How to Choose a Car For Your Dog
So you want to buy a car that's right for your canine companion. Of course you do; after all, you don't want only the human members of your family to be comfortable when they're travelling.
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Answer a few simple questions to help us find the paw-fect vehicle for you and your pooch.
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How to Travel with your Dog in the Car
If one of your family members is a dog there's a good chance you'll want to take it with you in the car. Whether it's short trips for walks, a visit to the vet, or en route to doggy day care, or a longer car…
Read moreBest Cars for Dogs 2021
Lugging your Lurcher? Travelling with a Terrier? We have just the car for you. As befits their position as woman's/man's best friend, your dog deserves some consideration when you choose your new car.
Read moreTest drive reviews
2020-2020 Skoda Octavia (mk4) Expert Review
Family cars don’t get much better than the Skoda Octavia. Whether you buy the hatchback or the estate, it’s absolutely massive inside both for people and for luggage, while the quality is impressive and...
2016-2020 Peugeot 3008 SUV Expert Review
The Peugeot 3008 SUV does pretty much everything. With eye-catching styling, plenty of space inside and a lot of standard features, it’s the kind of family car that will suit a broad range of people, and all for a very...
2018-2020 Citroen Berlingo (mk3) Expert Review
If you have a demanding family and have found it faintly depressing how few so-called family cars seem to offer the practicality required to accommodate people and all the baggage of life they bring with...
2017-2020 Honda CR-V Expert Review
If you want a practical family SUV, Honda’s fifth-generation CR-V is a sound candidate. It’s not all that exciting or interesting but it is capable, good to drive and comes with lots of kit. Issues such as...
FAQs
Are there legal requirements for travelling with a dog in the car?
Yes, rule 57 of the Highway Code states: “When in a vehicle make sure dogs or other animals are suitably restrained so they cannot distract you while you are driving or injure you, or themselves, if you stop quickly. A seatbelt harness, pet carrier, dog cage or dog guard are ways of restraining animals in cars.”
Can a dog travel in the back seat of a car?
Yes, the back seat of a car is a safe place for your dog, but only if it's securely fastened to the car's seatbelt buckle with a dog safety belt. Failure to do this could result in an unrestrained pet injuring itself or the car's other occupants in the event of an accident or emergency stop. There's a risk of your car insurance being invalid if your dog is not suitably restrained in the vehicle.
Can a dog travel in the boot of a car?
Yes, but it should be in a suitable dog carrier, harness or crate. Using a dog guard that separates the boot from the passenger compartment is not enough on its own. A carrier, harness or crate will prevent the dog from being thrown around the boot in the event of a sudden stop or swerve, as well as removing the risk of your dog jumping out the moment you open the boot.
How big should a dog crate be?
When it comes to choosing the right size of dog carrier or crate, the National Animal Welfare Trust recommends measuring your dog's sitting height and length and then adding 5–10cm. This will ensure your dog has enough room to move inside the crate so that it can travel comfortably when you're on the road.
What type of car is best for my dog?
If you have discovered that your current car is too small for your dog, or if you are in need of a new car and aren’t sure what's best, CarGurus has created an interactive tool that highlights what our experts recommend as the best cars depending on the size of your dog (or dogs). The choices cover hatchbacks, estates, SUVs and people carriers, as well as petrol, diesel, hybrid and electric powertrains, ensuring that you pick a car that's perfect for you – and your dog.