Review: USA K9 Outfitters Seat Belts
NOTE: This review is about seat belts from USA K9 Outfitters. There is a similarly named company in the same town called Champion Canine Designs (ChampK-9). The websites look almost the same in every way. However, ChampK-9 is not filling orders, not answering emails, not answering the phone, and all phone answering machines are full. The legitimate place is usak9outfitters.com. If anyone has had a bad experience with ChampK-9, I strongly urge you to file a complaint via the Better Business Bureau.
I’ve tried several types of canine seat belts over the years. The simplest was a heavy duty short lead/tab that hooked to a regular harness on one end and had the seat belt threaded through the other. Another was the Four Paws padded harness which was decent enough. Or so I thought.
But I’ve learned over the years that there is a lot that happens during a collision and that the vast majority of canine seat belts just will not work. It is all about where the load stress is during an impact. These stress points must be reinforced so they do not come loose. The problem with a lot of the older seat belts for dogs is that they relied on regular harness stitching and plastic buckles at the stress points. As every dog owner knows, those plastic buckles break at the worst times and during a crash they were sure to.
Another main problem with many dog seat belts is that the human felt they needed an engineering degree to get the harness on properly. Some look simple enough but flunk this test while trying to buckle in a squirming dog eager to get going. The tab I have came with instructions that said to put it on the dog’s collar! Right, if you want his neck snapped! I wrote a series of articles (for EDS Today) about Service Dogs and one of the articles was about vehicle safety.
I recently bought the Champion Canine Seat Belt System from USA K9 Outfitters. I chose them after reading several online reviews. (the best resource for dog seat belts is over at The Agile Pooch.) I got three systems plus a “puppy” harness and three extra restraint straps to put in Lorna’s wagon.
PROS: these things are heavy duty stuff! They are built tough out of heavy strap material. There are a lot of sizes available, even for huge breeds. Easy enough to put on but does take practice (we’ve found it best to put on indoors first then take the rowdy pups out to the truck). The harness slides around, allowing the dog to move without the stress points being compromised. The “system” includes the harness and the restraint strap.
Did I mention it is heavy duty? There are two rings where the restraint strap attaches. These things are so big that a regular leash snap won’t hold them both. This harness makes me think of a climbing harness, it is that tough feeling and looking. The harness attaches to a restraint strap that weighs almost as much as the harness itself! Again, big strong hardware on tough material. The other end of the restraint strap is attached to the vehicle in a variety of ways. We used the “quick link” to attach to the lap portion of the back seat belts. The plastic buckles are huge (but are not stress points). All of the hardware is heavy duty almost to the point of overkill. But should the point of a safety device.
CONS: The harness is heavy and putting it on does take some practice. The weight of the harness means you can’t drape the first half over the dog while getting the other leg through. Unlike other harnesses where it slips over the dog’s head then the rest is brought up and clipped together at the chest, this harness is designed so that each leg must be put through the harness and then the clips come together at the top. We’ve gotten better at it and with more practice, we’ll have no further trouble. The fact that the harness slides around may be good in the vehicle but is a pain in the butt out of the it. I need to tighten the harness more to see if that keeps the sliding to a minimal.
The restraint straps come with a “bull snap” clip to attach to the harness. The design of this snap was difficult for me to use to the point I was either going to return them or modify them. (see below for the solution)
Bottom Line: Wow. This is an excellent product from a great company. They’ve put a lot into the design. The cost ($45) is well worth it. Other quality seat belts cost about the same. The entire system is well designed with no weak link. In case of an accident, Mike will be safe. He may slam into the front seat of the truck, but he won’t be ejected. Nor will he get loose and run off.
I emailed the company to ask what weight strength of climbing carabiner I could use. Just a few hours later, I got a reply. They have a second kind of bull snap and were putting three restraint straps together for me! I got them just a few days later and returned the three I had original purchased. This more user-friendly snap is much easier to use. A comparison photo of the two snaps is over in the reviews photo album.
The seat belt system is sold by USA K9 Outfitters. They have the Champion System with sizes from 11″ to 42″ chests (<15lb to 100+ lb) and the Survivor System for 30″ – 52″ chests (80lb to 220+lb). You can get just the harness, just the restraint strap, and several other auto/truck stuff like seat covers and barriers. The “puppy” harness is where you get the seat belt system in the size the dog will be as an adult then you get a smaller harness (at a discounted price!) the dog is now. They also have a short article on why a dog should be restrained while in a moving vehicle.
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I’ve used the Champion Canine Seat Belt for the last 7 years for my Rescued Greyhound, and have been very pleased with it. I agree that it can be awkward to use in the beginning, but I feel it’s the best one on the market. My dog knows when I get it out that he’s going for a car ride, and he’s learned to step right into it. It has allowed him to feel secure while riding with me because in the times I’ve had to stop suddenly, the seat belt restricts him so he doesn’t get thrown around. Plus, even though he’s trained to stay in the car with the door open until I release him, it gives me added security knowing I can unload groceries, etc., and I don’t have to worry about him seeing a squirrel and jumping out. Recently, both pieces of the plastic buckle broke, and I have one backordered. I think all dogs should be in a seat belt, it just makes sense. It’s a small matter to take the time, because just like us when we are in a car, their lives are at stake also.
— submitted May 5, 2009 @ 10:21 pm
I’m glad to hear from another user!
Yes, an excellent product. And yes, I’ve gotten better at putting it on. I’ve learned that the black chest strap section is facing up and the big rings are in the back. I lay the harness on the seat then put Mike’s feet through. I wait until he is up on the seat to put it on. He is then at a higher level and I can reach everything better.
— submitted May 5, 2009 @ 10:41 pm
I’ve read reviews of this product saying it is great, but that the customer service is just awful. Months to get a product that was ordered, constantly pestering the company for updates on the order. Did either of experience an issue like this?
This looks like a great product and just what I am looking for, but want to be sure I will actually get the product when I order it.
Thanks!
— submitted June 2, 2009 @ 11:38 pm
My experience with customer service has been excellent. My problem with the clip was solved and the new ones delivered within just a few days. The initial delivery took about two weeks I think but it was a large order. No emails between when I placed the order and the day it was shipped, which is standard for most businesses.
I get the feeling this company is small and as such there may be times when things slow down. Their product is well worth whatever problems may or may not happen. You could place your order over the phone and get shipping time, etc. at that point. Be sure to get the person’s name so that you can talk to them again or at least be able to refer to them.
If you do order, let me know how it goes, good or bad! You will not be disappointed in the product.
— submitted June 2, 2009 @ 11:55 pm
In my opinion the Champion Seat Belt System from USA K9 Outfitters is by far the BEST. I read the good reviews about the system and bad reviews about the company. A reorgization of the company seems to have solved the problems. My husband and I are thrilled with the excellent quality of this system, the super fast shipping, and excellent customer service. The harness and restraint are not only extremely well made they are also very well thought out and designed for maximum safety, comfort, and practicality. All of the materials are extremely heavy duty;thick wide sturdy nylon web straps and solid metal fitting for the stress and impact points, and very sturdy plastic buckles for size adjustment. The design features are excellent providing maximum safety, comfort and versatilely.
I called the company because of the bad reviews I read. Suzie answered the phone and she was very pleasant, efficient, and helpful. I felt reassured after speaking to her. The shipping was super fast and the system is excellent. I believe this is the best safety harness and restraint on the market. Our Molly loves the harness. We tried it on a walk and she pranced happily. She is usually a puller and is extremely strong. She is all muscle and at only eighteen months old she has a very high energy level. This harness helps me control her(I am 126 lbs with a bad shoulder). In the vehicle she is comfortable yet restrained and safe. She used to jump in my lap and pace around the seat now she calmly sits up looking out the window or will lay down on the seat. Much safer for both of us.
— submitted June 11, 2009 @ 7:35 pm
Big fan of these seat belts. My dogs have gotten very used to climbing in and out of the harnesses and I find them no harder to put on then a collar – once the dogs is used to it. The bull nose snap is VERY solid and no amount of work by the dog will release it. Speaking as the owner of Siberian Huskies – masters at escaping from anything. Highly recommended product.
— submitted August 23, 2009 @ 8:09 pm
Did you guys order from the usak9outfitters site or the champk-9 site? I placed my order April of 2009, was told it’s on backorder for 8 weeks. I waited, still nothing, called in July and was told still backorder but will email me when in. Still nothing so far. I sent another email for an update a couple of days ago and hoping to hear from them. Love what I read about the system last year but am getting impatient with the order. My puppy is an adult now and hoping I can use this before she’s too old to jump into the car for rides!
— submitted January 25, 2010 @ 11:18 pm
I ordered mine from http://usak9outfitters.com/
Wow, that’s nearly a year! Which site did you order from?
The ChampK-9 site looks similar but not exactly. Almost like it is a knock-off site. The address is different, the phone number is different. The bottom says it was copyright 2004.
I do get the feeling this is a small company. But then, it’s been nearly a year. Please please let me know which site you used and if this is ever resolved.
— submitted January 25, 2010 @ 11:42 pm
Sounds like champk-9 was the old site. I still have not heard from them; the voicemail boxes are full; no reply via email. I emailed telling them to cancel the order. I don’t believe they’ve charged me for anything yet (was supposed to be changed when shipped).
I called usak9outfitter and talked to the nice lady there. The implication was that she used to work for champk-9. She seems uncomfortable with the whole deal since I called her thinking it was the same company (same state, website is almost identical). Anyway, she was really nice. I end up placing a new order on the usek9outfitter site. We’ll see how things go.
If I remember correctly, there used to be another website that was having problems and poor customer service. I did a lot of research last year before I placed the order with champk-9, supposedly the better way to order. Anyway, this seems to be an excellent product. I would just forewarn people to call the company first to make sure they’re in business before placing the order.
— submitted January 28, 2010 @ 2:11 am
What a mess. I’m sorry you got all twisted up in it.
My dealings with USA K9 Outfitters have been wonderful. I hope yours will be, too.
— submitted January 28, 2010 @ 10:08 am
I placed an order through champk-9.com several weeks ago. I should have checked this site first, or the BBB. The company has an “F” rating with the BBB for so many unresovled complaints. All I want is to receive the seatbelts I ordered. I am having similar issues to Tina; the order has not been received, e-mails go unanswered, and every possible routing option in their phones service (customer service, sales, dealer rep, I’ve tried them all) ends in a voice mailbox, usually one that is full. I am freaking out a bit that I gave this “company” my credit card info. I’ll have to call and check for fraudulent charges, since it appears this is not a legitimate business entity.
I guess I’ll try dealing with usak9outfitters and see if I have better luck. All this hassle just to try to protect my dogs. Jeez.
— submitted February 9, 2010 @ 4:37 pm
I am sorry to hear that you’re having trouble too. Dang.
Do you have a link to the BBB information or can you tell us how you got that information? I want to post it somewhere so others can do the same.
Edited to add:
the Better Business Bureau (BBB) link to the ChampK-9 business:
http://www.bbb.org/denver/business-reviews/dog-boots-and-accessories/champion-canine-designs-in-denver-co-64020471
How to file a BBB complaint:
http://denver.bbb.org/Consumer-Complaints/
— submitted February 9, 2010 @ 6:10 pm
The seat belt from usak9outfitter arrived very timely. I’m glad we persisted in getting the system as it is great and did live up to all the wonderful reviews. Now, if they can somehow get the other site taken down. Their company and product reputation must be marred by so many people who don’t know of the problem.
— submitted February 23, 2010 @ 4:40 pm
I’ve done business with this company for over 10 years. In fact, I provided the ‘new’ snaps for them to make me some tethers I could use one-handed. They are local to me (I live outside of Denver), and I have never had anything but great service from them. I’ve just sent them an email (at each address, from each website).
I’ll post here when I receive a reply. I also have their phone numbers and physical address. I can always swing by and see what’s up. I’m realllly surprised at the BBB rating.
— submitted March 12, 2010 @ 11:08 am
OK, here’s the scoop. There are TWO DIFFERENT companies.
USA K9 Outfitters (http://usak9outfitters.com/contact.htm) is the company that I have done business with for ages, with excellent customer service.
This is NOT the same as the other company: Champion (edited by admin to remove link)
There are many similarities in the web pages, products etc. The owner of USA K9 is no longer associated with the Champion person. I do not know details, but it may be that USA K9 was a supplier to Champion, and no longer is.
So please, continue to support the excellent company, USA K9 Outfitters! http://usak9outfitters.com/index.htm
— submitted March 12, 2010 @ 12:09 pm
Yeah, we already covered that they were too groups. I removed the link to the Champion K-9 site because I don’t want to even accidentally lead people to them.
The BBB information was for ChampK-9, not USA K9 Outfitters. The bad rating is not surprising at all considering the bad rep they have gotten for themselves. I couldn’t find anything on the Outfitters, actually.
— submitted March 12, 2010 @ 3:11 pm
I ordered a champion seat belt system from K9 outfitters on 3/1/10. Then I received it today (3/12/10).
They shipped in 7 business days. I also ordered same thing from champion K9 a mouth ago, but nothing has happened.
— submitted March 13, 2010 @ 3:31 am
A helpful tip if it applies: With any seatbelt system, I was always concerned about the tethers that connect to the lap portion of a seat belt. Especially with more than one dog in the ‘back seat’, I worried about legs getting tangled and what might happen in a fast stop or crash. I’ve found that connecting the ‘quick clip’ to the child restraint point behind the seat allows the tether to come over the top of the seat, leaves legs free from tangling, and the dog can easily turn around, stand, lay down, etc.
Just a thought if you do have that option. : )
I’ve used these harnesses for quite some time, and travel between Colorado and Florida twice yearly, almost 5,000 miles. There have been several times that I’m glad the dogs have been secured, and I have never had a part fail.
Lastly, and unfortunately, if you DO search BBB for USA K9, it comes up with a rating of “F”. I’ve let the owner know about this, so they can hopefully correct the rating with BBB. They don’t deserve to suffer from the other company’s poor service.
— submitted March 13, 2010 @ 10:56 am
Thank you so much for including the information on the above product on your site; I wanted to give you a positive update on it .
We are taking a trip in June to western IL and unexpectedly will be taking our dog. Even as (or would that be especially as?) a former Chicago native, I was not looking forward to driving the expressway with a young dog in the car, so started to search the web for harnesses, etc. Your site and several others mentioned the problems with getting this product from some of the distributors; a couple of posts mentioned USA K-9 Outfitters, and I decided to try it.
I ordered it late last Thursday 5-13, then called Susie there on Friday to mention my situation so that I’d know if it could arrive in time. She said she’d get it right out, and it arrived today (Monday 5-17)! Now, that’s service! It is the sturdiest thing I’ve ever seen; fitted our pup with it this evening and took him for a trial ride to the dog park.
Please get the word out, as this business provides excellent service. Thanks, Kris
— submitted May 17, 2010 @ 10:25 pm
It is an excellent product. I hope you and your dog enjoy it!
Yes, the evil company is ChampK-9 and the good company is USA K9 Outfitters.
— submitted May 17, 2010 @ 11:44 pm
I have been using the Champion system for about 7 years and it is the best. It is important that you NOT ORDER from Champk-9.com – they will not fill the order! USA K9 Outfitters is where to order. I wish I had the new bullnose buckle as I agree with the author that the old style are difficult to use. Everything else I find very easy and my dogs are trained to step into the seatbelt.
Within the first year of having it, I was traveling with my 14 year old Lab. A large male deer ran out in front of the car and I slammed on the brakes. My Lab began to move – but was caught by the restraint when he reached the end of the strap. The seatbelt kept him in the back seat, when he was heading for the windshield. I highly recommend this system!! Mine will never be without. Others with different seatbelt systems have asked me “what’s so special about that seatbelt?” I answer the question and then ask, to what strength was your dog’s seatbelt system tested… most of the time, they have no idea and I bet it wasn’t tested.
— submitted May 21, 2010 @ 8:27 pm
Count me as someone who ordered through Champ k-9 and has not been able to get through to anyone. Luckily my credit card wasn’t charged, but it’s been 8 weeks and I have yet to get any notification of shipment, and like others, have found their mailboxes to be full and all my messages that I was able to left are still unanswered. I am going to look now at the USA k-9 site. Glad I found these reviews, just wish I had done so before ordering!
— submitted May 29, 2010 @ 10:34 pm
I own two Italian Greyhounds, and like many others, wanted a way to keep my dogs safe while driving. I placed an order last year with Champ k-9 for two seatbelt systems, which never arrived. I had read very good reviews about the harnesses, but had no way to obtain them. Incredibly frustrating!
After reading this blog post, and many of the user comments, I called USA k-9 and just placed a new order. The sales representative was very nice and told me that my items should arrive within two weeks. I’ll come back and post my experiences after I receive the harnesses.
Thanks for posting this article!
— submitted June 8, 2010 @ 6:13 pm
I’m yet another person who ordered from the ChampK-9 site. I’ve read so many seat belt reviews that convinced me that this product is by far the best car safety restraint out there, but I ordered on May 29 and recieved an “order conformation” but then got nothing. No response to e-mail messages, no way to call and talk to someone (as all the voicemail boxes are full) and my cc number just out there in limbo somewhere :-/ The last time I called, it seems as though the number is no longer in service. I wish the ChampK-9 site would disappear entirely, as it’s really confusing.
I ordered the seatbelt today, and want to make sure it gets here before a trip on July 29th, so I’ll try to call on Monday. I will make sure to update when I recieve the product.
— submitted July 18, 2010 @ 10:45 am