Auto Zip Line for Dogs

People often treat pets like members of the family, so Fido may have the chance to go for joy rides on a regular basis. The American Kennel Club advises dog owners to ensure safe travel by transporting pets in crates or attaching them to seat belts with a harness system. The Auto Zip Line, made by Kurgo Products, puts a twist on the traditional seat belt harness system. Although other systems restrict the ability of a dog to move about the vehicle, the Auto Zip Line allows for free range of motion while still protecting the animal in the instance of a sudden stop or accident.

  1. Features

    • The Auto Zip Line package includes a nylon webbed leash and tether and a safety harness. The black-and-orange restraint system comes in four sizes based on a dog's weight: small, medium, large and extra large. Kurgo offers four installation suggestions for the Auto Zip Line: two seat belt, passenger handle, cargo hook and single seat belt. Two seat belt and passenger handle installation allow for freedom of movement across the back seat, while cargo hook and single seat belt installation only allow the dog to sit up and lie down.

    Benefits

    • The Auto Zip Line fits with all vehicle seat belts. Dogs cannot jump in and out of the car while attached to the system, and the harness and tether prevent them from moving into the front seat as well. Furthermore, the Auto Zip Line easily transitions to a walking harness if you simply attach a leash to the harness's D-ring, so you do not need a second collar or harness outside the vehicle.

    Care

    • Remove stains or dirt from the Auto Zip Line, depending on their severity, in one of a few different ways. First, try brushing off loose dirt with a dry brush or wiping the harness and tether with a damp sponge and mild soap as needed. Washing machines provide a deeper clean, but using anything other than a front-loading washer (one without an agitator) will damage the product. If you choose to machine-wash your Auto Zip Line, use cold water and mild soap, and lay flat to dry.

    Where to Buy

    • Kurgo sells the Auto Zip Line directly through its online product store. As of July 2010, it sells for $37.99. Additionally, Kurgo has published a list of authorized online dealers in the United States and Canada on its website. If you prefer to shop in a retail store, use the retail location finder to search by zip code for a store near you. Kurgo recommends calling the store to verify that it carries the Auto Zip Line.

    Warnings

    • Both Kurgo and the American Kennel Club warn owners against leaving their dogs unattended in vehicles, whether harnessed or not. If you do travel with your pet and choose to use the Kurgo Auto Zip Line, check the Zip Line before each trip to ensure proper installation. Do not attach the Auto Zip Line to anything other than original equipment manufacturer parts, and never travel with a passenger in the back seat with the system in use.