The process of choosing the right car for your dog can be a bit overwhelming if you’re not sure what you need. This article can help you navigate your way to determining the best car for your animal, how to decide which features are necessary, and what kind of vehicle you need in the first place.
Overview Of General Safety And Legal Requirements
Before going into details about the best options to choose, you should be aware of some general safety points regarding the transportation of your dog. Depending on the size of your pet, you’ll need to ensure that they’re secure and not able to interfere with the general operation of the vehicle. This is vital for your safety and that of other road users, as well as your pet’s. Some safety methods can include the following:
- Install a crate
- Set up a dedicated dog safety harness
- Place a dog barrier
- Set up a backseat hammock
- Place a barrier between the two front seats so overexcited dogs don’t attempt to enter the driving area
Driving Safely With Your Dog
There are several things you can do to ensure that your dog is comfortable while you’re driving. These can include:
- Keeping them in the back of your vehicle
- Ensuring that you provide them with enough space to lie down or get into the position they find most comfortable
- Don’t allow them to stick their heads out of the window when in motion
Which Type Of Vehicle Is Best For Carrying Your Pet Dog?
Now that you understand some of the general safety measures you should take to keep you and your animal safe, you might be wondering which vehicles are best. So what is the Pooch Perfect Car?
Fortunately, there’s a wide variety of options available, and almost everyone can find the right vehicle.
A Ute Of Any Type
A ute is a fantastic option for transporting your pet around as they are designed with utility in mind. You have several options available, including more famous ones like the Toyota Hilux or Ford Ranger, but almost any will do the trick. However, if you go down that route, ensure you get a non-carpeted option, as this will make your life far easier when cleaning. Also, ensure that your pet is restrained when in the ute tray.
Honda Jazz
The Jazz is an excellent option if you have a small to medium-sized dog. You have plenty of space and configuration options, but with a fuel economy that won’t lead you to bankruptcy!
Subaru Forester
This is an excellent crossover for dog lovers as it can manage the rough stuff but still handles impeccably when driving around town. Regarding its usefulness for transporting a dog, it has tons of space. You can configure it with hard-wearing leather seats making it easier to clean (although it’s always recommended to purchase seat covers).
Volvo V60
This is perhaps the only car on the list with an optional “dog pack” proving its dog transportation credentials! Nevertheless, the vehicle is still the gold standard of small car transportation even without the extra add-on. Its spacious, box-like area is perfectly set up to install a dog barrier.
A pet owner knows the importance of keeping their animals safe and happy. If you’re going to be taking them in your car a lot, you need to find a vehicle that meets your driving needs while still keeping your pet secure and safe.
