Dog-Friendly Cars: What to Look For and Models to Consider

The best car for a dog has a big, square boot with a low floor, room for a crate or guard, and an interior that wipes clean. Estates such as the Skoda Octavia are hard to beat, while SUVs suit muddy lanes. Whatever you choose, the Highway Code says your dog must be suitably restrained.

What makes a car good for dog owners?

• A low boot lip: easier for older or smaller dogs to get in and out, and easier for you to lift them.

• A square boot shape: fits a crate far better than a sloping hatchback.

• Wipe-clean surfaces: leather or synthetic seats and a rubber boot liner cope better with mud and hair than cloth.

• Rear air vents and tinted rear glass: help keep the back of the car cooler.

• Mounting points: for a dog guard or boot divider.

Which used cars are worth considering?

Skoda Octavia Estate

A very large, practical boot with a fairly low floor and plenty of room for a guard or crate. Sensible running costs too.

Land Rover Discovery Sport

Suits muddy lanes and moorland car parks, with a usefully square boot. The boot floor is higher, so it is less suited to elderly dogs without a ramp.

Nissan Qashqai

A comfortable boot height for many owners, and some versions have adjustable boot boards to separate muddy kit from clean bags.

Tesla Model Y and other electric cars

Some electric cars, including Teslas, have a mode that keeps the climate control running while parked. It can help on a short stop, but it is not a reason to leave a dog in a car for long, especially in warm weather.

Our guide to estate cars versus SUVs goes into the pros and cons of each.

How should a dog travel in the car?

Rule 57 of the Highway Code says dogs and other animals should be suitably restrained so they cannot distract you or injure you or themselves if you stop quickly. A seat belt harness, a secured crate or a dog guard are the usual options. Our guide to travelling with pets covers this in more detail.

How do I keep a dog car clean?

• Use a fitted rubber boot liner with raised edges.

• Fit a seat cover if your dog rides on the back seat.

• Keep an old towel in the car for muddy paws.

• Vacuum regularly, as hair works into carpets over time.

A clean, odour-free interior also helps when you come to sell. See our car care pages for more.

Common questions

Is an estate or an SUV better for dogs?

Estates usually have lower, longer boots, which suit older and larger dogs. SUVs give more ground clearance for rough tracks but have a higher load floor.

Can my dog sit in the front seat?

It is not banned, but it is safer in the back or boot. A front airbag can seriously injure a dog, and an unrestrained dog in the front is a major distraction.

Should I measure my crate before buying?

Yes. Check the height of the boot opening as well as the floor length, because sloping tailgates often stop a tall crate fitting.

Looking for a dog-friendly car in Barnsley?

Browse the estates and SUVs in stock at anycolourcar.com in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, or get a value for your current car through sell or part exchange. Call Sales on 01226 574410.

Updated October 2026.