Dogs brighten so many of our lives in the UK, and despite the mucky paw prints and occasional late-night bark, we wouldn’t have it any other way. The way dogs fit into our worlds can be made so much easier when our car is suitable for this four-legged lifestyle, from trips to far-away dog-walk destinations to family holidays and, dare we say it, appointments at the V-E-T-S!
When you’re a dog owner searching for a new car, you need to make a careful choice if it’s going to suit both you and your pooch. Below we’ve put together a dog-friendly car wishlist, a selection of cars well suited to dog travel, and the dos and don’ts of hitting the road with man’s best friend.
What makes a dog-friendly car?
While everyone’s dogs and their needs will be different, there are a few ways in which a car can be a lot more appealing if you’re going to be regularly carrying your dog around. These features include…
Easy access
For leggier breeds, a low loading height and as small a boot lip as possible make the leap in so much easier, particularly if you dog will be travelling in the boot. If you lift your dog in through the rear doors, you’ll be looking for ones that open wide. Don’t forget, if you’re installing a cage in your car, you’ll need easy access to do this too.
Quiet ride
Keeping a dog calm on your travels is the secret to a stress-free journey, so a car with a cabin that keeps road noise to a minimum is ideal. No noisy engines either!
Plenty of room inside
A stretched-out dog is a comfy dog, so keep your eyes peeled for generous boot spaces and rear seats that fold flat. Your dog needs room to sit, stand, and turn itself around.
Storage
Dog owners know all about the paraphernalia that comes with having pets - the leads, treats, bowls and bags are just the start! Areas for these items to be stowed away and easily accessed will mean you’re prepared for any eventuality.
Tie-down points
These are to secure restraints, not the dog! Tie-down points allow you to install crates and fix harnesses so both you and your dog are kept safe and secure in transit - more on this later!
So now that you’ve got your dog-friendly criteria, it’s time to get shopping for that new-to-you car.
Here are five of the best cars for dog owners…
BMW X5
The X5 is an SUV that provides not only a little bit of luxury for you, but also your four-legged friend too. There’s a high roof, a whopping 650-litres of boot space available for your dog to relax in, and the rear seats fold down to maximise the leg-room. Dog guards made to fit the X5 specifically are available to section off their space, and there’s a good chance they’ll be able to relax back there too; the X5 is very quiet inside! Choose a model with built-in navigation if you’re often off exploring new walking spots.
Volvo V60
Estates are the ideal candidate if you’re looking for a spacious car, and the Volvo V60 is an example that appeals to many a dog owner - in fact, Autotrader named it amongst their Top 10 Best Cars For Dog Lovers 2020! In addition to the legroom it provides all passengers, including the dog, Volvo has developed a range of dog accessories for their cars, which include grilles, harnesses and even crates to fit in their models.
Peugeot 3008
If your dog travels in the boot, the day you buy a Peugeot 3008 is a good day indeed - it’s got a very generous 520 litres to enjoy! Not only this, but the lack of lip makes leaping up into it a breeze, and an adjustable floor keeps it versatile for non-dog trips. Leather effect upholstery ensures a quick clean up if muddy paws stray onto the seats, and a whole host of onboard safety features provide additional peace of mind.
Citroen Berlingo
As an MPV that can be converted into a van, it’s no surprise that the Citroen Berlingo is a hit with dog owners, particularly those with more than one canine to care for! With a naturally tall roof, it’s a great choice for bigger breeds, and can even be customised with tie-down fixings if you’re looking to install crates in the back.
Nissan Qashqai
It’s one of Britain’s most popular SUVs for a reason, and as a nation of dog lovers, it’s not hard to see why! An adjustable boot floor coupled with fold-flat seats allows you to adjust the boot space of the Nissan Qashqai to suit your dog, and tie-down points are present for that all-important security during transit.
Rules for driving with your dog in the car
As a responsible dog owner, there are some rules to adhere to when it comes to safely transporting your dog in your car. Dogs rely on you to keep them secure in transit, and you’re obligated to ensure their presence doesn’t make for unsafe driving conditions.
The law states that dogs must be suitably restrained in your vehicle whilst on the move and when you’re stationary, as leaving them to roam free puts both them and you at risk; even if they’re unrestrained in the boot. They could distract you and take your attention from the road, creating a hazard for you and other road users, and they could injure themselves if you have to brake suddenly.
A harness, crate, seatbelt or dog guard are all sufficient restraints if fitted to both the car and/or the dog correctly. If you’re found to be carelessly driving with an unrestrained dog in your car, you could end up with a fine of up to £100, and points on your license.
Dogs should also always travel in the rear of the car unless absolutely necessary - if they’re in the front seat, they need to be properly restrained there too.
Find the perfect dog-friendly car for you and your pooch at Windmill Motors
If you’re looking for a car that suits the whole family, you’re bound to find one here at Windmill Motors in Lincolnshire - there are so many to choose from! We offer competitive car finance, post-handover protection, and a range of aftersales services too. Get started by browsing our stock today.