When the Fit Isn't Right

What do you do, when your dog doesn't fit the certified product that you like?

This is a common problem for dog moms and dads of little dogs who want a harness, so their pup can see out the window and move around.

You might be tempted to get the Sleepypod harness anyway and try to bulk up your dog in sweaters. Or maybe rig up some extra padding to the harness.

Good try, but it won't work out as easily as you hope. The fit needs to be snug, so it can keep your dog safe in case of a car crash. That's the reason you're buying it, right?

So what do you do?

Go find a different harness, use that instead and hope it works in case of a crash? Please don't. Sleepypod harnesses are the ONLY ones to have passed crash testing by Center for Pet Safety. If you're concerned about your dog's safety in the car, a different harness isn't going to solve that problem.

Instead, you have a couple different options: go for a car seat (ZuGoPet Rocketeer Pack), a carrier (by Sleepypod or Away), or a Gunner Kennel. If being able to see out the window is top priority, the ZuGoPet Rocketeer Pack is it. Your dog wears a harness that connects to the car seat, sitting in it similar to a human baby would. The downside is that your dog remains in this position for the entire car ride, so do plan on frequent stops if you're headed on a long trip (which you should do anyway, regardless of what seatbelt system you use).

If the window view isn't that important, look into a carrier or Gunner Kennel. If you want something versatile, cozy and functional, Sleepypod and Away have perfect carrier options. Your dog can snooze away happily in there!

However, some dogs are too tall for the largest carrier, and in that case, go with the small Gunner Kennel, which despite its bulk, fits in most cars (measure first to be sure). A safe option really does exist for every size dog.

Are you worried your dog won't like the car seat, carrier or kennel?

No problem. A little training can help!

Think about it - if your child complained about buckling up, would you say okay, and drive with your child unrestrained in the car? Of course not. So why can your furbaby get away with that?

Stop searching for other seatbelt options for your pup, because a certified one already exists, and training support is available if you need it. In the long run, you'll be really glad you went certified!