How We Test

Our testing is designed to answer one question: will this accessory fit and perform safely and cleanly in your specific vehicle with your specific dog?

Test Matrix and Vehicle Mapping

• We map seat and cargo geometry: depth/height, backrest angle, 60/40 split behavior, latch/anchor placement, cargo tie‑downs, wheel‑well intrusions, and hatch slope.
• We maintain a cross‑reference of vehicles and trims to crate footprints, harness belt paths, barrier widths/heights, booster base sizes, ramp angles, and seat cover coverage zones.

Installation and Fit Verification

• We install according to the manufacturer’s instructions, prioritizing existing anchor points (LATCH/ISOFIX, cargo tie‑downs) without drilling or interfering with airbags or sensors.
• We time setup and removal, document belt routing clarity, and check for door/seatbelt access and child‑seat coexistence.
• Where exact‑trim testing isn’t feasible, we confirm with verified measurements and user‑submitted photos.

Road Behavior and Safety Checks

• Stability: emergency‑style braking and lane changes in controlled conditions to assess sliding, tipping, and lunge prevention.
• Quietness: rattle/creak scoring over bumps and highway expansion joints.
• Dog comfort: posture, ability to lie down, ventilation alignment, and stress signals—guided by a certified trainer.
• Materials and cleanability: hair/dirt shedding, waterproof claims, odor retention, machine‑wash cycles, and wipe‑down tests.

Scoring and What We Publish

• Fit accuracy and anchor compatibility.
• Install difficulty and removal speed.
• Stability/quietness score.
• Cleanability rating and materials safety notes.
• Known tradeoffs and edge‑case cautions.

Animal Welfare and Tester Safety

• No test compromises a dog’s wellbeing. We acclimate gradually, use positive handling, and stop tests at signs of distress.
• We do not perform independent crash‑sled testing. When relevant, we cite third‑party results and manufacturer certifications and focus our role on fitment, installation integrity, and real‑world handling.

Independence, Samples, and Updates

• Products are purchased or occasionally loaned. Loaned/gifted items are disclosed and held to identical standards.
• We re‑test after design updates or recalls and revise guides accordingly.
• You can request a vehicle or product addition; we’ll share interim measurement guidance until full testing is complete.