Which Is the Best Car for Dog Owners? A Complete Guide

Who doesn’t want a reliable way to take your dog along on all your adventures? Finding the perfect car for both you and your pup isn’t easy. This list should help you learn a little more about some of the cars pet owners love. There are a lot of things to consider when shopping with a dog in mind. It has to be easy to clean, have plenty of space for essentials like a crate or harness, and score high marks for durability and comfort. Hatchbacks, sedans, and SUVs tend to be favorites among owners, for both small dogs and larger dogs. Let’s take a look at a few of the top cars for dog owners, based on expert opinions and pet safety.

Subaru Crosstrek

The Crosstrek remains one of the most popular picks among pet owners. It has plenty of space for a crate and a dog safety harness, and scores high marks in pet safety across the board. According to some surveys, as many as 60 percent of Subaru owners have dogs! Subaru remains a trusted brand among consumers, and everything from the seat belts to the cargo space to the hatchback is just perfect for dog owners.

Jeep Wrangler

Everyone knows the Jeep Wrangler is a great outdoor car. The carpet can be taken out for easy cleaning, the floor has a built-in drain, and the interior is fully washable. It’s a great option for any pet owner who’s used to seeing mud all over. A dog car harness easily attaches to the seatbelt in the back seat, for owners who opt for a harness instead of just a leash for restraint.

2010 Honda Element

Pet owners love that this medium-sized SUV has room to spare. The back seat comes out, just in case you have large cargo. When using the backseat, it’s easy to attach a harness to the seatbelts for your pup. Though they’ve been discontinued, you can find a salvage one at a reasonable price. Salvage vehicles can save you more than a little money, and it’s not too difficult to find a repairable vehicle. It’s impressive that the Honda Element remains a favorite with pet owners, despite no longer being made.

Chrysler Pacifica

Whether in the city or country, dog owners love the Chrysler Pacifica. It’s not just for dog owners, though, the Pacifica also gets high marks for families in general. They have second- and third-row seats that fold back. They also provide plenty of space to and attach a car harness to the seat belt and buckle up your pup. The low-loading floor and sliding doors make it easy for small dogs to climb in, and the amount of space is ideal for larger dogs, too.

BMW X2

It’s one of the most affordable luxury SUVs in BMW’s line, though you can always shop salvage if you’re on a budget. It has a spacious cargo hold, a large hatchback, and spacious seats you can attach a harness to or fold back. It doesn’t have the girth or height of some crossovers, so it scores high marks in both pet safety and style.

Safety first

While most owners have a walking harness for outdoors, a dog harness for car is a must-have if you want to buckle up your pup for a ride. Pet safety is the ultimate issue for most dog owners, and seat belts aren’t designed for your pets. Strap your furry friend into a harness or specially designed dog seat belt instead of relying on standard seat belts or a leash. Whether your pooch is in the front seat or the back, a harness is the best option to keep your dog safe.

On a budget?

No matter what car you choose, there’s no need for the buyer to pay sticker price. It’s easier than you think to find salvage cars for sale. They also have some great tips on how to buy a salvage car in an auction. Thanks to websites like this one, the average buyer now has access to dealer auctions online for salvage cars so the best prices are just a click away. You can find rebuildable cars to salvage if you are looking for a project, or focus on finding less of a fixer-upper that still allows you to save a little money. Either way, dealer auctions for salvage cars are becoming more and more popular for savvy buyers.

Dog owners are always looking for affordable, stylish cars that meet their needs. It’s important to be able to fit equipment like harnesses, crates, and leashes inside. The vehicle must also provide accessibility for both small dogs and larger dogs. Buyers should also always check into the reliability of safety features like airbags and seatbelts. There is a lot to consider when evaluating a vehicle for pet safety, but there are plenty of options that don’t require compromise on price or quality.