When shopping for a new vehicle you naturally want to take into account the wants and needs of the entire family, and if yours includes a canine member or three, then we hope to help you here with a short list of considerations. Though you’ll surely have much of this accounted for, it’s always good to have a checklist of the basics prepared, and from that decide what to prioritize. Without further ado, let’s begin!
Climate Control & Ventilation
Though our furry friends can be comfy in a wide range of temperatures – some breeds more than others – air-conditioning can be more than just a nicety during the tough summer months. As the temps drop though, depending upon your own tolerance for the cold, vehicles offering separate temperature control zones can further ensure you aren’t overheating the entire cabin.
Window Visibility
Speaking of ventilation, most dogs will be happy to have their head hanging out the window regardless of the temperature, though you may have tighter limits. For those drives when the windows need to be up, how well will your dog be able to take in the sights? As vehicle “beltlines” continue to rise for safety design purposes, side windows can become trickier for smaller breeds. If your canine copilot is an anxious and active passenger, this could be an important factor.
Noise Level
And for our pals who are a bit more anxious and sensitive, taking into account a vehicle’s noise dampening properties, or lack thereof, might be of legitimate concern. We aren’t talking about the obvious souped-up hot rods or trumpeting aftermarket exhaust systems here either, something as simple as the drone of certain tires at highway speed might be something we’d rationalize and tune out while our companion’s sensitive ears and alertness could bring forth restlessness and unease. By and large, late model vehicles have peaceful cabins on their priority list, but once you start moving towards performance oriented vehicles, whether it be sportier handling and launching, or a more robust off-road build, quiet comfort is encroached upon. At the very least, getting in a proper highway test drive will get you a taste of what to expect.
Cargo Space
This one’s pretty obvious, but important to consider not only for now but the future. Your dog may be perfectly relaxed in your two-seater sports car, but how well will they fare on an extended drive? Also be sure to take into account the length of time you expect to have this new car, and the needs of your friend as they age. Also, do you intend to possibly add to your pack? The ability to have a stretch and lie down are important.
Accessibility
This is where you’ll want to take into account both your and your dog’s fitness. Are you OK with the idea of lifting your animal in and out of the vehicle? Where younger dogs might be excited to hop to and from a dropped tailgate of your truck, older and smaller dogs will benefit from something with lower ground clearance and entry point. Again, this is where it’s important to consider how long you expect to own the vehicle you’re shopping for and the age of your pooch. That said, there are also plenty of aftermarket products such as collapsible ramps and stairs out there so you don’t have to compromise as much with your purchase.
Cargo Area Surfaces
This can be as much about being mindful of future resale value as much as keeping your vehicle nice for your mix of human passengers as well. Leather and vinyl seats are normally the go-to for pet owners, as they’re easier to wipe clean and show stains, dirt, and hair. Of course, you can easily find a wide variety of seat covers on the market to protect your upholstery from the aforementioned debris, as well as wear and punctures. Cargo liners and mats make cleanup much easier and pay for themselves quickly if you aren’t a fan of detailing your car.
In the end it all comes down to evaluating the needs of your best buddy, but hey, don’t forget about yourself in all of this. Compromises are part of being a parent and dog owner alike, but you don’t need to buy a microbus (unless you have A LOT of dogs) to create a rolling mansion for your furbaby, don’t dismiss finding something you like too. A good mix of creature comforts for you and your companion will mean plenty of happy miles for you both.