becoming increasingly aware of the need to keep their pets safe when hitting the road, and there are several leash-like products that plug into the seatbelt to allow some form of restraint for the animal.

However, a new crash-tested product from Swedish accessory manufacturer Thule aims to take that to the next level.

What sets the new device apart from basic tethers or extender leashes is that it was purpose-designed to limit the forward movement of the animal during sudden stops.

Its padded mesh panels were designed to keep pets cool and comfortable, while the step-in design can also help sensitive or nervous pets to feel more secure. Furthermore, the back leash attachment allows you to hop out and explore without needing to switch gear.

When it goes on sale in September, through Thule and Thule Partner stores, the Cappy will be available in various sizes, designed to fit most dog breeds. Pricing had not been announced at the time of writing.

Apart from visits to the dog park, up to half of pet owners are now also taking their dogs on holiday, research shows, and car companies are slowly responding to the trend.

The soon-to-be-launched Jaecoo J5, for instance, is available with a slew of pet-friendly features, including crated boarding steps, a feeding system, and extended seats that cater to their comfort and safety. It also features scratch-resistant interior materials and a specialised air filtration system that can effectively isolate pet hair and allergens.

However, regardless of how many accessories you want to invest in, it is important to ensure that your pets are positioned in the back seat, for their safety and yours, and that there is at least some form of restraining system in place.

Rogz, for instance, offers a range of safety belt clips in various sizes, often priced between R100 and R200, depending on the retailer.

IOL Motoring