Legislative shortcomings: A challenge in pet car transport is that there is no precise standard or directive at the EU level defining the requirements for safety equipment intended for pets. There are products on the market advertised as safe without independent testing – in the words of one expert, the field has long been a kind of "wild west". Fortunately, the situation has been improving in recent years as manufacturers voluntarily conduct crash tests on their products and independent bodies (such as the mentioned Center for Pet Safety in the United States and Sweden's RISE) have started publishing test results.

ECE R17 – load securing standard: In Europe, dog transport crates have begun to be tested according to vehicle load securing requirements. ECE R17 is a standard that applies to car seats and backrests but also to load securing in crash situations. Several high-quality metal crates (e.g., 4pets and Artfex) have been crash tested against this standard, meaning they have been attached to the car and subjected to strong frontal crash acceleration. The structure of an approved crate must withstand the crash so that it does not break or detach from its attachments, thus keeping the pet better protected and other passengers safe.

ECE R129 – child seat standard in new use: The latest development trend is that some manufacturers also use the ECE R129 standard set for child safety seats as a benchmark, which is more demanding than previous standards. For example, Tavo Pets has developed its products to meet the requirements of the latest UN child safety seat standard ECE R129 – their crash tests are calibrated according to this level. This indicates that the product withstands sudden decelerations and loads as strictly as a safety seat intended for children. In practice, meeting the R129 requirements means, among other things, effective side impact protection, proper attachment solutions (such as ISOFIX anchoring), and the use of non-toxic, fire-safe materials.

Crash test practices: Crash tests usually use dog dummies of various sizes to simulate pets in different weight classes. The tests assess how well harnesses, crates, or seats hold the dummy in place and how much force the “pet” and humans would experience in a collision. The results have opened many eyes: for example, in one study none of the common dog safety harnesses passed the test in a way that the dog would be completely safe. This does not mean that good harnesses do not exist – but that without special design and testing, the product may not withstand a real accident. Therefore, it is important to favor crash-tested products and review the manufacturer's information about the tests. Certifications granted by independent bodies (e.g., the “Crash Tested” label issued by CPS) are also a good indicator of the product's reliability.

Next, we will introduce different types of transport solutions and explain how they rank in safety. You will notice that the best products utilize the aforementioned standards and testing practices, so pay attention to them when choosing equipment for your pet.

What is a seat belt harness? Seat belt harnesses refer to harnesses worn by dogs (or larger cats) that are attached with the car's own seat belt or a separate strap to the car's anchor points. Good car harnesses resemble regular harnesses in structure but are usually reinforced, padded, and have metal attachments for connecting to the car seat belt buckle or ISOFIX anchors. When used correctly, safety harnesses prevent the dog from moving uncontrollably in the car and keep it in place during sudden braking. They can be especially handy when there is no space for a crate or when the dog travels on the back seat next to people.

Warning about cheap “seat belts”: There are many simple strap-like dog “seat belts” on the market that clip onto the seat belt buckle or around the headrest. However, experts warn about the dangers of such extensions – they can fail completely in a crash or cause serious injuries to the dog. A simple leash and collar combined with a seat belt is the most dangerous combination, as the pet may be strangled in a severe collision. Always use harnesses, not just a collar. Also ensure that the harnesses are the right size and properly adjusted: too loose harnesses will not restrain the dog, and too tight or poorly fitting ones can cause injuries.

Choose tested harnesses: As mentioned above, not all harnesses are created equal. It is recommended to choose a product that is separately crash tested and intended for car use. For example, the Finnish brand Hurtta has introduced tested car harnesses, and internationally there are a few models (such as Allsafe, Sleepypod Clickit etc.) that have received good results in independent tests. Check the manufacturer's information: often they state in which tests the harnesses have been tried. Remember to always attach the harness to the car's seat belt or ISOFIX fasteners according to the manufacturer's instructions. It is good to thread the seat belt through the harness at the correct spot so that the dog stays on the seat and does not get thrown despite the harness. Also, the middle seat on the back seat can be a good location for a dog in a harness – then it is less likely to hit the front seat or window.

In summary: Seat belt harnesses are a valid solution for short trips and calm passengers, as long as you invest in high-quality, tested harnesses and attach them correctly to the car. For longer trips or restless pets, however, a crate may be a better option as it offers more protection and keeps the pet in place without disturbance.

Why a crate? In a sturdy transport crate or box, the pet travels in a protected "cage" where it cannot disturb the driver. In a collision, a good crate keeps the pet inside and distributes the impact forces away from the animal, also preventing the pet from being thrown into the passenger compartment. There are metal and plastic car crates especially for station wagon trunks for dogs, while for cats and small dogs there are carriers and boxes that can be placed on the back seat. The most important thing is that the crate is sturdy enough and securely fastened in place – otherwise it just becomes a dangerously hard projectile.Especially larger dogs require a crate for safe travel.

Attachment and placement: The best place for a dog crate is often in the car's trunk against the backrest crosswise, or according to the manufacturer's instructions. It is good to tie the crate with cargo straps or the car's own attachment points so that it does not fall or move. A smaller transport box can be placed on the back seat and secured with a seat belt. Remember to lock the seat belt also around the transport box so that the box stays in place during braking. Some cars have ISOFIX attachment points, for which suitable crates or transport boxes are becoming available on the market – these are very convenient and safe because the fasteners lock directly to the car frame.

An advanced example of a modern travel crate is the Tavo Crispin travel crate (foldable lightweight crate), designed especially for small and medium-sized dogs up to ~25kg. Crispin has been tested under demanding conditions and calibrated to meet the ECE R129 safety standard. In practice, Crispin is attached to the car's back seat with integrated fasteners – it has both locks for the lower ISOFIX anchors and a top tether strap to ensure the crate stays firmly in place. The red-marked release loops allow quick removal of the crate when it's time to get out of the car.

For smaller pets – such as cats and dogs under ~10 kg – a good option is the Tavo Dupree pet travel bag, which combines the best features of a carrier and a safety seat. Dupree is a soft-sided bag, sized to be approved for airplane cabins, but it has a unique safety feature for car use: it snaps directly onto the car's ISOFIX anchors! Steel-reinforced locks secure to the car's anchors in seconds, so the bag cannot move. Additionally, Dupree is crash-tested under dynamic conditions just like Crispin; the tests are done with the same technology as the R129 standard child seats, indicating a high level of safety.

Travel comfort: The design of the Dupree bag also considers the animal's comfort. The bag maintains its shape thanks to a sturdy but slightly flexible frame (it does not collapse), and it has plenty of breathable mesh panels through which the pet can look outside. It comes with a padded base, and inside the bag there is a leash attachment point to increase safety. Many cat owners appreciate that Dupree also works excellently as a traditional carrier – vet visits and other trips go smoothly with one stylish bag. In the car, it offers much more protection than a regular plastic transport box because it is designed to withstand sudden movements. With one product, you get both a calming nest for the pet in the passenger compartment and peace of mind for the driver.

Summary of crates and boxes: A high-quality crate is often the safest way to transport a dog in a car, especially on longer trips. A cat, on the other hand, should practically always be kept in a transport box – a stressed cat could otherwise end up under the pedals or cause a dangerous situation. When choosing a crate or carrier, pay attention to the sturdiness of the structure, locks, and any test results. Also consider the appropriate size: a crate that is too large can be risky if the animal is thrown against the wall in a large space, while one that is too small causes anxiety. A good rule of thumb is that the animal can just barely turn around and lie down in a natural position. Cushion the crate, for example, with a non-slip mat or thick blanket and make it as cozy as possible for the pet – this makes traveling a pleasant experience.

Children have their own car seats, and now the same idea has been brought to the world of pets. Pet car seats are special booster seats or combinations of carrier bags and seats that attach to the car seat. Soft “booster seats” have been available for small dogs, raising the dog higher to window level; these increase comfort but do not necessarily protect in a collision. The latest development on the market is truly crash-tested pet safety seats that utilize the car's ISOFIX attachments and other child seat technologies.

Tavo Maeve ISO is a good example of a modern pet car seat. It visually resembles a child safety carrier or a pet carrier: it has a hard EPP foam frame, a curved canopy, and padded interior parts. The special feature of the Maeve ISO seat is the integrated ISOFIX locks, which can be released with the press of a button – the seat snaps directly onto the car seat's ISOFIX anchors without a separate dock. Color-coded indicators show when the attachment is properly locked, providing confidence in the installation. The seat frame is also surrounded by a removable canopy that serves both as protection and a carrying handle; the canopy is equipped with breathable mesh and a "peek window" so the pet can see outside and the owner inside. If needed, the canopy can be completely removed, turning Maeve into an open bed.

Safety and comfort: Maeve ISO combines the benefits of a hard cage and a soft bed. The pet sits on a soft mattress protected by high sides with side impact protection made of memory foam material. The entire structure is lightweight but very durable – tests have shown it meets strict safety criteria (the manufacturer states crash testing with ECE R129 technology also for this product). Maeve ISO's load capacity is suitable for pets weighing about under 15–18 kg (available in two sizes), making it ideal for example for cats, small dogs, and even medium-sized dogs like Jack Russell terriers or Shetland sheepdogs. In the car, Maeve should be placed on the back seat, preferably on the right side – according to the manufacturer, installation is possible on both left and right. If the seat is used in the front seat, the front airbag must be deactivated, as would be done with a child safety seat.

Practical benefit: Maeve ISO safety seat makes putting your pet in and taking them out of the car very easy. The seat can be lifted onto the Roscoe stroller frame (sold separately), if you convert it into stylish pet strollers – Convenient for example in shopping malls or on longer trips. Since the seat is also a carrier, the pet can stay in it to sleep even at the accommodation; a familiar nest reduces stress in an unfamiliar environment. The materials are top quality: the fabrics are removable and washable, UV-protected (UPF 50+), and even have the GREENGUARD Gold certification for low emissions. All this means that Maeve ISO offers luxurious protection and special safety for small travel companions.

In addition to the main products (harnesses, crates, seats), there are several accessories that improve travel comfort and safety with a pet:

• Seat covers: These protective covers are placed on the car seat or the cargo area floor to protect the upholstery from dirt, moisture, and hair. Although a seat cover does not directly keep the pet in place, it can be useful in certain situations. Such a solution prevents the dog from falling into the footwell during sudden braking and confines it to its own space on the back seat. Additionally, a padded base makes traveling more comfortable, especially on long trips. Choose a waterproof and non-slip seat cover that is easy to clean – it makes life easier for both the dog and the owner on the road.

• Car nets and gates: Many station wagon owners are used to keeping the dog in the cargo area behind a divider net or gate. A fixed dog net (such as the car's original accessory or a separately installed metal grille) is essential if the dog travels in the trunk without a crate. A strong steel mesh or dog gate behind the rear seatbacks ensures that the dog cannot climb into the passenger compartment or be thrown forward in a sudden stop. However, note that a dog loose in the cargo area can still be thrown around and hurt itself – the net mainly protects people. Therefore, with a large dog, the best combination is a proper crate + fixed dog net, so both the dog and people are protected. Smaller, flexible nylon nets are also available to attach between the front and rear compartments; they act as a visual barrier and reminder for the dog to stay back, but they usually do not withstand strong pressure. So invest in quality and ensure the net's sturdiness.

• Other fastening devices: On the market, there are also, for example, seat belt fasteners (straps that can be used to tie a crate or carrier to the belt) and anti-slip mats under the crate. These are affordable ways to improve the safety of existing equipment. For example, a rubber anti-slip mat on the cargo area floor keeps the crate from moving during everyday braking. A few strategically placed cargo straps can save the situation in a collision by keeping the crate tied to the car – just remember to use attachment loops intended for the car's structure.

In summary: accessories complement the safety package. They do not replace harnesses or crates, but help create both a cleaner and safer environment. Comfort and safety often go hand in hand: when the dog has a comfortable base and a confined space, it stays calmer, which in turn reduces sudden movements and dangerous situations during the drive.

Finally, we offer a set of practical tips to ensure your pet's well-being during car trips and to prevent the most common hazards:

• Heat in the car: Never leave a pet alone in a hot car. The temperature in a parked car rises quickly to life-threatening levels, even on cloudy days. If you have to stop, keep breaks short or take the pet with you. Also ensure during driving that the car has sufficient ventilation – use air conditioning if necessary. You can offer a cooling mat or a damp towel at the dog's resting place. Remember that dogs do not cool down by sweating like humans but by panting, so hot air in the car is especially uncomfortable for them. In short: better a little effort to arrange coolness than the risk of heatstroke.

• Breaks and hydration: Plan the route so that you take regular breaks (about every two hours is a good rule of thumb). During breaks, the pet can stretch its legs, relieve itself, and drink water. On long trips, a light snack may also be appropriate, but avoid large meals just before or during the trip – traveling on a full stomach can cause nausea. For cats, it is advisable to have a small litter box in the car for breaks on long journeys. Hydration is important: carry a water bottle and a travel water bowl, and offer water at every stop. In winter, make sure the pet does not get cold during breaks; if necessary, you can keep a coat for the dog or a blanket for the cat to wrap in the car.

• Placement and travel comfort: As mentioned earlier, the safest place for a dog is usually the rear area or back seat – never in the front seat in front of an active airbag. If you use harnesses on the back seat, the dog should be placed in the middle seat or behind the driver so that in a side collision it is in a more protected spot. Make sure no hard objects (such as tools or loose items) are next to the pet to prevent them from hitting the animal in an accident. Regarding travel comfort, try to accustom your pet to car travel in advance: short practice trips, rewarding, and a calm atmosphere in the car. Some dogs and cats suffer from motion sickness or anxiety – in such cases, you can bring something with a familiar scent (e.g., a toy or blanket from home) to provide comfort. A smooth driving style is best: avoid sudden braking and sharp lane changes whenever possible. Keep the car quiet and calm; music played too loudly or constant talking can stress the animal. If the pet is a very nervous traveler, you can get advice from a veterinarian if needed (e.g., pheromone sprays for cats or anti-nausea medication for dogs).

• Carefulness and supervision: Even if the pet is in a crate, do not forget it completely – keep a suitable temperature in the car, monitor the pet's condition through a mirror or camera, and react if it seems to be feeling unwell. For cats, it is good to keep the carrier door closed for the entire trip; dogs can be taken outside on a leash during breaks, but make sure the car is parked in a safe place and the dog has a firm grip on the leash before opening the door. Many cats have escaped when the carrier door is opened carelessly in the wrong place – so practice the break routine in advance. Also always check before the trip that the equipment is intact: the harness locks work, the crate door locks properly, and the securing straps are not frayed.

• Acclimatization to car travel: If possible, start acclimating your pet to car travel as early as possible, preferably as a puppy. Take short rides and get them used to traveling safely. Do not give in to the puppy but keep safety as a priority.

• If your pet gets sick: Some pets can get sick during car travel just like people. This can be helped by acclimatization, travel position in the car, and the direction the face is facing during the drive. If your pet does not get used to traveling, discuss the matter with your veterinarian.

Safe car travel for pets consists of careful preparation, the right equipment, and common sense. The most important thing is to prevent the pet from being loose in the car – whether the method is seatbelt harnesses, a transport crate, or a separate pet car seat. Each solution has its own advantages, and often combining several (e.g., crate + dog barrier, harness + seat protector) achieves the best result. Remember to familiarize yourself with the safety features of the products: look for information on crash tests, standards (such as ECE R17 and R129), and certifications. For example, the Tavo Pets products (Crispin, Dupree, Maeve ISO) mentioned in this guide are good examples of modern, tested solutions that provide both safety and comfort for traveling. When your pet travels safely, you can also focus on driving more relaxed – the shared car trip then goes more pleasantly for everyone. Safe kilometers and fun moments with your pet! 🐾