Top 5 Best Cars for Dog Owners to Buy 2023
If you’re looking for a vehicle which gets you and your beloved pooch safely from A to B, we have compiled a list of the top 5 cars for dog owners to buy this year.
Whilst looking for a car which is suitable for you and your dog, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, the safety of your pet and passengers is foremost. Your dog should be secure in the vehicle, and shouldn’t distract the driver; the safety of passengers around a potentially anxious dog should also be considered.
Your dog’s health and comfort should also be taken into account. Over-excitement, anxiety, and travel sickness can all affect your dog’s health whilst travelling in a vehicle, so it’s important to select a car which makes the experience as comfortable as possible for your pet.
The protection of your car is also paramount and it pays to use a boot liner for your dog. The last thing you want is for your dog to scratch or dirty the car, whether you’ve just purchased it or have had it for many years, so taking protective measures is key.
With that in mind, please continue reading our list of the top 5 best cars for dog owners to buy in 2023.
Cars for Dogs: Features to Look Out For
The most suitable cars for dog travel feature the following qualities:
- A large and accessible boot. The boot of the car must be easily accessible for your dog to jump in and out of. It should also be a generous size to allow for dogs of all sizes, and even multiple dogs, to sit and lie in. You may also need to include a dog bed and toys to help your dog feel settled.
- A hard-wearing interior. The interior of the car should be durable and hard-wearing in order to withstand the pet hair, mud, saliva, and even bits of food which are inevitable when travelling with a dog. Cleaning the interior should also be straightforward, so you can keep on top of any mess.
- A comfortable ride. A smooth-driving car which absorbs bumps and vibrations will keep your dog happy and comfortable in the back of the car.
- An electric car. Although not a necessity, recent studies have shown dogs travel better in electric vehicles thanks to the reduced noise and vibrations created compared to a diesel vehicle.
Where Should a Dog Sit in the Car?
According to the Highway Code's 57th rule, it is required to properly restrain dogs while travelling in a vehicle. This involves the use of a seat belt harness, a pet carrier, a dog cage, or a dog guard. If this rule is not observed by drivers, they can face a fine.
In the car, the safest place for a dog to sit is the boot.
Best Cars for Dogs
Whilst the list of suitable cars for dog owners is extensive, here are our top 5 cars – offering the comfort, space, and durability needed for dog owners.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate is the ultimate vehicle for combining comfort and luxury with a spacious interior, perfect for a four-legged friend. The E-Class has an impressive 640-litre boot, which is easily accessible for dogs.
Tesla Model Y
The Tesla Model Y is an electric vehicle which is designed to perform on all terrains. Model Y is a large, family car with 854 litres of boot capacity, meaning there is plenty of room on board for a dog.
MINI Clubman
The MINI Clubman offers a twist on the traditional MINI vehicle. The 6-door Clubman has twin-opening, automatic doors to the rear for complete ease of access. The Clubman is also more spacious than traditional MINI models, with 360 litres of boot capacity.
Audi A4 Avant
Similarly to the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, the Audi A4 Avant is a spacious estate vehicle with generous boot space. The A4 Avant sits lower to the ground than a traditional SUV, meaning your dogs can jump in and out much easier.
Land Rover Discovery
The Land Rover is built for rural applications, perfect for travelling to and from dog walking areas with your pooch. With the Discovery, optimal comfort is offered for both passengers and dogs – with the option of accessories such as access ramps for your pets, a dog shower, a dog carrier and more. The Discovery has 228 litres of boot capacity with all seats in use.
How to Protect and Keep Your Car Boot Clean
Keep on top of the mess and smell that inevitably comes with having a dog in the car boot.
Regularly vacuuming your boot will help to remove the accumulation of dog hair; you can also use tape or lint rollers for hard-to-reach places.
For stains and mud, try using lukewarm water and cleaning products, before leaving the space to air dry.
Smells can be covered with fabric sprays and car fresheners – however, always ensure the products you use are animal friendly and will not cause harm to your pets.
Investing in a boot liner can help you protect and keep your car boot clean. Liners are much easier to clean than the boot space itself since they can be removed.
Car Accessories for Dogs
Alongside car liners, there are several other accessories which will help make your new car a pet-friendly space.
Bumper Guards
Rear bumper guards lay over the rear bumper of the car, at the opening of the boot. This material not only aids your dog in jumping in and out of the car but protects the exterior of the car against scratches.
Dog Guards
Dog guards fill the space between the top of the rear car seats and the roof of the car – this space can be dangerous for dogs tempted to jump out of the boot, and protects passengers in the rear seats and the seats themselves from over-excited or anxious dogs.
Boot Mats
Boot mats line your boot space and protect against pet hair, mud and stains on your car boot. Not only will this preserve your car and its overall value, but the detachable mat is much easier to clean than the boot itself.
In-Car Safety Harnesses
Dog car harnesses come in all sizes and attach your dog to the seat to ensure your pet is properly secured and restrained. Harnesses are a comfortable option for restraining your dog, offering protection in the event of an accident.
At Boot Buddy, we take pride in creating high-quality boot liners that are both stylish and functional. With a variety of options to choose from, you can easily select the perfect liner for your specific car model. If you require a custom fit for your boot liner or have a specific design in mind, our team of professionals is available to assist you every step of the way. From the initial design to the final production, we are committed to delivering a bespoke product that meets your unique needs.