Gear Score Methodology
PetPal Gear Score
Best Crash-Tested Dog Car Harnesses and Travel Crates (2026)
Editorial synthesis of Center for Pet Safety certification records, manufacturer FMVSS 213-based crash-test documentation, AVMA, AAHA, AKC, and Merck Veterinary Manual travel guidance, plus hobbyist consensus from r/dogs — no first-hand crash testing or product testing.
PetPal Gear Score = (Independent Crash Evidence × 0.40) + (Expert Consensus × 0.25) + (Fit and Sizing Methodology × 0.20) + (Vehicle Fit and Workflow × 0.15)Factor breakdown
Independent Crash Evidence
40%Whether the product is independently certified (CPS) or only manufacturer-declared (FMVSS 213-style internal testing). The PetPal Gear Score is a composite of independent crash-testing records and manufacturer specifications — PetPalHQ does not run a crash-test lab.
Expert Consensus
25%Synthesized from Center for Pet Safety certification records, AKC Dog Car Safety guidance, AAHA's Traveling Safely With Your Pet brochure, AVMA travel guidance, and hobbyist consensus on r/dogs.
Fit and Sizing Methodology
20%How precisely the manufacturer publishes weight bands per size and how clearly the buying guide can match a specific dog to a specific size.
Vehicle Fit and Workflow
15%How realistically the restraint installs and uninstalls in the buyer's likely vehicle, and how forgiving the daily-use workflow is.
See all score methodologies on the Gear Score index.