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Angus Griffiths

dog crate for hatchbacks

The VarioCage Compact Dog Crate for Hatchbacks

By | Uncategorised

dog crate for hatchbacks

 

If you’re a hatchback owner, then you’ll know that finding a crash tested and safe dog crate for hatchbacks is not easy. We offer one of the few solutions, the MIMSafe VarioCage Compact, a fully crash tested, lockable dog crate built specifically for hatchback cars.

For more than twenty years, we have worked alongside vehicle manufacturers to design safety mechanisms and we have documentation from hundreds of crash tests and real-life road traffic collisions. Our dog crates are built to work alongside the safety features of vehicles to ensure that both pets and passengers are kept safe. The safest place to locate dogs during transport will always be the boot of the car. This is because the back seat of the vehicle is built to withstand the weight of any products the car may be transporting, protecting passengers from the force of these items during an impact. However, finding a dog crate for hatchbacks is not easy because of the restricted boot space.

Our MIMSafe VarioCage Compact dog crates are built primarily to suit hatchback cars. They are designed to house one small dog up to 38cm at the withers and are fitted with a 23cm elevated door to match the sill on the hatchback’s boot. The length of the cage can be reduced or extended to fit depth of the boot, leaving room for luggage alongside the crate.

All of our crates have been fully crash tested to the same standards as baby car seats. In the event of an impact, the VarioCage Compact will safely compress in a controlled manner in tandem with the vehicle crumple zone. This protects both passengers and dogs from an increased risk of injury.

Each crate is fitted with a built in locking system, gas spring doors and an emergency exit in case the primary exit is blocked.

To check if the MIMsafe Compact will fit in your vehicle, visit the model selector on our website.

Crate Training Your Puppy For Safe Travel

By | MIMSafe Blog

Crate training your puppy is vital to ensure the safety and well-being of your dog whilst travelling. A dog that refuses to get into a vehicle, causes driver distraction or jumps out at will, is a danger to itself and others.

Crate training
Start training early; making positive associations by crate training at home first helps your puppy associate their car crate with feeling safe and secure. With correct training, your dog will look forward to time in their crate. Always perform car crate training where your puppy cannot run out into the road and remove their collar beforehand to prevent it from getting caught.

1. Choose the right car crate

When choosing a car crate, ensure it is the correct fit. Your dog must be able to comfortably stand up, turn around and lie flat inside their crate. Our Variocages come in a wide-ranging variety of shapes and sizes so there should be an option for everyone.

2. Positive reinforcement

Lots of treats and praise is key in training your puppy to regard their crate as a positive and secure space. Feed your dog part of his main meal in the crate, reward him with treats for being in the crate, and fit the crate with a familiar, comfortable blanket to reduce his anxiety whilst training or travelling.

Lure your puppy into the car crate with treats, once the puppy is comfortable with this, try putting a treat in and closing the door for a few seconds before reopening it. Always reward once they are in the crate if they are not crying or whining.

3. Introducing cues into Crate Training

Once your puppy is happily entering the crate to eat his reward, start to use cues for their entrance and exit. Use the entrance cue before tossing in the treat.
After doing this a few times, wait to reward until they are already in the crate.
A release cue is essential so you can open the car crate and your puppy will remain there until you cue it is safe to come out. Say the familiar exit cue and toss a treat outside the crate. Do this until the dog leaves the crate on cue. Now phase out the treats and use only the cues.

4. Short and Sweet Sessions

Gradual training is most effective; your dog’s comfort is paramount. Leaving the boot door open at first and gradually working up to closing it gently, along with turning on the motor when stationary will acclimatise them to the sound and experience. Slowly increase the time spent in the crate.
Never leave your dog unsupervised whilst crate training as this can increase anxiety, sitting with them in the car helps them remain calm.

5. Limit Travel Anxiety

Make your puppy’s first few journeys short and enjoyable. A trip to go for a walk or to a nearby dog park will encourage them to feel excited to get back in the car!

A car crate is the most secure option for travelling with pets – our crash tested crates are completely secure and fitted with multiple safety features that ensure your puppy’s safety and comfort.

Puppy in car

Five Tips for Bringing Your Puppy Home in the Car

By | MIMSafe Blog

Bringing your puppy home for the first time can be exciting there are a lot of things to think about to make your pup’s first journey as pleasant as possible! Here are our five tips for ensuring your puppy arrives home as safely and happily as they can.

Puppy in car
1: Safety First

Although it can be tempting to cuddle your puppy all the way home or pop them on the front seat, this isn’t the safest option for you or your puppy, particularly if you’re driving. Not only can your puppy distract you, but in the case of an emergency stop or accident, velocity means they become a projectile weapon. They could be thrown forward, injuring themselves or you. While it’s not necessarily illegal to have an unrestrained dog in the car, in most countries, it’s at least strongly advised against, and may result in a distracted or dangerous driving charge. It may also invalidate your insurance.
So, it’s always best to buy a suitable dog crate before collecting your puppy, preferably one that will accommodate him as he grows up. A crate can provide some protection for your puppy in the case of an emergency stop or crash, and it helps to eliminate dangerous distractions. You wouldn’t bring a baby home without a car seat, so care for your puppy in the same way!
If you don’t have a crate, take someone else along to hold the puppy. They should sit in the back seat, minimising distraction for the driver and ensuring your puppy is in no danger from a deployed airbag.

2: Cuddles and Smells are Important

Give your puppy lots of cuddles before getting in the car. This will help them feel more relaxed and they’ll start getting used to your smell, which is important to start the bonding process.  Sniffing interesting smells will keep them calm and give them something else to think about.
A snuggly blanket in their crate will make them feel more comfy, preferably one that has been left near their mum to pick up her smell.

Adaptil Calm Transport Spray can help to make your puppy more relaxed and less scared.

3: Take Puppy Refreshments

If it’s a long journey home, your puppy will need a drink. Take along some water and a bowl (many dog crates come with a bowl accessory that attaches securely to the side of the crate). Very small, tasty puppy treats might help to distract and soothe your puppy, but don’t overfeed anything new – it’s the easiest way to upset their tummy.

4: Be Prepared for Smelly Messes

Most crates have a waterproof bottom or inner and will contain any puppy wees, but your puppy may also be travel sick. Take a cloth along with you so that on longer journeys, you can stop off, check your puppy and spend time cleaning them up. Give plenty of reassurance and fusses. If this is a problem that persists when you get your puppy home, take a look at our tips on preventing puppy travel sickness. Open a window a little to let in fresh air and keep the car at a comfortable temperature. Remember that your puppy is unlikely to have had his protective inoculations so don’t allow him to walk about outside.

5. Be aware that this is a very scary time

Your puppy has just left his mother, the most important being in his life, and his littermates.  He is going to find the next few weeks very scary but also very exciting.  Remember what he has lost and be kind!  If your journey was a long one and his breeder didn’t take time getting the litter used to car travel, he has every reason to build up a negative association with travelling in the car.  So for the first few weeks when you are home, make the car a nice place to be.  Feed him in his crate (to prevent your car from being messed up), take him for very short rides with nice destinations (but remember that he can’t walk where other dogs have been until he has completed his vaccinations).  Give him chews in the car without the engine running and make it fun to be in there.  This should ensure that he associates his crate and the car with fun and want to be in it.

Good luck with your new puppy!

safe car crate

Five Years After The Accident…

By | MIMSafe Blog

Five years after a terrifying accident, Nadja Andersson describes how a MIMSafe Variocage dog car crate saved her dogs’ lives

In the seconds that she saw the car hurtling towards her on the wrong side of the road Nadja Andersson was convinced that both her own and her dogs’ lives were over.  Nadja says “No, I thought, “it’s over now.”  All memories just flew through my mind, my child, my partner, my family – everything.”

It’s been five years since that terrible day in March 2018.  Nadja did not think for a second that she would survive and it’s this scene that she carries in her mind to this day.  “I hear the dogs howling in the car during and after the crash in my head almost every day.  It is pure torture that unfortunately I don’t think I will ever get rid of.”

“I hear the dogs howling in the car during and after the crash in my head almost every day.”

Nadja still suffers pain and severe migraines since the accident and last time we heard from her she was still absent from work and was doubtful that she would ever work again.

She said: “I’m unable to work with all the pain I have today. It’s the passion for the dogs that has made me strong enough to keep going, despite all the pain and memories that remain. Without the dogs I probably would have buried myself away. Animals help you to heal, they are there and they need you no matter what.”

safe dog car crate
safe car crate

Despite the severity of the impact, Nadja’s German Shepherd Dog Troja and puppy Tara not only survived the impact but did not suffer any injuries.  

“I can only say that my decision to purchase a dog cage from MIMSafe saved my dogs’ lives”.  

“I think it’s terrifying that so many dog owners do not understand the importance of using a crash tested, safe dog crate.  MIMSafe’s crash tests are based on how a crash happens in real life and they are the only ones I trust.”

Most of Nadja’s dog owning friends and family are now fully aware of the dangers of not using a safe car crate and many have chosen to purchase their crates from MIMSafe, to be certain that their dogs will be safe if the worst happens.  They think much more about the safety of their dogs and passengers than they did before.

The Variocage that saved the lives of Nadja’s dogs can be seen here, relatively undamaged, despite the severity of the impact.

Today, Nadja uses a MIMSafe VarioCage in her new car and vows that she will never use anything else while transporting her dogs.

safe dog car crate

We’re Giving Away THREE Care2 Pet Carriers!

By | Uncategorised

We’ve got THREE Care2 Pet Carriers, worth up to £350, up for grabs, one of each colour, in our “Ready for Summer” photo competition!

Our Care2 Small Dog or Cat Carriers are the ONLY pet crates crash tested to the same extent as baby seats.  They also work in a similar way in that they are easily fitted onto the seat next to you using your vehicle’s seatbelts.  The Care2 crate is the SAFEST way to transport your pet – safest for your pet but also safest for you and your human passengers.

Enter Competition

When is the competition open for entries?

Our competition begins on 3rd April and will close at midnight on the 15th April. You will only be able to enter one photo per person so make sure you choose the best!

How do I enter?

To enter, click the “Enter competition” button above and follow instructions.

You’ll be asked to leave a photo of your pet looking “Adventure-ready for summer!” and also asked to leave your pet’s name as the caption.
In addition, you will have the opportunity to tag on extra entries as referring a friend and signing up to our newsletter.

How will you judge the entries?

We’ll add all the entries to our Facebook page and the one with the most likes will win one of the crates. The other two winners will be at the judges’ discretion. You will be notified within 7 days of the competition closing.

If there is anything else that you need to know about the photo competition then please don’t hesitate to get in touch!

Good luck!

MIMsafe ambassador

Paddleboard-loving dog and owner become MIMsafe’s most recent ambassadors

By | Uncategorised

We’re delighted that Kelly and her working cocker spaniel Murphy, from Nottinghamshire, have recently become MIMsafe ambassadors.
We asked Kelly a bit more about how she first heard about our crash tested crates and why she wanted to be a MIMsafe ambassador.

MIMsafe ambassadorQ: How do you feel about becoming a MIMsafe ambassador?
A: We’re really excited to be working with MIMsafe. After personally using our crate for the past few years now it’s a product I truly would now never want to be without. It’s given me peace of mind wherever we travel, not to mention a clean, dog hair free car!! Definitely one of the best purchases I’ve ever invested in as a pet owner.

Q: Have you always had dogs?
A: I haven’t! I always wanted a dog growing up though! Murphy is my first dog.

Q: Do you do any dog sports/other activities with Murphy?
A: I recently purchased a Stand Up Paddle board which I love taking to the lakes with Murphy on board! He took to it like an absolute natural!

Q: What made you want to become a MIMsafe ambassador?
A: I did a lot of research into trying to find a crash proof crate that would fit my old Renault Clio, I was under the impression that such a product didn’t exist for a hatchback car until I came across MIMsafe. Travelling Murphy safely in the car has always been something that’s been really important to me, especially with how much we travel! Unfortunately I think sometimes it’s something that a lot of pet owners overlook or don’t think about. Many are probably like me and believe because they have a small car, a product that would fit doesn’t exist and so I wanted to become an ambassador to help spread the word about the options available and the importance of road safety.

Q: What do you like about MIMsafe crates?
A: As well as the obvious safety features and peace of mind it gives me whilst travelling I love that the crates are adjustable in depth. This has meant that when I did upgrade my car a few months ago I didn’t need to purchase a whole new crate to fit it!

Q: Were there any specific safety-related incidents that prompted you to buy a Variocage?
A: Thankfully I haven’t had any first-hand experiences but I have seen/heard about many incidents where dogs have been killed in collisions. On the flipside I have also read stories where crates have saved a dog’s life, it was seeing these kinds of stories that influenced my decision and for me made having a crash tested crate a priority.

Follow Kelly and Murphy on their Murphy The Magnificent Instagram account.

mimsafe ambassador

crash tested dog crate

Shocking Customer Account: How a Variocage Withstood the Force of High Impact

By | Uncategorised

A very grateful customer recently contacted us to inform us that another of our variocages has withstood the force of a horrific accident and would have saved her dog’s life if he had been with her at the time.

 

Angyl Viton contacted us earlier this year:

crash tested dog crate“Early this morning I was involved in a car accident. I hit a patch of ice going 60mph on the interstate. I slid across 3 lanes of traffic hitting the guard rail head on, bouncing off, then spun across the same 3 lanes hitting a concrete divider. All my airbags deployed. I walked away with minor bumps and bruises (Thank you Jeep).”

 

Having read her story, we’re so relieved that Angyl was not injured, and that her American Bulldog, Rufus, was not with her. Angyl very gratefully let us know that, if he had been with her, his variocage would have kept him safe:

“My Variocage Is always tethered in my cargo area. Luckily my American Bulldog was not with me but if he had been he would’ve been COMPLETELY protected and contained. I bought this crate for this very reason. Peace of mind that my boy is always safe when traveling with me.”

 

The vehicle in which Angyl was travelling in, a 2018 Jeep Compass Latitude, was completely written off, demonstrating the severity of the impact. The Variocage large single crate, that was secured and fully extended in the vehicle at the time, can be seen in the image above (with Rufus inspecting!).

It’s clear to see in this photo the way in which our crates compress to a safe threshold, absorbing the full force of the impact whilst keeping the dogs safe. Emergency workers at the scene of the accident were impressed with the crate and commented that if Rufus had been present in his crate, amazingly, he would have escaped serious injury.

Crash Testing

We’re always shocked and sickened to hear about such awful accidents but also so pleased to hear from owners who are so grateful to us for the complex research that we carry out that enables us to design and build such safe dog crates. We run a comprehensive program of crash testing, studying road traffic accidents and working with many of the top car brands. Using this information, along with the expertise of our experienced design engineers, we design and build crates that will work alongside the deformation zones in different vehicles to withstand the many forces involved in a collision. We are the ONLY crate manufacturers that test our crates in situ in the vehicles themselves, giving us an accurate record of their true performance in the event of an impact.

crash tested dog crate and bulldogOur crash testing schedule thoroughly examines frontal, rear and side impacts, as well as the forces involved in a rollover. What’s more, we test the consequences of an impact on all the occupants of the vehicle, not just the dog. Our work focuses as much on the human passengers as their canine companions. A high degree of skill and innovation is applied to this level of design, build and testing and it’s why our crates aren’t cheap, but they are certainly the best and worth every penny in terms of your peace of mind.

Angyl confirmed this, commenting: “The Variocage is a well crafted, solid, safe travel crate. Rufus’ variocage took the impact (guardrail head-on at 60mph then a concrete divider) in my accident like it was built to do. I will have another one, it’ll just take some time. I have to buy a new car first Thank you for making such a great quality and safe travel crate.”

Thank you so much, Angyl, for getting in touch and for your kind permission to use your photos and your comments. We wish you all the best in your recovery from what must have been a very traumatic ordeal.

Care2 ambassadors

We’re Looking For Care2 Small Dog Ambassadors!

By | Uncategorised

Calling all very small dog breed owners and enthusiasts!

We’re looking for people who own or work with dogs that are of a similar size to the following breeds:

Care2 Ambassador• Yorkshire Terriers
• Pomeranians
• Papillons
• Toy Poodles
• Chihuahuas
• Brussels Griffon
• Japanese Chin
• Maltese
• Russian Toy Terriers
• Any other breeds or cross breeds of a similar size

Are you a dog training, grooming or dog day care professional? A licensed dog breeder or a successful dog sports enthusiast? Do you already sell dog-related products or manage a boarding kennel? Are you or your pet well-known social media influencers?

If so, then we have a great opportunity for you! We’re offering a select few very small dog owners across the UK an exciting yet easy way to top up their income and help us to promote safer travel for very small dog breeds by becoming a MIMSafe Care2 ambassador.

Care2 ambassadorsOur research suggests that owners of very small breeds are less likely to restrain their dogs while travelling. As pet travel safety experts, we know that this is extremely dangerous for the dogs as well as for their owners and other human travelling companions.

We need your help to demonstrate to owners of very small breeds that, in order to keep their dogs safe while travelling, they need to be restrained, preferably in a crash tested, secure crate.

Are you our ideal MIMsafe Care2 ambassador?

We’re looking for:

• Professionals in a range of dog-related professions
• Dog sports enthusiasts
• Breeders of very small dogs who are members of the KC assured breeder scheme
• Social media influencers with very small dogs with a significant following
• Someone who is passionate about improving the welfare of very small breeds

Your commitment

All we are asking is that our MIMsafe Care2 Ambassadors use one of our crash-tested, crush proof Care2 small dog crates whenever you travel with your dog – and recommend it to people you come into contact with, both in person and on social media.

There is no financial outlay required.
You will not be charged for use of the crate.

You just need to understand and explain to people that in a road traffic accident, a good quality, crash tested car crate can be the difference between the life and death of your pets and passengers.
Our Care2 crates are the only dog crates that have been fully crash tested to the same standards as child and baby seats, making the Care2 THE safest crate available for very small dogs. They can be fitted into the seat next to you using your vehicle’s seatbelts, the same way as baby seats are secured. They are portable, lightweight and offer a secure space for your pet to travel both in and out of the car.
All of our vet-recommended Care2 crates come fully assembled with a soft, nonslip mat and integrated temperature gauge.

What we offer you, as a MIMSafe Care2 Ambassador:

• A Care2 crate of your choice to use for promotion, keeping you, your passengers, and your dog(s) safe, completely free of charge, for the first 6 months.
• The option to buy your crate at a significantly discounted price after 6 months.
• Commission for every item sold—we know that once people have seen one of our crates being used first-hand, they’re very likely to buy one.
• Don’t delay! This opportunity is only available for the next couple of months, so if you’re interested in becoming one of our ambassadors, get in touch today!

What do I need to do to apply to become a MIMsafe Care2 Ambassador?

Send us an email or message telling us a little about yourselves and stating why you’d like to work with us on the Care 2 campaign.

Whilst not compulsory it would also be appreciated if you:
1. Helped spread the word by sharing this opportunity to your social media story/feed.
2. Tag on social media any fellow small/toy breed owners you think may be interested.

Email us on [email protected] or call 01256 674547.
To stay posted for updates, follow us on Facebook or Instagram.

Meet the traffic safety expert behind MIMsafe’s international reputation for safety.

By | Uncategorised

Associate Professor Johan Davidsson of Sweden’s Chalmers University of Technology has
been appointed member of the MIMsafe’s Board of Directors. Johan has, for over a decade,
helped the company evaluate MIMsafe dog cages and the company’s MIMclip.

MIMclip, a system designed to minimise the risk of injury in field competitions, is the only safety system
for this tough sport approved by the International Equestrian Federation. The new
appointment will enable Johan Davidsson to apply more of his considerable expertise in
product safety and testing matters to further improving MIMsafe’s products.

MIMsafe UK new ownership

Exciting times ahead as MIM Construction AB acquires MIMsafe UK

By | MIMSafe Blog

MIM Construction AB acquires MIMsafeUK.

The Swedish company MIM Construction AB, owners of the MIMsafe brand, have as of January 1 2021 acquired a 100% holding in their former UK-based partner, MIMsafeUK.

MIMsafe is the brand leader in the field of safety products for the modern car industry, producing dog cages and safety systems for equestrian sports, with sales worldwide.

“The acquisition of MIMsafeUK, is a strong marker of our focus on developing our sales channels and strengthening the company’s presence in the British market”; says Gert Olofsson, CEO of MIM Construction.

Angus Griffiths, who has run MIMsafeUK for two years, is now the company’s Country Manager in the UK.
”It feels fantastic to become part of an internationally growing brand making headway into increasing safety with innovation in every channel they are present; from automotive parts, to the Equestrian and Dog world.”

The measure will mean MIMsafe UK has more educational powers within the UK to promote products and brand image. This will help customers to identify that MIMsafe are pioneers of safety in all that they do.  We will be able to educate more potential customers and provide many more people with the opportunity to travel safely with their pets.”

Gert Olofsson adds that the acquisition of MIMsafeUK is part of the company’s expansive growth strategy going forward. “We have set a high goal for the next five years. The acquisition of MIMsafeUK, is a first step towards achieving this goal.”

 

About MIM Construction AB

The MIMsafe brand is the international industry leader within the field of crash-tested dog cages, gates and universal cargo nets. Its products comprise the VarioCage, VarioSystem, MultiCage and Care2 series.

MIMsafe moreover produces specially adapted cargo nets for VW, Subaru, Kia and other makes of vehicles. The MIM Construction AB also owns the MIMclip brand – a safety system for safer equestrian sports in field competition, the only such system approved by the International Equestrian Federation, FEI.

 

MIM Construction AB has production units in Swedish Frändefors and Trollhättan, with a
total of just over 50 employees. MIM Construction AB is a co-owned company.
For more information, please contact:

Gert Olofsson, vd

+46 (0)10-55 00 451
[email protected]
www.mimsafe.com