Sleepypod Clickit Sport Plus Harness Review: Safety & Comfort
Patented webbing disperses impact forces for a snug, comfortable fit on every drive.
When it comes to keeping our furry companions safe during car rides, choosing the right harness can make all the difference between a comfortable journey and a potentially dangerous situation. The Sleepypod Clickit Sport Plus harness has garnered significant attention in the pet safety community, earning prestigious crash-test certifications and a five-star safety rating from the Center for Pet Safety.
As dog owners become increasingly aware of the importance of proper vehicle restraints for their pets, the market has responded with numerous options. However, not all harnesses are created equal, and many products that appear robust haven’t actually passed rigorous crash testing standards. This comprehensive review examines the Sleepypod Clickit Sport Plus harness through real-world testing, analyzing its safety features, comfort level, ease of use, and overall value proposition.
Understanding the Sleepypod Clickit Evolution
Before diving into the Sport Plus model, it’s essential to understand the evolution of Sleepypod’s harness line. The company initially released the Clickit Utility, which performed exceptionally well in crash tests and established Sleepypod as a leader in pet vehicle safety. However, the three-piece design of the Utility proved somewhat cumbersome for daily use, requiring latch anchors and multiple components to properly secure dogs.
Recognizing the need for improved user experience without compromising safety, Sleepypod developed the Clickit Sport. This innovative design maintained the high safety standards of its predecessor while introducing significant usability improvements. The Sport featured a one-piece design that simplified the securing process and freed up latch anchors that might be needed for child safety seats.
The current Clickit Sport Plus represents the culmination of this evolutionary process, combining proven safety technology with enhanced comfort and convenience features.
Safety First: Crash Test Performance and Certifications
The most compelling aspect of the Sleepypod Clickit Sport Plus is its impressive safety credentials. Unlike many harnesses on the market that claim to be “crash-tested” without actually passing the tests, the Clickit Sport Plus has been rigorously evaluated and certified.
Certification Standards
The harness has been crash-tested according to:
- U.S. child safety standards
- Canadian child safety standards
- European Union child safety standards
Most importantly, the harness earned a five-star safety rating from the Center for Pet Safety, the highest possible rating in independent testing. This certification provides pet owners with confidence that the harness will perform as intended during an actual collision or sudden stop.
Safety Technology Features
The Clickit Sport Plus incorporates several advanced safety features:
Patented Infinity Loop Webbing Design: This innovative system works in conjunction with the broad, padded vest to distribute and reduce damaging forces that could cause injury during impact.
Three-Point Contact System: The harness provides three points of contact to reduce both forward and lateral movement during collisions or sudden stops, maintaining better control over the dog’s position.
Energy-Absorbing Vest: The broad, cushioned vest helps absorb and disperse damaging forces throughout a crash, protecting the dog’s vital organs and reducing injury risk.
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Automotive-Grade Materials: All components are strength-tested and made from automotive-grade materials, ensuring durability and reliability under stress.
Real-World Testing Experience
To truly evaluate the Clickit Sport Plus, extensive real-world testing was conducted with two dogs of different sizes and temperaments. This hands-on approach provided valuable insights into the harness’s practical performance beyond laboratory conditions.
Sizing and Fit Considerations
One of the first discoveries during testing was that the Clickit Sport Plus runs somewhat large compared to standard harness sizing. A medium harness intended for a dog with a 14.5″ neck and 22.5″ chest girth (weighing 30 pounds) proved too large, ultimately fitting better on a larger dog with a 17″ neck and 28″ chest girth weighing 50 pounds.
This sizing tendency toward the larger end of the spectrum isn’t necessarily negative. The slightly loose fit provides several advantages:
- Enhanced breathing room during long car rides
- Reduced restriction of natural movement
- Improved comfort for dogs who dislike tight-fitting equipment
The key consideration is ensuring the harness fits securely enough to prevent the dog from slipping out while still allowing comfortable movement.
Comfort and Wearability
Comfort proved to be one of the Clickit Sport Plus’s strongest attributes. Unlike the earlier Utility model, which featured a rather hard breast plate, the Sport Plus incorporates a much more comfortable energy-absorbing padded vest. This design improvement addresses previous concerns about long-term wearability without compromising safety performance.
During testing, dogs were able to:
- Sit comfortably in their secured position
- Lie down naturally during travel
- Stand and change positions as desired
- Maintain normal breathing patterns
The neoprene padding on the interior of the vest provides cushioning against the dog’s body, while the ballistic nylon exterior ensures durability. Even dogs who typically dislike wearing harnesses showed improved tolerance with the Clickit Sport Plus.
Ease of Use and Installation
One of the most significant improvements over previous models is the simplified installation process. The Clickit Sport Plus requires no additional hardware or straps for use as a car restraint, making it remarkably user-friendly.
Installation Process
Using the harness in a vehicle involves these simple steps:
- Put the harness on the dog like a regular walking harness
- Thread the car’s seat belt through the two loops on either side of the harness
- Fasten the seat belt as usual
This streamlined process eliminates the complexity of earlier models and reduces the likelihood of improper installation, which could compromise safety.
Dual Functionality
The Clickit Sport Plus serves double duty as both a car safety harness and a walking harness. Two metal D-rings allow for easy leash attachment, making it convenient for those spontaneous potty breaks or walks once you reach your destination. The lightweight design means dogs won’t be burdened by heavy hardware during walks.
Reflective strips on the harness improve visibility during nighttime walks, adding an extra safety feature for after-dark activities.
Size Range and Fit Options
The Clickit Sport Plus accommodates a wide range of dog sizes, with the current model supporting dogs up to 90 pounds, an improvement over the earlier Utility model’s 75-pound limit. The harness comes in four sizes:
| Size | Weight Range | Recommended Use |
|---|---|---|
| Small | Up to 25 lbs | Small breeds, puppies |
| Medium | 25-45 lbs | Medium breeds, compact dogs |
| Large | 45-70 lbs | Large breeds, athletic dogs |
| Extra Large | 70-90 lbs | Giant breeds, very large dogs |
The sizing guide provided by Sleepypod makes it relatively easy to order the correct size, and adjustable straps allow for fine-tuning the fit. However, given the tendency to run large, pet owners might consider sizing down if their dog falls at the lower end of a size range.
Additional Accessories and Features
The Clickit Sport Plus bundle includes several useful accessories that enhance the overall user experience:
S-Clip Accessory
This convenient addition allows pet owners to preset their dog’s seat belt length, making subsequent installations even faster and ensuring consistent positioning. The S-clip is particularly useful for families who regularly transport their pets and want to minimize setup time.
Buckle Shield Accessory
This protective component prevents dogs from stepping on the seat belt buckle and accidentally unlatching it during travel. This feature addresses a common concern among pet owners whose dogs tend to move around or investigate their restraint system.
Crash Replacement Program
Sleepypod stands behind their product with a crash replacement program, demonstrating confidence in the harness’s performance and providing additional peace of mind for pet owners. This program ensures that if the harness is involved in an actual collision, it can be replaced, maintaining the safety integrity of the restraint system.
Maintenance and Care
The Clickit Sport Plus is designed for easy maintenance, an important consideration for pet owners dealing with shedding, drooling, and the general messiness that comes with dog ownership.
Cleaning Instructions
- Vest exterior: Wipe with a damp, soapy cloth
- Neoprene interior: Vacuum pet fur from the back side of the vest
- Straps and hardware: Spot clean as needed
The ballistic nylon construction resists staining and wear, maintaining appearance even with regular use.
Cost Considerations and Value Analysis
The Sleepypod Clickit Sport Plus represents a significant investment compared to basic pet restraints, but the cost must be evaluated in the context of the safety benefits and quality construction it provides. While expensive, the harness offers exceptional value when considering:
- Rigorous crash-testing and certification
- Premium materials and construction
- Dual functionality as car and walking harness
- Included accessories
- Crash replacement program coverage
For pet owners who prioritize safety and plan to use the harness regularly, the investment is justified by the peace of mind and protection it provides.
Potential Drawbacks and Limitations
While the Clickit Sport Plus excels in many areas, honest evaluation reveals some limitations:
Sizing Challenges
The tendency to run large can make initial sizing difficult, potentially requiring exchanges or returns to achieve proper fit. This issue is manageable but represents an inconvenience for some buyers.
Adjustment Period
Dogs accustomed to roaming freely in vehicles may require time to adjust to being restrained, regardless of the harness used. Some pets may initially resist the restraint, though most adapt with consistent use.
Weight Limitations
The 90-pound weight limit excludes some giant breeds or exceptionally large dogs, limiting the product’s applicability for all pet owners.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I know if the Clickit Sport Plus will fit my dog?
A: Measure your dog’s neck circumference and chest girth, then consult Sleepypod’s sizing guide. Keep in mind that the harness tends to run large, so consider sizing down if your dog falls at the lower end of a size range.
Q: Can I use this harness for walking as well as car travel?
A: Yes, the Clickit Sport Plus functions as both a car safety harness and a walking harness. It features D-rings for leash attachment and reflective strips for nighttime visibility.
Q: What makes this harness safer than others on the market?
A: The Clickit Sport Plus is crash-tested to child safety standards and earned a five-star rating from the Center for Pet Safety. It features patented Infinity Loop webbing and energy-absorbing technology that many other harnesses lack.
Q: How do I clean and maintain the harness?
A: Wipe the exterior with a damp, soapy cloth and vacuum pet fur from the neoprene interior. The ballistic nylon construction is designed to resist wear and staining with regular use.
Q: Is the harness covered by any warranty or replacement program?
A: Yes, the Clickit Sport Plus is eligible for replacement through Sleepypod’s Crash Replacement Program, providing additional peace of mind for pet owners.
Final Verdict
The Sleepypod Clickit Sport Plus harness represents the gold standard in pet vehicle safety, combining rigorous crash-testing with practical design improvements that make it suitable for daily use. While the initial investment is substantial, the combination of proven safety performance, comfort, and convenience features makes it an excellent choice for pet owners who prioritize their dog’s wellbeing during travel.
The harness successfully addresses the common criticisms of earlier models while maintaining the exceptional safety standards that established Sleepypod’s reputation. For families who regularly travel with their pets or anyone seeking the highest level of protection for their canine companions, the Clickit Sport Plus delivers on its promises and justifies its premium positioning in the market.
References
- https://4knines.com/blogs/4knines-blog-home-page/sleepypod-safety-harness-review
- https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/pets/sleepypod-clickit-sport-dog-car-harness-review
- https://sleepypod.com/products/sport-bundle
- https://www.countryliving.com/life/kids-pets/a61688040/sleepypod-clickit-utility-dog-harness-review-photos/
- https://www.beaglesandbargains.com/compare-sleepypod-clickit-sport-clickit-utility-dog-harness/
- https://www.scottsschoolfordogs.com/tips/gear-review-sleepypod-clickit-terrain-plus/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2a1yOhkOYPU
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mBr-AhXXwYM
- https://www.funnyfur.com/dog-collars-harnesses/fabric-nylon-harnesses/sleepypod-clickit-sport-utility-dog-harness/
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