Pet ownership continues to reach record highs in the U.S., with an estimated 70 million pet dogs and 74.1 million pet cats owned, according to the latest edition of the American Veterinary Medical Association Pet Demographic Sourcebook. With so many people owning pets today, it’s clear that many are traveling with their pets as well. Whether you’re simply taking your dog to the vet or planning longer trips, it’s important to choose a vehicle that’s pet-friendly.
SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles) Are Often an Excellent Choice for Pet Owners
SUVs offer several advantages over cars, making them an ideal option for pet owners:
- More interior cargo space – especially important if you have more than one dog or if you travel with multiple cats in carriers. The comfort and safety of your pets are important, and an SUV provides more room than a car.
- SUVs are durable. Your dog’s nails or muddy paws can quickly ruin your car upholstery, but SUVs are built to be tougher.
- It’s easier to keep dogs in the back, where they can’t bother you while you drive. It’s also easy to install a barrier to prevent dogs from climbing over the seats.
- Many SUVs have flat floors in the back, which is great for dogs to lie down or for using dog crates safely. This typically means the SUV has back seats that fold down flat.
In addition to these obvious advantages, you can look for other features when choosing an SUV. For example, a low bumper or tailgate height can make it easier for your dog to jump into the back of the vehicle, which is particularly important for older dogs. Most SUVs also offer various hooks or places to hang leashes or secure crates. If you prefer to use harnesses instead of crates for your dog’s safety, ensure there are enough seatbelts to attach the harnesses. Also, look for SUVs with side curtain airbags to provide protection for your pets in case of an accident.
Which SUVs Are Best for Pet Owners?
With these considerations in mind, here are some of the best SUVs and crossovers for pet owners:
Honda Element
Honda discontinued the Element in 2011, but it was extremely popular with dog owners. If you can find a pre-owned model, it can still be a great choice. The Element was one of AAA’s top picks for a pet-friendly vehicle when they made their selections in 2010. This SUV offers a large cargo area lined with durable urethane, making it easy to clean up mud and messes. The upholstery is also stain-resistant. The Element has four doors, and the rear doors open out in French-door style, providing ample room to load cat carriers or large dogs from the side. Accessories include a ramp (ideal for older dogs), second-row seat covers, and a soft-sided kennel that can be secured to the vehicle. It even includes a spill-resistant water dish and an electric ventilating fan.
Land Rover Range Rover
The Land Rover Range Rover is one of the most expensive SUVs, but it has an excellent reputation and can be a perfect choice for pet owners. If a new Range Rover is out of your budget, consider a pre-owned model. The vehicle features durable upholstery and carpeting designed for rugged use, making it ideal for pets. The Range Rover also offers a number of comfort features such as climate control and a smooth ride, keeping both you and your pets comfortable on long trips.
Subaru Forester
The Subaru Forester is another SUV chosen by AAA as one of the best vehicles for pet owners. This crossover SUV is roomy for both people and pets. According to AAA, it has a stable and comfortable ride with predictable handling and reassuring traction under all conditions. The rear seats fold, offering impressive cargo space of 68 cubic feet. The floor is just 27 inches off the ground, making it lower than many SUVs and easier for dogs to get in and out. There are also ample tie-down points to secure a kennel.
GMC Yukon XL
The GMC Yukon XL is a favorite among pet owners for its versatility. Pet owners appreciate how easily the seats can be rearranged into several different configurations, which is great if you have multiple dog crates or cat carriers. The Yukon XL also has side curtain airbags in all three seating rows to protect your pets, along with more cargo room than most other vehicles in its class.
Toyota FJ Cruiser
The Toyota FJ Cruiser is also popular with pet owners. The vehicle has a rubber-lined cargo compartment, making cleanups easy, and water-resistant seats that can handle even the messiest of pets. The Cruiser features a wide rear tailgate for easy loading of large crates and French-door style side doors, which simplify loading from the side. The cost of a new FJ Cruiser is reasonable, and you can also find used models to fit many budgets.
More Pet-Friendly Options
Also recommended by AAA as pet-friendly vehicles are the Toyota Venza and the Ford Escape Hybrid. Ford discontinued the hybrid version of the Escape in 2012, but you can still find pre-owned models if you’re interested in a hybrid SUV. However, the current Ford Escape uses technology that provides better gas mileage than the hybrid version.
Test Drives
It’s always a good idea to test-drive any vehicle you’re considering. Dealers and private sellers might not allow you to bring your pets during a test drive, but it’s still important to consider your pets when evaluating the vehicle. Try out all the features that would affect your pets to ensure they’re a good fit for your needs.
