Best Cars For Dog Owners

The most practical cars for you and your furry companions

Dog ownership is now at record levels in the UK. According to survey figures from the Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association, there are now 12 million of them in Britain, and a third of all households are home to a pooch.

These numbers have leapt up during the lockdown, as more of us realise we can make a pet fit in with our lives due to more home working. We also love the companionship and pleasure which can come from having a furry friend – and that includes many of us here at Eden Motor Group.

It’s likely you’ll want to take your dog with you on adventures, which means you will need to think about the best car for dog owners. It you have chosen a chihuahua then you won’t need to make too many adjustments, whereas a Great Dane is going to need some drastic transport changes.

Whatever the size of dog though, you will need to make sure you’re legal. Under new laws, you could be fined up to £5,000 if you have an unrestrained animal in the car, and it’s important for both your and their safety that you ensure they are secure. This means they’ll not be able to leap into your lap or climb under your feet, but will also keep them tethered in an accident. The staff at Eden will be able to help advise you of the best way to keep safe and legal using accessories specially designed for your car.

When it comes to deciding the best car do dog owners you will need to consider where your dog is going to sit while travelling. If you have no other passengers and are happy for them to be in the front cabin, then you won’t need to worry too much about the type of car you drive – so long as they are suitably restrained. You will want to consider a seat cover though, and perhaps leather upholstery to make cleaning easier.

If your pooch is going to be travelling in the boot however, you will need to pay attention to the luggage area. A car with a hatch which opens lower to the ground will make it easier for your dog to jump up without needing a ramp, so estates or SUVs such as the new Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer or Crossland could be ideal.

If you are thinking of switching to electric there’s the MG 5 and ZS, Hyundai IONIQ5, or even a Mazda MX-30. All have more room for hounds to stretch out than other cars. These models also have a squarer back end, giving larger dogs more headroom when they are standing in the boot.

If your dog likes sleeping in a crate, make sure you are aware of the dimensions to make sure it will fit. Or just take it to the Eden showroom with you and try it out in one of our display cars – we are used to these sort of requests and are as keen as you to make sure the car will fit into your life.

If you have a larger dog or have more than one to take care of, then you’re going to need a little more room. If a car like a Hyundai Santa Fe isn’t spacious enough, then how about a Peugeot e-Rifter, or Vauxhall e-Combo? These electric MPVs offer enough space for the largest of your furry friends and the money you’ll save in fuel will leave you more to spend on treats and tennis balls.

You will also need to think about where you will be going with your car. If the favourite spots for walks involve a muddy track or soggy field, it might be worth considering a car with four-wheel-drive. Suzuki’s 4x4 models are surprisingly affordable, ranging from the compact Ignis up to the spacious Vitara and Across.

Whichever car you think will be best for your dog, feel free to hound the friendly team at Eden for advice. We love pooches too and can give you expert advice which will ensure you and your furry friends are happy.

Best small car for dog owners UK

Of course, owning a dog doesn't mean you have to opt for a larger car. There are lots of options for you and your pooch!

Among the best small cars for dog owners UK is the Fiat Panda This car may be classed as a 'small car' but it really packs a punch in interior space, including an incredible 225 litre trunk, more than enough room for your furry friends.

The Fiat Panda is the perfect family car for those who want an affordable, cost-effective ride that's small enough to fit in a tight spot.