The pawfect cars for canines

For many of us, the pandemic offered the pawfect opportunity to welcome a new furry addition to the family. It's reported that a total of 3.2 million households across the UK have acquired a pet in the time since the pandemic began, with more than 2 in 5 pet parents choosing a canine companion.

Online puppy searches rocketed by 115%, with a survey of 2,000 UK dog owning drivers revealing that 1/5 adopted or bought their most recent pup during lockdown.

However, it has also been reported that a fifth of new owners hadn't fully considered the long-term responsibility that comes with being a pet parent and didn't feel fully prepared for life after lockdown.

With dog owners spending on average £7,594 to accommodate their canine's transport needs, it's important to be aware of the most important vehicle considerations when committing to a puppy or dog. 

To help, we've put together some of the most important factors for new pet owners to ensure their car is canine compatible:

Pup-sizing your car

It will come as no surprise that dogs take up a significant amount of space in your car, and unless you want to contend with them for the front seat, it's crucial to make sure you have enough room to keep you and your pet comfortable and cosy - particularly for longer trips.

A surge in demand for dogs has also seen an increase in the need for more substantial cars, with 35% of new dog owners feeling they needed to upscale their current vehicle to a larger, more practical model. 

But which car is right for you? Well, you have plenty of options to choose from - many of which contain helpful features such as flat-folding seats, read climate control, automatic lift gates and storage options to maximise useability. Here are some of our top picks for pup friendly vehicles:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proper restraint

It's important to remember that no matter which car you choose, it should include the most appropriate features for your canine companion.

The safety of both you and your dog should be paramount, so making sure you not only have adequate space for your pooch, but ensuring they are properly restrained is essential to make sure they aren't causing a distraction which could lead to an accident.

Consider having an appropriately sized cage in your boot, or have your pooch safely plugged in using a car seatbelt that clips onto their harness, to keep your dog safe and secure. 

Size isn't everything

Although it is important to have ample space, it's equally as important to make sure you are prepared for all eventualities, such as having waterproof coverings to keep any rain and mud off your upholstery.

Consider a vehicle with a lower boot lip so your dog doesn't have as far to jump, or purchase a ramp for smaller pups.

With a furry friend regularly climbing on board, have you considered how to keep your paint and upholstery in pristine condition? Check out our blog: Why the interior of your car is just as important, for advice. 

Hot dogs

Overheating inside a hot car can have fatal consequences for your canine friend - look at purchasing a vehicle with shaded windows and ensure that if your car has a panoramic roof, that the integral shade is closed on warmer days.

Find out more

If you are looking to upgrade to a pup friendly vehicle and need more help and advice, contact Carbase today. Our expert team of friendly staff are more than happy to help you select your next pawfect used vehicle today.