8 Dog-Friendly Features When You're Car Shopping

  1. Research Center
    2. /
  2. Car Buying Research Articles
    3. /
  3. 8 Dog Friendly Features when Car Shopping
Look for these 8 Dog-friendly Features when Car Shopping

Nearly 64 million Americans have at least one dog in their family. Our canine friends are not only an important part of the family, but most car shoppers consider their four-legged friends when deciding which auto to buy. So, which are the best cars for dogs and which offer the most dog-friendly features? You are about to find out in this look at 8 dog-friendly features when car shopping. We'll include our list of what features are important for your pooch and also list our top five best vehicles for dog lovers!  

Five Dog-Friendly Cars  
Keeping in mind all 8 of our suggestions for a dog-friendly car, here is our list of the top 5 best vehicles for 2021 that will keep your furry pal's tail waggin'. Find your perfect pet carrying car at a Lithia Auto Dealer near you. Check our Dealer Locator at Lithia.


There's actually a lot to consider when deciding on the right car for your family and for bowser. Rule number one is never stuff three Dobermans into a Fiat 500. All kidding aside, storage space is important when Fido comes along for a ride and that's where we're going to start. 

Here is a list of dog-friendly features when deciding on a vehicle:
Space for your Pooch
We’ve all taken our dog for a drive and had them leaping all over the place, from the back seat to the front seat, to sticking their heads out the side window for that “ears flapping, muzzle in the breeze, smelling the wonders of nature” experience that all dogs love. Dogs also get excited when they see things like squirrels or other dogs outside the car andsuddenly, they are leaping onto your dashboard controls, turning on the radio or emergency flashers with their paws.  

You definitely want adequate space for your dog so he can lie down without being cramped. But for long trips, you might want to consider having a travel crate onboard and that means you need a vehicle that can accommodate one. Make sure the car you are considering has ample space for a carrier.  

The best option is having a cargo area in the back that includes separate climate control to keep your pup comfortable. Dogs like pugs and bulldogs have a hard time with heat and having their own climate control will keep them cool and calm on the trip. That separate doggie area will also make sure everyone in the car is safe and secure. We’ve all had dogs make a break for it when anyone opens a door, and the rear cargo area keeps your best friend from jumping in your lap when you’re trying to drive.    
Easy Access
The best dog-friendly cars make it easy for your pooch to get in and out of the vehicle. You’re looking for a car with low floorboards for easy access by delicate paws. Hatchbacks are often great dog-friendly cars as they offer a wide entry space to leap in and out of. These are also very good if you have more than one doggie. Some vehicles even include automatic self-opening features. One wave of your foot over the sensor and the rear hatchback or lift-gate opens for hands-free pooch access. 

 The best dog-friendly cars offer a low entry point such as found in vans with side entry doors. These are long and low, perfect for getting in and out if you have four legs and are low to the ground. Plus, there are plenty of doggie ramps you can purchase and keep with the vehicle to make getting in and out easier, especially for older dogs.    
Tie-downs
Many cars feature tie-down hooks in the back that allow you to secure travel harnesses or cargo crates. Loose dogs often cause accidents to happen and tying them down with enough lead to let them move around a bit is a great option for long trips. Plus, if you are involved in an accident and your dog is roaming free in the car, your canine pal can get injured and even cause you to be injured. Keeping your dog secure in the vehicle is the right thing to do.  
Dog-Proof Locks
Speaking of keeping your dog (or dogs) secure, childproof locks for rear doors and windows is super important. Make sure the car you are thinking of purchasing has this feature. These childproof systems are not only childproof, they are dog proof too. Dogs have been known to roll down windows or unlock car doors with their paws and fall out of the auto. You don’t want that. Childproof locks are standard on most vehicles these days but it never hurts to check.    
Foldable Rear Seats
Many standard sedans and hatchbacks as well as crossovers and SUVs have fold down rear seats to create more cargo space. This is also important for families with dogs onboard. Foldable rear seats allow you to create a special space for Lassie to lie down and makes space for a pet carrier.
Containment Space
Going hand-in-hand with having proper room for your pooch, or pooches, is finding a vehicle that offers a separate cargo space in the rear. Some station wagons and SUVs have a containment barrier to separate cargo space from the front and back seat areas. Though your doggie can’t get to you while you’re driving (which is a good thing), he or she can have an entire doggie world back there in the back. Make sure to bring a dog bed and chew toys or favorite plush toys to keep your pup happy and give he or she something to do.  
These containment barriers were made for pet lovers and are usually a metal grid or a mesh screen. If your car of choice doesn’t come with such a barrier, they can be purchased online from companies such as WeatherTech, Audew or Chewy.com or from pet stores such as Petsmart or Petco.  
Room for Toys
Make sure the dog-friendly vehicle you are thinking of purchasing has extra storage compartments to keep dog food, water containers, leashes, balls and other dog toys and treats. Some vehicles have floorboard or rear sidewall storage compartments that are perfect for Fido’s accouterments. These are better than storage nets, which are fun to chew through in order to snack on forbidden treats.  
Easy-Cleaning
This one is a no-brainer, especially if you have an adventurous, bigger breed of dog, or a hunting dog, or a retriever that loves to leap into ponds and then jump into your vehicle muddy and soaking wet. Look for a car, SUV or van that has an interior that is easy to clean.   
This one is a no-brainer, especially if you have an adventurous, bigger breed of dog, or a hunting dog, or a retriever that loves to leap into ponds and then jump into your vehicle muddy and soaking wet. Look for a car, SUV or van that has an interior that is easy to clean.   If you have a cargo area, a waterproof cargo liner will save you a lot of grief. Once you get home, a quick wipe down of these liners is usually all you have to do. When it comes to cleaning up seats, vinyl is easier to clean than real leather or cloth, but seat covers are best. A cover especially made for dogs can be washed in a washing machine and will keep your car clean and odor-free.  Specially-designed doggie seat covers and cargo liners can be found at chewy.com, Molly Mutt, WeatherTech, as well as major pet store chains.    

No search results found