{"id":11769,"date":"2021-11-23T16:24:18","date_gmt":"2021-11-23T16:24:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.carpages.ca\/blog\/?post_type=cp_guides&p=11769"},"modified":"2021-11-23T17:00:32","modified_gmt":"2021-11-23T17:00:32","slug":"15-best-cars-for-dogs","status":"publish","type":"cp_guides","link":"https:\/\/www.carpages.ca\/blog\/best-cars-for-dogs\/","title":{"rendered":"The 15 Best Cars For Dogs"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

For many dog owners, pups are a part of the family. We let them sleep in our beds, we celebrate their birthdays, and we let them tag along on adventures. We love our dogs to the point where we’re willing to make a few lifestyle adjustments to ensure they’re healthy, happy, and safe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As such, shopping for a new or used car<\/strong><\/a> as a dog owner requires a bit of discernment. Naturally, you\u2019ll want a vehicle that provides you and your canine companion with plenty of space, dog-safe features, and a smooth ride.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this list, we reveal our top 15 dog-friendly cars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Makes A Car Dog-Friendly? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The best cars for pets will have some or most of the following features:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Interiors<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Make sure you get a car that matches your dog’s size. Pups need plenty of space in a vehicle \u2013 enough to lie down without having to squeeze and contort themselves just to get comfy. So while a chihuahua might be perfectly happy travelling in a hatchback, giant breeds will not have fun. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cargo And Storage Space<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Whatever the size of your dog, you’ll want a car with generous cargo space. Travelling with a dog is like travelling with a child. At the very least, you’ll need a car seat, harness, or travel-safe pet carrier to keep your pup safe in transit. If you’re going on a trip, you’ll need space for pet accessories too, like their bed, toys, leash, food and water bowls, records, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Seating<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you’re transporting your pup via canine carrier, you’ll need a roomy and flat cargo area. Cars that come with fold-flat seats can expand your cargo capacity to some extent. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You should also think about what kind of upholstery you prefer. Cloth seats can easily absorb fluids and collect fur, while leather is easier to clean. However, leather isn’t scratch-proof, and dogs with long nails can eventually ruin a nice leather seat. When in doubt, waterproof seat covers are the way to go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Safety<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

While car harnesses and travel-safe crates exist, they can only do so much to protect your pup in the event of an accident. So when looking for the best dog-friendly cars, take a cue from the best car for new drivers<\/strong> \u2013 prioritize cars with driver-assist and crash protection features. That includes adaptive cruise control, automatic braking systems, collision avoidance systems, and lane departure warning, to name a few.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aside from this, there are also dog-specific safety features that you’ll want to look out for or add on to your car:<\/p>\n\n\n\n