A leading pet safety company has launched a harness replacement program to ensure pet safety in cars.

Kurgo, a leader in pet safety solutions, has long focused on developing products that make travelling with pets safer.

And their latest initiative aims to do just that by ensuring pets have a safe and secure harness.

The company recently launched its “Safe Again” program, coinciding with National Pet Travel Safety Day (January 2).

Sarah Ambler, Marketing Manager for Kurgo ANZ, stresses the importance of pet safety in vehicles.

“We all instinctively fasten our seatbelts when we get into a car, but the safety of our pets often goes overlooked,” Ambler says.

“The truth is that unrestrained dogs in vehicles can pose serious risks to themselves, the driver and passengers.

“As a pioneer in dog safety solutions, we are dedicated to addressing this issue and have developed innovative measures to keep dogs safe during car rides.”

The importance of pet safety in vehicles

Recent studies indicate a growing concern over pet safety in vehicles.

With an increase in pet ownership and travel, experts stress the importance of using appropriate safety harnesses and carriers.

The introduction of programs like Kurgo’s “Safe Again” is a response to this growing need, aiming to educate and equip pet owners with the necessary tools to ensure their pets’ safety.

The dangers of unrestrained pets

Pet safety advocacy group, Bark Buckle UP, says not restraining makes them dangerous projectiles during car accidents.

A pet weighing around 30kg (on average) in a car travelling at 60kph can become a 1,225kg projectile.

These statistics highlight the danger and how unrestrained animals puts both the pet and human passengers at risk.

Additionally, unrestrained pets can cause various post-crash issues, including hindering first responders, escaping, leading to secondary accidents, and causing driver distractions.

Pet Travel Safety Tips

• Secure your pet: Always use a crash-tested harness or carrier.
• Never leave pets unattended: Especially in extreme weather conditions.
• Take regular breaks: Stop for breaks on long journeys to allow pets to stretch and hydrate.
• Familiarise your pet: Gradually introduce your pet to car travel if they are not used to it.

The “Safe Again” program

In a unique move, Kurgo offers free replacements for dog car harnesses, irrespective of the brand, following an accident.

This process, facilitated by Kurgo’s Customer Care team, involves submitting a Harness Accident Claim Form detailing the accident, after which a replacement harness is dispatched within 15 business days.

Kurgo’s initiative is a vital step towards safer pet travel, especially relevant during the holiday season when road travel peaks.

The “Safe Again” program revolves around Kurgo’s crash-tested dog car harnesses, designed for dogs up to 35kg and compliant with the Motor Vehicle Safety Standard for child restraint systems.

“These Enhanced Strength Tru-Fit Smart Harnesses come with a lifetime warranty, ensuring a free replacement in case of any manufacturing defects,” Ambler explains.

Kurgo simplifies securing pets in cars, offering easy-to-follow instructional videos for their harnesses.

Additionally, the brand caters to smaller dogs with crash-tested booster seats, allowing them to enjoy the journey safely.

Just like child car seats, Kurgo understands the importance of replacing harnesses involved in accidents to ensure ongoing safety for your cherished pet.

The “Safe Again” program extends beyond standard safety measures.

→ Head to the Kurgo website to learn more

Advances in pet car safety equipment

The pet safety industry has seen significant advancements in recent years.

Modern pet car harnesses are now designed to withstand high impacts, offering protection similar to human safety devices.

These developments reflect an increased understanding of pet behaviour and anatomy, leading to more effective and comfortable safety solutions.

→ Learn more about Kurgo and the harness replacement program online

→ The Kurgo website also shows pet owners how to apply for a replacement harness after being involved in a crash

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