Subaru is known for making safe vehicles, and there's a good reason for that. It's not just talk. Subaru has earned Top Safety Pick ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway safety on every vehicle in its lineup for the last six years. No other manufacturer can make that claim.
But Subaru is also known as the vehicle of choice for pet owners. Just think about the number of happy dogs you’ve seen sticking their snouts out the window, or enthusiastically leaping into the back of a Subaru. According to Subaru's director of corporate communications, Michael McHale, almost 70% of Subaru drivers own a dog.
Knowing that Subaru vehicles are safe and dog friendly, it should come as no surprise that Subaru is interested in pet safety and crash testing of pet safety products. After all, you want your pets to be safe too! That's why Subaru of America has partnered with the Center for Pet Safety to test pet safety products.
The tests will be conducted by MGA Research Corporation, a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration contracted testing laboratory, and consist of realistic dog dummies being placed in crates and carriers and subjected to "rigorous" crash scenarios. Since there isn't currently a standard or protocol for pet safety crash tests, Subaru, the Center for Pet Safety, and MGA Research Corporation may very well be shaping the standards for future tests.
Lindsey Wolko, founder and CEO of Center for Pet Safety had this to say about the testing, "We are very excited to once again have the support of Subaru, allowing the independent examination of pet crates and carriers. Subaru understands the importance of safety of all passengers including our four-legged friends."
The truth is, people don't always consider the safety of their pets when it comes to riding in a vehicle. They may painstakingly comb through their dog's fur to check for ticks to prevent Lyme disease, but then let them hop right up in the front seat when it's time to go home.
These tests are meant to make pet owners more aware of safety risks.
