Traveling with a dog is a pleasure, but also a responsibility.
More and more pet owners are securing their dog in the car with a seatbelt attached to a pressure-free harness – and that's already a really good step.
However, it is worth knowing that there are accessories designed specifically to protect a dog in the car in the event of a collision, tested in laboratories just like car equipment.
Thule, a brand known for the highest quality solutions for travelers, has created a line of dog accessories – Thule Cappy and Thule Allax – which have passed real crash tests and TÜV certification. These are products that combine automotive engineering with a love for dogs.
Thule Cappy harness – safety confirmed by crash tests.
A well-fitted car harness is more than just comfort – it's real protection.
Thule Cappy is a model designed exactly for this: it stabilizes the dog, reduces overload during braking, and remains comfortable for everyday use.
The harness is TÜV SÜD certified and has been tested at the Thule Test Center™ in Sweden, where engineers check the equipment's resistance in extreme conditions – during collisions, temperature changes, and repeated use.
Why is Thule Cappy the choice of a conscious pet owner?
- Crash tests confirmed by certificate – this is not marketing, but real safety tests.
- "Step-in" design – the dog steps into the harness without having to put it over its head, which makes it easier to put on and reduces stress.
- Wide, adjustable straps and soft padding – evenly distribute pressure during sudden braking.
- Solid buckles and reinforcements – increase durability and load resistance.
- Seatbelt attachment – ensures stability and limits the dog's movement in the car.
- Breathable recycled fabric – comfort and better ventilation on longer journeys.
See the Thule Cappy car harness with TÜV certificate in our store
What about large dogs? How to interpret weight limits for harnesses?
The harnesses are available in 3 sizes, and the largest is size L for dogs up to 34kg. And this is one of the most common questions:
"My dog weighs 40 kg – can I use the Thule Cappy harness if the manufacturer states a limit of 34 kg?"
Weight limits result not from the strength of the harnesses themselves, but from the conditions of crash tests and the forces acting during a collision.
During the test, an impact at a specific speed (usually about 50 km/h) is simulated, and the overload generated by the dog's mass is calculated.
A dog weighing 34 kg can "weigh" over several hundred kilograms at the moment of impact!
That is why TÜV standards specify the maximum test weight at which the equipment maintains integrity and guarantees safety.
However, this does not mean that the harness will "break" with a 35 kg dog.
The point is that it has not been tested above this weight, so the manufacturer cannot officially declare its effectiveness.
If the harness size fits the dog well (without pressure and with proper adjustment), it is better to secure the dog with a certified harness than not at all.
For really large dogs (over 40 kg), Thule Allax crates can also be a good solution – they have a larger safety margin and are designed to absorb the impact force of the entire dog's body.
Watch the video How to properly fit and put on the Thule Cappy harness:
Check out the Thule Allax crate in various sizes – also for large dogs
Thule Allax crate – premium safety for your dog in the trunk.
For dogs that feel more comfortable in the trunk, Thule Allax is a premium solution – combining safety technology with comfort and adaptability to different cars.
This is not an ordinary transport crate.
Allax was developed based on automotive research and passed crash tests in accordance with ECE R17 and R129 standards, confirmed by TÜV SÜD certificate (Z1 013709 0039).
What distinguishes the Thule Allax crate?
- Crumple Zone – absorbs impact energy and minimizes risk to the dog and passengers.
- Adjustable depth – allows the crate to be adapted to a specific car model and dog size.
- Escape doors and soft opening system – safety and convenience of use.
- Solid aluminum construction – stable even during sudden maneuvers.
- Ventilation and good visibility – reduce dog's stress during travel.
See the Thule Allax crate with crash test in our store
How Thule tests safety: from laboratory to trunk?
At the Thule Test Center™ in Hillerstorp (Sweden), each product undergoes a series of tests developed by automotive engineers.
These are the same procedures used for testing car components.
Tests include:
- frontal, side, and rear collisions using dog-dummies,
- testing the durability of the structure during braking and turns,
- simulations of temperature changes and long-term use,
- analysis of crumple zone deformation,
- pressure and load point control.
Only after meeting all requirements and obtaining TÜV SÜD certification does the product go on sale.
This guarantees that your dog travels in equipment that has truly been checked.
Why trust Thule?
For over 80 years, Thule has been creating solutions that protect what matters most – people, animals, and equipment.
Their products are tested under the same conditions as car components: vibrations, collisions, extreme temperatures, overloads.
That's why the Thule Dog line is more than just accessories – it's a philosophy of safety and durability.
Who are these solutions for?
Not every dog needs a crate, but every dog deserves safety.
For dogs traveling in the back seat, the Thule Cappy harness and a car mat with sides protecting the doors are an excellent combination.
Such a setup provides full protection:
- the certified harness can be attached directly to the seatbelt,
- the mat protects the upholstery and doors from dirt, and the dog has a stable, designated place where it feels safe.
This solution works especially well for medium and large dogs – it combines comfort, order in the car, and safety during sudden braking.
See car mats compatible with Thule Cappy harnesses.
Dog safety during travel is not a luxury – it is our duty. It is up to us, pet owners, whether the dog travels in the car in a way that gives it protection and gives us peace of mind.
From the very beginning of our activity, we have strived to offer accessories that not only look good, but above all truly protect the dog and passengers.
That is why we have introduced Thule brand crash-tested solutions to our offer – designed and tested to limit the effects of impact force on both the dog and people in the car in the event of a collision.
In each of our travel kits – mats, car seats, or carriers – we include seat belts, because we want to raise awareness about securing dogs.
This is a basic, everyday step towards safety.
However, certified Thule harnesses and Allax crates are the next stage – solutions for those who want to be sure that they have done everything to make their dog as safe as they are.
Cooperation with the Thule brand is an important step for us towards building a standard of safety in travels with dogs.
It combines technology, comfort, and responsibility – values that are really close to us.
Because when you hit the road with your dog, it's not just where you're going that matters, but how.
And if you're just starting your common journeys, also check out our post on how to prepare your dog for car travel and build positive associations with the journey.