Best CPS-Certified Dog Car Harnesses of 2025: Expert Reviews

When it comes to ensuring your dog’s safety during car travel, a high-quality, crash-tested harness is essential. Not all dog car harnesses are created equal, and the difference between a properly tested harness and an untested one could literally be life-saving in the event of an accident. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll examine the top Center for Pet Safety (CPS) certified dog car harnesses available in 2025, providing you with expert insights to make an informed decision for your furry companion.

This article is part of our comprehensive guide to dog car safety, providing in-depth reviews of the most secure restraint options available.

Why Choose a CPS-Certified Harness?

The Center for Pet Safety (CPS) is a non-profit organization that independently tests and certifies pet travel products using rigorous standards. Unlike products for children, until CPS, safety standards didn’t exist for pet products. CPS certification ensures that a harness has been thoroughly tested in simulated crash conditions and proven effective at protecting both your dog and the human occupants of the vehicle.

To understand the rigorous testing process these products undergo, read our detailed explanation in CPS Certification Explained: How Dog Car Safety Products Are Tested.

Top CPS-Certified Dog Car Harnesses for 2025

1. Sleepypod Clickit Terrain

Rating: 5 Stars (CPS Certified)
Size Range: Small to X-Large (dogs from 18-110 pounds)
Price Range: $89.99-$99.99

The Sleepypod Clickit Terrain continues to hold its position as the gold standard for dog car safety harnesses in 2025. The Sleepypod Clickit Terrain is the only harness approved by the CPS for larger dogs up to 110 pounds. This harness features:

Three-point design that secures your dog’s torso to the seat using your car’s seat belt system
Shock-absorbing sleeves that reduce force on your dog’s chest by 10% compared to previous models
Broad, padded vest for enhanced comfort and impact distribution
Crash-tested at the same facilities that test child safety seats
Doubles as a walking harness with reflective strips for visibility
Energy-absorbing padded vest

Best for: Medium to large dogs (18-110 pounds) who need the highest level of protection. The Terrain is particularly well-suited for active dogs who also need a harness for hiking and outdoor activities, as it functions as both a car and walking harness.

Key considerations: While extremely safe, the Terrain is heavier than some alternatives. Additionally, Sleepypod harnesses may not provide a safe or proper fit for sighthound breeds like Greyhounds, Whippets, Salukis, Afghan Hounds, and Borzoi due to their unique body shapes.

2. Sleepypod Clickit Sport

Rating: 5 Stars (CPS Certified)
Size Range: Small to X-Large (dogs from 18-90 pounds)
Price Range: $72.99-$84.99

The Sleepypod Clickit Sport is the predecessor to the Terrain but remains an excellent choice with a slightly different design approach. Features include:

Three-point design similar to the Terrain
Integrated with the car’s seat belt for superior safety
Lighter weight than the Terrain model
Continuous loop webbing design for added strength
Padded vest for comfort and load dispersion
Also functions as a walking harness

Best for: Medium-sized dogs and those who prefer a slightly lighter harness than the Terrain model while still maintaining top-level safety certification.

Key considerations: Like the Terrain, it’s not suitable for sighthound breeds. Some users report the Sport is slightly easier to put on than the Terrain.

3. ZuGoPet Rocketeer Pack

Rating: 5 Stars (CPS Certified)
Size Range: For small dogs and cats up to 25 pounds
Price Range: $125-$150

The ZuGoPet Rocketeer Pack takes a unique approach to pet car safety. ZuGoPet’s Rocketeer Pack is a pet car seat that doubles as a backpack. Designed for small dogs and cats 25 pounds or lighter, the Rocketeer also received a five-star rating from CPS.

Upright seating position that mimics how humans sit in cars
Doubles as a backpack carrier when not in the car
Padded interior for comfort
Secure attachment system that works with your car’s seat belt

Best for: Small dogs and cats under 25 pounds who travel frequently and need a multi-functional solution.

Key considerations: The upright seating position may not be ideal for all dogs, particularly those with back issues. Dachshunds are known to be the breed at the highest risk for intervertebral disc disease, with up to 25% affected at some point in their lives. Sitting upright like that for extended periods of time is highly likely to put significant additional pressure on their discs.

Note: According to the CPS website, the current version of the Rocketeer Pack has been discontinued. Verify with the manufacturer if you’re considering this product.

Other Highly-Rated Dog Car Harnesses (Non-CPS Certified)

While CPS certification represents the gold standard for safety, there are other harnesses that have undergone various forms of crash testing that may be worth considering, particularly if you have budget constraints or a dog with a body type not suited for the CPS-certified options.

EzyDog Drive Safety Travel Dog Car Harness

Testing Status: Crash-tested at Automotive Safety Engineering in Australia (FMVSS 213 standards)
Size Range: X-Small to X-Large
Price Range: $89-$125

If your dog is secure and relatively stationary in the car, and absolute safety is your top priority, we’d recommend the Sleepypod harness, with the EzyDog a distant second. Features include:

Crash-tested according to EU, USA, and Australian safety standards
Padded chest plate for comfort and impact distribution
Quick-release buckles for ease of use
Cross-link technology to evenly distribute pressure in a crash

Best for: Dogs who don’t fit well in Sleepypod harnesses or when budget is a consideration but safety is still paramount.

Kurgo Tru-Fit Enhanced Strength Crash-Tested Smart Car Dog Harness

Testing Status: Crash-tested at MGA Research Corp (FMVSS 213 standards)
Size Range: X-Small to X-Large (for dogs 5-110 pounds)
Price Range: $39.99-$45.99

The Kurgo Tru-Fit Crash Tested harness is a good example of this – and it’s also considerably cheaper than the Sleepypod. Unlike the regular Kurgo Tru-Fit, this is the “enhanced strength” version. Features include:

Steel nesting buckles (similar to those used for rock climbing)
Five adjustment points for custom fit
Padded chest plate
Includes carabiner and 10-inch tether
Lifetime warranty

Best for: Budget-conscious pet owners who still want a crash-tested product.

How to Choose the Right Size Harness for Your Dog

Selecting the correct size is crucial for safety. An ill-fitting harness may not provide adequate protection in a crash or could cause injury.

Measurement Guidelines:

Weight: Know your dog’s exact weight
Chest Girth: Measure the widest part of your dog’s chest, usually just behind the front legs
Neck Size: Measure around the base of your dog’s neck
Length: Measure from the base of the neck to the base of the tail (for some harness models)

Special Considerations for Different Breeds:

Brachycephalic breeds (Bulldogs, Pugs, etc.): Look for harnesses with extra neck clearance to avoid respiratory stress
Deep-chested breeds (Dobermans, Greyhounds): May need specialized harnesses; standard models often don’t fit properly
Small breeds: Ensure the harness isn’t too heavy or bulky
Long-backed breeds (Dachshunds, Corgis): Avoid harnesses that put pressure on the spine

Always refer to the manufacturer’s specific sizing guide for the model you’re considering.

For more detailed guidance on selecting the perfect safety product for your specific dog, see our guide on How to Choose the Right Dog Car Safety Product Based on Size and Breed.

Proper Installation and Usage Tips

Even the best harness can fail if not used correctly. Follow these guidelines:

Proper Fitting: You should be able to fit two fingers between the harness and your dog’s body
Connection Method: Always follow manufacturer instructions for attaching to the car’s seat belt system
No Extensions: Extension tethers increase the risks to your family and their pets. We also advise you to forego the add-on products like extension tethers and zipline style products because these add-on devices are likely not tested and will negate the testing results of the “crash tested harness” you are using.
Regular Inspection: Check for wear and tear, fraying, or damage to buckles regularly
Replacement Schedule: Consider replacing even high-quality harnesses every 2-3 years with regular use. If your dog experiences stress during car travel, a properly fitted harness combined with anxiety management techniques can help. Learn more in our guide to Dog Travel Anxiety: Prevention & Management Tips.

Cost vs. Value Considerations

Car safety harnesses range considerably in price, from around $40 to over $150. When evaluating cost:

Consider the harness as safety equipment, not just an accessory
Factor in durability and longevity
Remember that medical costs from injuries in an accident would far exceed the cost of even the most expensive harness
Look for warranties that cover manufacturing defects

FAQs About Dog Car Harnesses

Q: Are dog car harnesses required by law? A: Laws vary by state. Some states have general distracted driving laws that could apply to unrestrained pets, while others have specific requirements for securing dogs in vehicles. Check your local regulations. For a complete breakdown of state-specific regulations, see our State-by-State Guide to Legal Requirements for Dog Car Travel.

Q: Can I use my dog’s regular walking harness in the car? A: Regular walking harnesses are not designed to withstand crash forces. Only use harnesses specifically designed and tested for car safety.

Q: How long can my dog comfortably wear a car harness? A: Most car safety harnesses are designed to be comfortable for several hours. However, on long trips, provide regular breaks for your dog to stretch and relieve themselves.

Q: Are car harnesses suitable for puppies? A: Most car harnesses are designed for adult dogs. For puppies, a secured carrier may be more appropriate until they reach the minimum weight for a car harness.

Conclusion: Investing in Your Dog’s Safety

A CPS-certified car harness represents one of the most important investments you can make in your dog’s safety during travel. The Sleepypod Clickit Terrain continues to lead the market in 2025 for medium to large dogs, while the Rocketeer Pack offers excellent protection for smaller pets.

When selecting a harness, prioritize proper fit, ease of use, and certification status. Remember that even the most expensive harness costs far less than veterinary treatment for injuries that could result from an accident with an improperly restrained pet.

By choosing a high-quality, properly tested car harness and using it correctly on every trip, you’re not just complying with safety recommendations—you’re providing your furry family member with the protection they deserve.