For dog owners, finding the right car isn’t just about comfort for yourself, but also for your furry companion. Whether it’s a short trip to the vet or a long road trip, pets need to feel comfortable too.
Dogs love to travel, but certain cars make it easier for them to get in, relax, and enjoy the ride. Some vehicles offer low floors, ample space, and even pet-friendly features like adjustable rear vents and cargo protection.
On the other hand, some cars aren’t the best fit for dogs. Vehicles with small back seats, high trunks, and uncomfortable spaces can make the ride unpleasant for your pet. Getting a dog in and out of these cars can be stressful, especially for older or larger breeds.
Choosing a pet-friendly car isn’t just about space—it’s about creating a safe and comfortable environment for your pet. Features like easy entry, low cabin height, and ample cargo space for crates or pet supplies are important to consider.
Certain brands have taken the needs of pet owners into account, designing vehicles with features that make life easier for dog lovers. From SUVs to wagons, some cars provide extra room and comfort for both you and your pet.
5 Cars That Are Great for Dog Owners
On the flip side, some cars may look stylish but lack the features that make them suitable for pet owners. Tight interior spaces, high steps for entry, and a lack of cargo room for a pet’s gear can create challenges for both pet and owner.
1) Subaru Outback
The Subaru Outback is a great choice for dog owners. Its low lift-over height allows dogs to easily jump in and out without much effort.
The spacious cargo area provides plenty of room for dogs, crates, or pet supplies. It’s also easy to clean, making it a practical option for pet owners who want to keep things tidy.
One of the best features of the Outback is its reliability. Subaru has a strong reputation for building cars that last, so you can trust that your vehicle will perform well for years to come.
Safety is another important factor for dog owners, and the Subaru Outback excels in this area. It comes with advanced safety features like Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, ensuring a safe ride for both you and your pet.
In addition, Subaru offers a range of pet-friendly accessories for the Outback. These include pet barriers, seat covers, and cargo liners, all designed to make traveling with your dog easier and more comfortable.
The Outback’s all-wheel drive is perfect for dog owners who enjoy outdoor adventures. Whether you’re heading to the mountains or the beach, the Outback’s off-road capability can handle different terrains while keeping your pet safe and secure.
The Subaru Outback offers a well-rounded package for dog owners. With its combination of comfort, safety, and practicality, it’s no wonder why so many pet owners choose this vehicle for their furry friends.
The Subaru Outback is a reliable, pet-friendly SUV that checks all the boxes for dog owners. If you’re looking for a car that will make traveling with your pet easy and enjoyable, the Outback is a great choice.
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2) Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V is an excellent vehicle for everyday drives with your dog. It offers great flexibility, making it a convenient choice for dog owners who want a comfortable ride for both themselves and their pets.
One of the standout features of the CR-V is its rear seats that fold flat. This creates a large, open space, perfect for placing crates, dog beds, or any other pet gear you might need for travel.
Getting in and out of the car is also made easier thanks to the wide-opening rear doors. Large dogs will especially appreciate this feature, as it reduces the strain of having to jump in or out of the car.
The CR-V’s roomy interior offers comfort not only for the driver but also for your furry companion. Whether it’s a short trip or a longer journey, your dog will have enough space to stretch out and relax.
Honda has made the CR-V practical for pet owners by adding additional features like rear air vents. This helps keep your dog cool during hot weather, ensuring they stay comfortable throughout the ride.
For families or pet owners who love weekend adventures, the Honda CR-V provides ample cargo space. It can easily accommodate a dog crate, making it a versatile option for those who like to travel with their pets.
With its reputation for reliability, safety, and comfort, the Honda CR-V stands out as one of the best options for dog owners. Its thoughtful design and pet-friendly features ensure that both you and your dog can enjoy a smooth ride together.
The Honda CR-V is a practical, pet-friendly SUV that makes traveling with dogs easy. Its spacious interior and helpful features make it an excellent choice for anyone looking to travel comfortably with their furry friends.
3) Volvo V60 Cross Country
The Volvo V60 Cross Country is a great choice for dog owners who want both safety and comfort. This wagon is designed with a spacious cargo area, making it easy to transport your dog, along with crates, beds, or pet supplies.
A key feature of the V60 Cross Country is the option to add dog barriers and accessories. These extras are helpful for keeping your dog safe and secure in the vehicle, ensuring they stay in place during the ride.
Volvo is known for prioritizing safety, and the V60 Cross Country is no exception. With its advanced safety features and solid build, this car provides peace of mind for pet owners traveling with their dogs.
The ride quality in the V60 Cross Country is smooth and calm, which is something dogs really appreciate. This makes long trips or even shorter drives more enjoyable for your pet, as they won’t be disturbed by bumps or jerky movements.
With the spacious cargo area, your dog will have enough room to relax and lie down comfortably. The V60 Cross Country’s roomy interior also ensures that your dog has plenty of space to move around, which is important for their comfort.
For dog owners who enjoy outdoor adventures, the V60 Cross Country’s all-wheel drive offers the capability to explore different terrains. Whether you’re heading to the beach or the mountains, this car can handle rougher paths while keeping your dog secure.
The Volvo V60 Cross Country is an excellent vehicle for dog owners. Its blend of safety, comfort, and pet-friendly features makes it a top pick for anyone who wants a reliable car for both daily commutes and outdoor trips with their dog.
4) Toyota RAV4
The Toyota RAV4 is a popular compact SUV that’s known for its reliability. It’s also easy to handle, making it a great choice for pet owners who drive in the city or on highways.
One of the best features of the RAV4 is its spacious back area. There’s enough room to comfortably fit most dog crates, which makes it ideal for traveling with your dog and keeping them secure during the ride.
The RAV4 also comes with rear air vents, a feature that helps keep pets cool, especially on hot days. This small but helpful addition ensures that your dog stays comfortable, no matter how long the drive.
This SUV offers a smooth ride that benefits both you and your dog. Whether you’re going for a short errand or a long road trip, the Toyota RAV4 ensures a comfortable and stress-free ride for your pet.
For urban drivers, the Toyota RAV4 is an excellent choice due to its compact size. It’s easy to park and maneuver, making it a great option for pet owners who live in cities or busy areas with tight parking spaces.
With its proven durability and strong safety ratings, the Toyota RAV4 is a dependable choice for dog owners. The SUV’s practicality and thoughtful features, like air vents and a spacious interior, make it a smart option for anyone who loves traveling with their pets.
The Toyota RAV4 is a compact, reliable SUV that offers great comfort for both owners and their pets. Its combination of room, air ventilation, and smooth handling makes it a solid choice for city dwellers and pet owners alike.
5) Ford Bronco Sport
The Ford Bronco Sport is an excellent choice for dog owners who love outdoor adventures. With its wide-opening hatch, it makes it easy for your dog to get in and out of the vehicle without any trouble.
The interior of the Bronco Sport features easy-to-clean materials, which is ideal for dog owners. Whether it’s dirt, mud, or dog hair, cleaning up after your pet is a breeze, making this vehicle perfect for those with active dogs.
For pet owners who enjoy off-roading, the Bronco Sport is built to handle rough terrain. It’s tough and durable, making it a reliable choice for those who like to take their dogs on trips through nature or on more challenging paths.
The Bronco Sport offers plenty of space in the back for pet crates or beds. Whether your dog likes to relax during a road trip or needs to be safely secured in a crate, this vehicle provides the room necessary for a comfortable ride.
This SUV is also perfect for owners who like to spend time in the great outdoors with their dogs. The Bronco Sport is designed to tackle dirt, gravel, and rough roads, which makes it a great option for camping trips, hikes, or beach outings with your pet.
With its rugged design and practicality, the Ford Bronco Sport is a tough and reliable companion for dog owners who lead an adventurous lifestyle.
Whether you’re exploring nature or running errands, the Bronco Sport keeps your dog comfortable while handling all kinds of conditions.
The Ford Bronco Sport is a versatile, pet-friendly SUV that excels in both urban and outdoor environments. Its durable build, easy-to-clean interior, and spacious cargo area make it a top choice for dog owners who love adventure.
Also read: 5 Iconic Cars That Are Reliable and 5 That Are Just Famous for Breaking
5 Cars That Aren’t Pet-Friendly
When it comes to road trips or everyday drives, pet owners know that not every car is a four-legged-friendly zone.
While some vehicles are built with comfort, space, and safety in mind for our furry passengers, others miss the mark entirely.
From cramped interiors to poor ventilation and hard-to-clean surfaces, these cars might be great for humans—but they’re a nightmare for pets. Here are five cars that make you think twice before tossing a leash in the back seat.
1) Chevrolet Camaro
The Chevrolet Camaro is a fun and stylish sports car, but it’s not the best option for dog owners. Its design is focused on performance and style, which means it lacks the space and features needed for a comfortable ride for pets.
The back seats in the Camaro are very small, which makes it difficult to fit a dog, especially a larger one. There is limited room for a crate or pet bed, so your dog might not be able to travel safely or comfortably in this vehicle.
Another issue with the Camaro is its low roof. This makes it difficult for dogs to sit up or move around freely, which can be uncomfortable for them during longer trips.
Dogs need space to stretch out, but the Camaro’s compact interior doesn’t provide that. Even smaller dogs may feel cramped and restless during the ride, which could lead to anxiety or discomfort.
For pet owners, the Camaro’s lack of space and low roof might make it challenging to travel with a dog. While it’s a fun car for individuals or couples, it’s not a practical option if you frequently drive with your pets.
While the Chevrolet Camaro is an exciting car for driving enthusiasts, it’s not a pet-friendly vehicle. Its small back seats and low roof make it a poor choice for dog owners who want a car that accommodates their furry friends comfortably.
2) Mazda MX-5 Miata
The Mazda MX-5 Miata is a small two-seater sports car built for driving pleasure, but it’s not a practical choice for dog owners. With its compact size, there’s little room for anything other than the driver and a passenger, making it unsuitable for pets.
The Miata’s tiny interior leaves almost no space for a dog, not even a small one. If you have a dog, especially one that needs a crate or pet bed, this car will make it difficult for your pet to travel comfortably.
Unlike larger vehicles that offer spacious back seats and cargo areas, the Miata is designed for performance, not practicality. It focuses on the fun of driving, but when it comes to accommodating pets, it falls short.
Even a small dog would struggle to fit comfortably in the Miata. The lack of space means your pet would have little room to move around, and they might feel stressed or cramped during the ride.
Safety is another concern for pet owners. Without proper space for a dog to be secured in a crate or harness, traveling in the Miata could pose risks for both the pet and the driver.
For dog owners who love to drive, the Miata might seem appealing for personal use, but it’s not a good choice if you frequently travel with pets. The car’s design limits the ability to carry a dog safely and comfortably.
The Mazda MX-5 Miata is a fun, performance-focused car but is not suitable for pet owners. Its tiny two-seater configuration makes it impossible to fit a dog, making it a poor choice for those who want to take their pets on the road.
3) Mini Cooper 2-Door
The Mini Cooper 2-door is a cute and compact car, but it’s not a good choice for pet owners. While it’s fun to drive and stylish, it lacks the space necessary to accommodate pets comfortably.
The back seat of the Mini Cooper is very tight, making it difficult for dogs to sit or lie down comfortably. Even small dogs would find it cramped, and it would be challenging to fit a pet crate or a dog bed.
In addition to the tight back seat, the Mini Cooper offers very little cargo space. This makes it hard to carry pet supplies, like food, toys, or other essentials, along with your dog.
A major concern for pet owners is safety. Without enough space for a dog crate or proper restraints, traveling with a pet in the Mini Cooper can be unsafe for both the dog and the driver.
Although the Mini Cooper may look fun and appealing to city dwellers, it’s not a practical car for those who regularly travel with pets. Its small size limits comfort and safety, making it a poor choice for dog owners.
The Mini Cooper 2-door is a stylish and compact car, but it’s not suitable for pet owners. Its tight back seats and limited cargo space make it difficult to transport dogs and their supplies safely, making it a less-than-ideal choice for pet-friendly travel.
4) Jeep Wrangler 2-Door
The Jeep Wrangler 2-door is an excellent vehicle for adventure lovers, but it’s not the best option for dog owners. Its high step-in height makes it difficult for dogs, especially older ones, to get in and out comfortably.
The small cargo area of the Wrangler 2-door is another issue for pet owners. There’s not enough space to fit a large pet crate, and it can be challenging to carry your dog’s supplies, such as food and toys, while still having room for passengers.
Getting a dog in and out of the Wrangler can be tough for both the pet and the owner. The high ground clearance may cause problems for dogs with mobility issues, as they may struggle to jump in or out of the vehicle.
While the Wrangler is built for off-roading and adventure, these features make it less than ideal for everyday pet transportation. The rugged design, while great for outdoor activities, doesn’t prioritize comfort or ease when traveling with a pet.
For dog owners, especially those with older or smaller dogs, the Jeep Wrangler 2-door might not be the most practical choice. The vehicle’s design, focused more on adventure than comfort, makes it difficult for pets to travel safely and comfortably.
While the Jeep Wrangler 2-door is perfect for outdoor adventures, it’s not a great fit for pet owners. Its high step-in height and small cargo area make it challenging to travel with a dog, especially for older pets or those with mobility issues.
Also read: 5 Cars That Are Peaceful on Long Drives and 5 That Buzz Too Much
5) Smart Fortwo
The Smart Fortwo is designed for quick city travel, making it great for getting around tight spaces. However, when it comes to accommodating pets, it’s not a practical option at all.
With its tiny size, there’s barely enough room for a passenger, let alone a dog crate or pet bed. The limited space means your pet will be cramped, and it’s simply not comfortable for them to travel in this car.
The Smart Fortwo is built for efficiency and urban convenience, but it doesn’t offer the comfort or space needed for traveling with pets. Even small dogs will have trouble fitting in the back, and there’s little room to bring along their supplies.
For pet owners, the cramped interior makes it nearly impossible to travel with a dog safely. Without the ability to fit a crate or properly secure your pet, driving in the Smart Fortwo can be unsafe and uncomfortable for both you and your pet.
While the Smart Fortwo is an excellent choice for city drivers looking for a compact car, it’s not the right fit for those who frequently travel with pets. Its tiny size limits what you can carry, and it doesn’t offer the comfort or space that a dog needs.
The Smart Fortwo may be a great city car for drivers who want efficiency, but it’s not a suitable vehicle for pet owners. The lack of space and comfort makes it a poor choice for anyone who wants to travel with their pets safely and comfortably.
