Top Tips for Finding A Dog Friendly Car
Here are some of the vehicle features you should look out for to give your pet the best ride
With plenty of walking opportunities here in Yorkshire, it’s no wonder that we’re a county of dog lovers. With man’s best friend well catered for off the beaten track, you’ll be needing a car you can rely on to get everyone there safely, dogs included.
Like our pooches, cars come in all shapes and sizes, and whilst each dog owner will have their own requirements depending on the needs of their dog, we’ve got a few top tips for finding a dog-friendly car...
Complying with the Highway Code
Firstly, it's important to take note of the rules and regulations surrounding the transportation of pets in cars. According to the Highway Code, dogs should be suitably restrained whilst in your vehicle. There are several ways to do this, such as through the use of a seat belt harness, a dog crate or a guard that separates the dog from the rest of the car.
The purpose of restraining your pooch to the backseat is to prevent distractions to you, the driver, and, in the case of sudden stops or accidents, put precautions in place to prevent harm to you and your pet. Be aware, failing to properly secure a dog can lead to fines or penalties, as it is considered a driving offence.
Top tips for finding your next dog friendly car
Here are five vehicle features you should keep an eye out for in you next dog friendly car which will give you and your pooch the most comfortable and convenient ride:
1. Compare boot capacity
If you’ve got a leggy hound, you’re going to want them to be able to stretch out on long journeys — providing they’re suitably restrained of course. Dogs need room to sit, stand, and turn themselves around. Cars that suit bigger breeds include estates, such as this Ford Focus, SUVs, like the Volvo V90, and anything with a boot larger than 400L.
2. Opt for a cool, quiet cabin
A cool, calm dog is a happy one when you’re on your travels — a hot and bothered dog is no fun to drive with! A car with a cabin that keeps road noise to a minimum is ideal for you and your pooch, with climate control and a quiet engine earning the car bonus points.
3. Make tie-down points a priority
As we alluded to earlier, it’s actually the law for dogs to be suitably restrained whilst in transit. Leaving your dog to roam free puts both them and you at risk, even if they’re unrestrained in the boot. They could cause a distraction, taking your attention from the road and creating a hazard for both you and other road users.
Tiedown points in cars are to secure restraints, not the dog, and consist of loops that allow you to install crates and latch harnesses, so your dog is kept safe and secure on the move. Keep an eye out in the cars you look at for these all-important features.
4. Find flat-folding seats
If the car you’ve got your eye on doesn’t have the expansive boot space you want, flat-folding seats are your best friend, extending your boot space into a dog’s travel heaven - complete with blankets and towels of course!
5. Sort the storage
Having pets comes with a lot of paraphernalia, and dog owners are no strangers to this. Leads, hardnesses, bowls, treats, bags and bottles are all required on trips both long and short, so areas for these items to be stored away and accessed easily will mean you and your pooch are prepared for anything.
Our biggest tip of all — choose Carlingo for dog-friendly cars in Harrogate
If you’re familiar with what we do here at Carlingo, you’ll consider us place to look for your next dog-friendly used car. If you’re new here, let us fill you in; with over 200 cars on display and a team on hand that know them inside out, you’re free to explore until you find the one you love, or talk to us so we can guide you towards it.
Each car is thoroughly prepared, so both you and your dog can enjoy that new car feeling, as well as being safe in the knowledge that you’re looked after with a free 90-day warranty and a year’s roadside assistance. Basically, we provide you with everything you need to hit the road and explore with your furry friend. What are you waiting for? Browse online today.