Which dog crates are crash tested? (USA & UK)

What does crash tested mean?

When a dog crate is labeled as “crash-tested,” it means that the crate has undergone testing to assess its safety and durability in the event of a car crash. This is particularly relevant for dog owners who plan to use the crate in a vehicle, such as during car travel.

Crash testing for dog crates is designed to simulate the impact forces that may occur during a car accident. The testing evaluates how well the crate can protect the dog inside and how well it withstands the forces exerted during a collision. A crash-tested dog crate should provide a secure and protective environment for the dog, minimizing the risk of injury in the event of an accident.

It’s important to note that not all dog crates are crash-tested, so if this feature is important to you, be sure to look for products that specifically mention passing crash tests conducted by reputable organizations or standards. The crash testing is typically done according to certain standards, and manufacturers may provide information about the testing procedures and results to assure customers of the crate’s safety.

To provide further peace of mind, you can also look for a dog crate which has been independently tested from the manufacturer. In the USA this will have been performed by the center for pet safety.

Who is the center for pet safety?

“Center for Pet Safety (CPS) is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit safety science organization dedicated to consumer and companion animal safety.”

They basically put pet products through rigorous testing and publish the results on their website.

Furthermore….

• They do not use live animals in our testing. (They have special 75lb dog shaped crash test dummies!)
• They are not affiliated with the pet product industry. (which means their results are independent and reliable)
• They do not endorse products. (Which means they won’t favor a product in their testing and remain completely impartial)

CPS Crate testing 2015

In 2015 the CPS performed extensive testing on dog crates designed to be placed into the cargo area of a vehicle.

They tested crates specifically designed and advertised as being able to withstand an impact whose purchase price was under $1000 (including shipping)

Budget carriers under $150 without any crash claims were tested separately. You can see those results here

Our top pick for a crash tested dog crate

It has to be the Gunner G1 which not only is advertised as a crash tested safe dog crate, but also came out top in the CPS independent testing in 2015.

Here’s what the CPS had to report;

The GUNNER G1 Kennel is the epitome of canine safety and comfort on the road. Engineered to perfection, this kennel has earned its stripes with a 5-star crash test certification, proving its unparalleled ability to save lives in real accidents.

With double impact protection and a groundbreaking double-walled design, the GUNNER G1 stands alone in the market, providing a secure haven for your furry companion during every journey.

What sets the GUNNER G1 apart is not just its robust safety features but also its innovative design that keeps your dog up to 12% cooler than other performance crates. Built to withstand extreme conditions, it’s virtually bombproof, offering peace of mind like no other kennel.

American-made and backed by a lifetime guarantee, the GUNNER G1 is an investment in your dog’s well-being, ensuring they travel not just in style, but in the utmost safety.

Notable mentions

4pets PRO proline milan

Also tested by the center for pet safety, the Proline Milan faired well against stiff competition.

Although it suffered more damage then the Gunner crate, it achieved it’s aim of containing the dog in the accident without collapsing or becoming completely detached.

In the US you can but the pro crate at Walmart and in the UK you can find them on roofbox.co.uk

Lucky duck Kennels

Lucky Duck kennels weren’t included in the 2015 assessment by CPS but have since received a 5 star report from them. Made in the USA, Lucky Duck kennels are notably safe for dogs up to 100lb (whereas the Gunner and Pro Milan are rated to 75lb).

Lucky Duck crates can be bought directly from the manufacturer’s website or from Amazon here

Top Crash tested dog crates UK

TransK9

Over the past 20 years, TransK9 have become synonymous with safe, crash tested dog crates in the UK.

The crash test report is available on their website here and it’s clear that the design is very capable of keeping your dog safe in an accident.

Designed, built and made in Scotland you can buy directly from their website here; https://transk9.com/

TransK9 now have an American distributor; https://www.transk9usa.com/

MIMsafe UK variocage

The variocage was one to score highly in the CPS USA tests and they’re available in the UK too.

Tested from all angles by the RISE research institutes of Sweden they advertise this safety feature as safety 360 degrees.

The variocage is available to buy directly from the MIMsafe website here.

DT boxes

DT dog crates are specifically designed for your make and model of car meaning there is no wasted space either inside or outside the crate making it fit snuggly with no movement.

DT crates have been independently crash/sled tested;

Marginally less expensive than other brands, you can buy direct from the website; https://dtboxes.co.uk/pages/search-by-vehicle